Discoloration of teeth can happen due to various reasons like food stains, improper cleaning, etc. Teeth lose their shine with age. To improve your appearance, you can try out teeth whitening to make your teeth look white. The article lists some of the different teeth whitening procedures.

1. Whitening toothpaste
One of the different teeth whitening procedures that is simple and effective is whitening toothpaste. This type of toothpaste helps to remove stains and contain hydrogen peroxide that lightens the teeth color. It helps to create a whitening effect. Whitening toothpaste is available both as an over-the-counter product and a prescription product. A dentist would be able to prescribe the right kind of toothpaste depending on the extent of discoloration and the whitening required.

2. Whitening rinses
This is similar to mouthwash. It is a rinse that keeps your mouth fresh and helps manage gum disease. It contains hydrogen peroxide that whitens the teeth. The rinse is in contact with your teeth for a lesser time as compared to other products. You need to use it for a reasonably long time (two to three months) to see its effect.

3. Whitening strips
These are strips available over the counter in pharmacies. They are coated with a gel containing peroxide. You need to place a strip each on the top and bottom rows of teeth. You may need to keep it on for at least 30 minutes. The strips are almost invisible. It takes many weeks of use for its effect to be seen.

4. Bleaching
This procedure is done at a dentist’s office. The dentist applies a gel on your teeth. A special light or laser is used to ensure the whitening gel affixes to the teeth. The procedure may take up to an hour. You may require multiple such procedures to get the best results. This is an expensive procedure compared to the other options.

5. Mouthpiece tray
This is a product that a dentist may provide. You will get a tray customized to your teeth, so it fits well. You need to fill the gel into the mouthpiece and place it in your mouth. You may need to keep the tray in your mouth for a couple of hours and repeat the procedure for a few weeks. This is similar to the bleaching procedure but is done at home instead of the dentist’s office. Its results are not as impressive as that done at the dentist’s office.

7. Porcelain veneers
These are coverings made of porcelain that are bonded to your teeth by a dentist. These ensure long-lasting results for up to 20 years. You may feel some discomfort while it is being fixed. It can be costly.

The article explained the different teeth whitening procedures. These procedures can help make your teeth appear whiter and improve your overall looks. You can consult a dentist to decide which procedure would suit you the best.