Treatment options to whiten teeth can vary depending on the cause of the discoloration and may include:

• For extrinsic stains regular professional cleanings and good home care including brushing, flossing and rinsing after meals.
• Using proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques.
• Avoidance of the foods and beverages that cause stains like tea and coffee.

Quit smoking

• Smoking tobacco can cause teeth to become discolored. Eliminating tobacco can help keep your teeth bright.
• For extrinsic stains Bleaching can be done.
• A tooth can be covered with a colour-matched composite bonding material.
• Veneers are thin ceramic shells that cover the outer surfaces of the teeth.
• In-home whitening agents purchased from your dentist.

The bleaching gels designed for use at home aren't as strong as those applied by your dentist. This means that the process takes longer — usually two to four weeks.

Benefits of Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening can be customized for each person. Your dentist can adjust the treatment by changing the level of the bleaching agent used. If he uses a higher level your teeth will be much whiter. If you are looking for just a small change he can use a lower level. Deep stains can be removed with a professional procedure. Home treatments cannot penetrate enough to address those deep stains so you may have an uneven or blotchy finish.

Many people feel more confident after having their teeth whitened. They tend to smile wider and more often. You achieve that white smile much quicker with a professional whitening. There are take home kits your dentist can give you that will take several weeks to meet your goal level of whiteness. These take home treatments are not like the over the counter kits, they are much more effective. If you choose to have them done in an office visit you can achieve your results in a little more than an hour.

It is safer to have your procedure performed by a professional. While bleaching teeth is considered safe, over the counter products can cause problems with your enamel and gums if not used correctly.