There are many teeth-whitening methods and products available in the market. Some of the main teeth-whitening products include rinses, strips, trays, whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, and whitening products which can be obtained from a dentist. However, keep in mind that teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth and gums. Below is a list of some of the main teeth-whitening products that have proved to be effective.

Whitening toothpaste
In general, most toothpaste products we use help remove surface stains in some way or the other. This is because they contain mild abrasives. Such kinds of toothpaste are among the main teeth-whitening products. However, certain types of whitening toothpaste come with gentle polishing or chemical agents and offer additional stain removal properties. Whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach; hence, they remove surface stains only. But, the professional and over-the-counter whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which helps lighten the strain that is deep in the tooth. In fact, whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth’s color by around one shade.

Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels
Typically, the whitening gels are clear and peroxide-based. Hence, these can be applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions usually vary based on the strength of the peroxide. Make it a point to follow the directions on the label of products carefully. Always be patient to see the Initial results and then get the desired final results which usually take about a month. On the other hand, the whitening strips are very thin and virtually invisible. They come coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The whitening strips should be applied according to the instructions on the label. Though you will get the initial result in a couple of days, the final results become visible in a few months.

Whitening rinses
Among the main teeth-whitening products, rinses are the popular ones. Similar to the mouthwashes, they freshen breath and help reduce dental plaque and gum disease. These products also include ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide in some, which help in whitening your teeth. Ideally, these products offer desired results in around three months. If you are opting for whitening rinses, just swish them around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth.

Tray-based tooth whiteners
Tray-based tooth whitening systems can be purchased over-the-counter. It involves filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution and this contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. The tray needs to be worn for a period of time; typically, from a couple of hours a day to every day, especially during the night, for up to four weeks and sometimes even longer. The duration primarily depends on the degree of discoloration and the desired level of whitening.

In-office whitening
In-office whitening is known as one of the quickest ways to whiten teeth. In this method, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. They can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Though results are seen quicker than the other methods, several appointments are usually needed. Besides, it’s an expensive approach.