What types of teeth whitening products are available?
Most whiteners fit into one of these options:
- Polishes and pastes. These kinds of toothpaste and whitening products don't change your enamel colour but scrub away minor stains revealing a whiter smile.
- Over-the-counter whitening products. These over-the-counter products contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and come in whitening toothpaste, gels, trays, pens, or strips. They bleach the enamel's surface and may whiten teeth by a few shades over time.
- Professional whitening treatments. For dramatic whitening results, talk to your dentist about in-office and take-home professional whitening treatments. These professional options include stronger bleaching products, plus your dentist monitors the colour of your teeth during treatment, achieving your desired shade. Your dentist can formulate your plan based on your specific needs, making this the safest way to whiten.
