There are many different ways to get white teeth. These include products such as toothpaste, strips, trays, mouthwash, and teeth whitening treatments that you can have done at your dentist.

Teeth whitening is ideal for people who have healthy teeth (no fillings) and gums. Teeth whitening at the dentist and at home will have the greatest effect on people with "yellow" teeth. However, this cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone.

Is teeth whitening right for you?
All toothpastes help remove surface stains because they contain mild abrasives. Some whitening toothpastes contain mild polishing or chemical agents that provide extra stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpastes can help remove surface stains and do not contain bleaching agents; professional whitening products contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.

Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth. Instructions may vary depending on the strength of the peroxide. Follow the instructions on the product carefully. Initial results are seen in a few days, and final results are maintained for approximately four months.

Whitening strips are very thin, almost invisible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. The strips are applied twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 days. Initial results are visible within a few days, and final results are maintained for approximately four months.

Like most mouthwashes, they freshen breath and help reduce plaque and gum disease. But these products also contain ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide in some, that whiten teeth.

Manufacturers say it can take 12 weeks to see results. You just swish them around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice a day before brushing your teeth.

However, some experts say that rinses may not be as effective as other over-the-counter whitening products. Because a whitening rinse is only in contact with the teeth for such a short time—just two minutes a day compared to 30 minutes for many strips—it may have less effect.

Tray-based teeth whitening systems, purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution—which contains a peroxide bleaching agent. The tray is worn for a period of time, usually from a few hours to a day each night for up to four weeks or longer (depending on the degree of discoloration and the desired level of whiteness).

In-office whitening provides the fastest way to whiten teeth. With in-office whitening, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in just one 30- to 60-minute treatment.

However, to achieve dramatic results, multiple sessions are usually necessary. With in-office whitening, however, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. This type of whitening is also the most expensive approach.