Everybody likes a nice, bright smile. Tooth whitening is a process that bleaches the enamel to lighten and remove tooth discoloration and stains from teeth. Many dentists consider the teeth bleaching process the safest cosmetic procedure available today. Research and clinical studies show that under the supervision of your dentist, chair side teeth whitening with carbamide peroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide is safe for both teeth and gums.

Tooth stains can be divided into two categories - extrinsic tooth stains and intrinsic tooth stains. The extrinsic or external stains are on the surface of the teeth. The intrinsic stains are present on the inside of the teeth. Extrinsic stains are usually yellow or brown in color. Internal stains are usually gray or blue in color. These are harder to remove than extrinsic stains.

Tooth staining can occur from numerous causes including:

•  - Beverages such as coffee, teas, and colas
• •  - Ageing
•  - Medication (antibiotic) staining
•  - Trauma
•  - Disease
•  - Genetics
•  - Tobacco
•  - Excessive fluoride
•  - Insufficient oral hygiene
•  - Nerve degeneration