There's quite a few teeth whitening processes and products out there. Choosing the option that will work best for you isn't always easy. If you want to whiten your teeth, you need to weigh your choices, as some may work better for you than others. Here are the most popular options. 

Whitening Toothpastes 

One of the easier options for whitening comes in the form of whitening toothpastes. There's an abundance of these products out there. Some toothpastes exist specifically for whitening, while some others include whitening agents.

Keep in mind that toothpaste in general goes a long way towards removing surface stains on teeth, but doesn't actually brighten teeth. It's those whitening agents that attempt to change the actual color of your teeth. Generally, these products can help you whiten your teeth by a single shade.

Whitening Oral Hygiene Products

Other than whitening toothpastes, there are a number of whitening products out there you can purchase from just about anywhere.

Whitening strips and gels – These types of products vary in use, but they all make use of peroxide to help you achieve a brighter shade. For most of these products, you apply them daily, sometimes multiple times a day.

Whitening rinses and mouthwashes – These products make use of peroxide to help you brighten your teeth. They're easier to use than most products but may take far longer to achieve any kind of results. That's because the active agents tend to have less contact with your teeth.

You may come across more whitening products, such as chewing gums, and even whitening toothbrushes.

Dedicated Tray Whitening Systems

Many of the whitening systems you can purchase at the local drug or grocery store make use of mouth-guard trays. You fill the tray with a peroxide bleaching agent, and you wear the try for a length of time. Times can vary depending on the product.

You can also purchase or receive these systems from your dentist. In such cases, it's considered an official "at-home whitening system." When prescribed by a dentist, you gain the benefit of a custom tray for your particular bite.

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening actually refers to a number of whitening techniques and procedures administered by your dentist or another dental professional. Usually, you will receive the best results from in-office treatments.

Your dentist will apply a gel with a high concentration of peroxide. They will then use a laser or other type of light to activate the gel. This will allow the oxygen to penetrate your teeth and brighten them.

There's more than one way for your dentist to carry out this process. It can take multiple treatments as well. Sometimes, you may need a combination of in-office treatments and at-home treatment.

Speak to Your Dentist Before Trying Anything

No matter what whitening method you want to try, you should speak to your dentist first. Your dentist will know which products will work best for you, and which you should avoid. Some people have a sensitivity to whitening agents. Some whitening products work better on certain types of tooth stains. Speak to a dentist like Scott W. Murphy, D.M.D., P.A. about teeth whitening services, and start with their suggestion.