Over the years, teeth can stain. Cigarette smoke, red wine, coffee or tea expedite the process. Even though you brush and floss your teeth often and in spite of your faithful visits to the dentist, your teeth stain to some degree.

There are two solutions. One is to have the situation handled by a professional. The other is to purchase a home kit. A professional dental hygienist will be able to help you figure out which is your best option.

When you get your teeth whitened by a dentist or hygienist, you will certainly have great results. Also, the process will be fast and straightforward. However, there is no guarantee of bright, white teeth; it depends on your original tooth condition. Teeth that are stained from within can not always be fully restored to their original whiteness.

Using a home kit is also one of your choices. It usually takes two weeks and does not always result in the same whiteness as having it done professionally; but, if do exactly what the directions say, a pretty good result is possible.

Tooth whitening has become increasingly popular and is a service found at most dental offices. Dental clinics may have professional hygienists do the teeth whitening. However dentists also regularly perform the procedure where there is no hygienist. Patients who have had professional whitening are usually so happy with their smile that, after a few years, they go back to the dentist for a second treatment, to keep up the high level of whiteness of their teeth.

Right after the process, the teeth are quite sensitive; therefore, one should abstain from smoking, coffee, tea and red wine for a while.

Even though home tooth whitening may well obtain very good results, there are a number of recommendations to be followed prior to the use of teeth whitening products. To learn these rules, a trip to the dentist is highly recommended. He will be able to tell whether your teeth and gums are able to take the chemicals used in the process of whitening your own teeth. Also, if you have tooth colored fillings or resin composite materials used in dental restorations (for example, veneers or crowns) that have stained over time, they will not whiten the same as your natural teeth and can clash if you are not careful. Your dentist will be able to give you his professional opinion.

In conclusion, do-it-yourself whitening of teeth is a workable solution. However if you want a professional job, which is dependable and quick, you will do better by seeing a professional hygienist or dental expert and having the job done right.