Tooth whitening is a dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your teeth. It involves using a range of methods to remove stains and discoloration from tooth surfaces, which can result in brighter and healthier-looking teeth.

There are several types of tooth whitening treatments, including:

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) products: These include strips, gels, or pastes that you can buy at your local pharmacy.

2. In-office treatment: This requires your dentist’s supervision during the procedure, as it involves a more concentrated application of bleaching agents for a faster rate of whiteness improvement.

3. Power Bleaching: An accelerated version of OTC whitening that uses intense LED light to break down surface stains on teeth.

4. Veneers – if decayed or discolored parts of the tooth (porcelain veneer) are removed after tooth whitening to bleach and reshape them back into proper position.

When done under the guidance of a licensed dentist, tooth whitening can often provide immediate results, and with continued use, lead to lasting improvements in tooth brightness over time. However, it’s always best to follow the instructions provided by your dentist before undergoing any tooth whitening procedures.