Many people have discolored teeth and these people know how self-conscious they feel when they are in company. Many suffer in silence and just put up with the fact that their teeth are not perfect though never look into the vast array of options available for effective treatment. Personal health has always been of paramount importance for many people who may have to interact with friends, work colleagues, customers and associates in different capacities every day of their lives. For these people it is essential to look good and take care of their appearance.

Teeth discoloration is very common and the reasons for the problem can go as far back as childhood in some cases. The most common causes are through smoking or chewing tobacco though this is now thankfully on the decline as more and more people kick the smoking habit. Drinking excessive tea, coffee or cola drinks is another common cause of teeth discoloration and it is the tannin inside the ingredients that does the damage. Taking antibiotics as a child, trauma, poor dental hygiene and general ageing are some of the other main sources of the problem.

In the past there was no actual cure for teeth discoloration but intense research has developed some very effective techniques and products that have a very high success rate amongst the hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers. Lets look at the main five options for teeth whitening and bleaching. We have listed the most effective method first, down to the least effective in the fifth and last position.

Laser Whitening and Bleaching: This is the most effective teeth whitening and bleaching method available bar none. Not only is it the most effective it is also the quickest and unfortunately most expensive. It is advisable to first consult your dentist to ensure that this method is suitable for you to receive. This system uses an argon laser that will activate the gel on the teeth. The gel contains carbamide peroxide so that it turns white and creates hydrogen peroxide which is the bleaching agent that cleans the teeth. Try and avoid dentists that use halogen or UV rays because they can cause side effects. The bleaching agent on the tooth goes to work once the gel and heat are applied. This technique is extremely accurate and very effective and will provide and even color unlike some other methods. It is also extremely quick and you can be out of the surgery within the hour.

Night Guards and Trays: You can purchase cheaper version of the kit over the counter. Avoid the kits that offer a basic tray to suit all teeth. This will have a negative, uneven effect on the finish. Always buy kits that include the template where you insert your teeth into the mould and then send the moulds off to the dental lab so that a custom tray can be built. When you receive the tray back you just have to fill the teeth holes with a little bit of the gel which is applied by a syringe. Place the tray into the mouth and the bleaching agents will go to work. You can wear the tray between 1-3 hours though the best results are if you can sleep with it in so the gel can go to work throughout the night.

Teeth Whitening Pens: This product is very popular with women who place them in their handbags like a cosmetic accessory so that they can be used anytime, anyplace. You simply use the pen on the area that you would like bleached for around 30-seconds. The gel dries very quickly so there is little mess. Though the benefits of using a small pen are accuracy and complete control it can take a while for you to see results.

Teeth Whitening Strips: These flexible strips fit across the teeth and are held into place by the gel itself. They do provide some independence so you can actually wear them while you are working. They are ideal if you prefer slower results over time and you are on a tighter budget.

Toothpaste Whitening: This method does not actually use bleaching agents and focuses more on mild abrasion so that the discolored surface of the tooth is gently ground away each time you brush your teeth. They can provide positive results but over a much longer period than any of the first four options.

What method of teeth discoloration treatment is right for you would depend on the seriousness of your particular problem and your budget. I would always advise you to seek professional guidance from your dentist before you decide to start using the laser or night guard and tray methods. Some methods do have side effects such as gum infections and teeth sensitivity so this must always be a consideration.

Thankfully there are various treatments available for teeth discoloration so it is just a matter of getting a little professional advise to see which one will benefit you the most so you have the best chance of seeing successful results.