Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the color of natural teeth, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile. It is a popular treatment option for patients with stained, discolored, or yellowed teeth. Teeth can become stained or discolored due to various factors, including aging, consumption of certain foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, and red wine), tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and certain medications. 

Teeth whitening procedures utilize bleaching agents to remove surface stains and lighten the color of the teeth. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxide are the most common bleaching agents in teeth whitening treatments. These agents break down the molecular compounds that cause tooth discoloration, resulting in a brighter and whiter appearance. 

Different methods are available for teeth whitening, including in-office treatments performed by dental professionals and at-home treatments using dentist-prescribed kits or over-the-counter products. In-office treatments often involve applying a high-concentration bleaching agent to the teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. At-home treatments typically involve custom-fitted trays filled with a lower-concentration bleaching gel that the individual wears for a specified period each day.