Teeth whitening is one of the most asked for cosmetic procedures we get at our Cincinnati dental office. It is the process of removing stains and discolorations from the surface of the teeth that are caused by smoking, drinking red wine, coffee or other beverages or foods. The process first starts with a consultation from your dentist. He or she will photograph your teeth and do an assessment. Before the procedure, all cavities will have to be treated and the teeth will need to be cleaned. Otherwise, the whitening solution could pass through decayed areas and reach the inner tooth. One drawback is if you have receded gums. The exposed roots often appear yellow or discolored. Whitening will not fix discoloration in the roots. Applying a whitening gel is the most common approach. The gel from a professional treatment is much stronger than what’s found over the counter and can be more thoroughly applied by a professional.