Teeth can stain or discolor from things consumed such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, or can also have a genetic factor involved.  The standard of care for whitening teeth is peroxide, generally carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.  At a minimum, the peroxide should stay in contact with the teeth for at least 30 minutes.  In-office whitening includes a stronger solution that is applied to the teeth, while a custom barrier is placed over the gums and soft tissue to prevent irritation, and is expedited by a specialized light that speeds the process.  Take-home whitening is accomplished with custom-made whitening trays in which patients apply the whitening solution and use it for 60-90 minutes, or overnight, depending on the strength of the solution.  Our team is very mindful of trying to determine the best process for each individual patient, depending on their level of overall tooth sensitivity and preference for their own involvement with the tooth whitening protocols.