With the availability of so many over-the-counter teeth-whitening products, anyone can flash a bright smile at an affordable price. The kits and products you buy at a drug or grocery store can be effective, affordable and easy to use. Bleaching your teeth too much can cause permanent discoloration, damage to the tooth's root and gum sensitivity, you must be really careful so as to receive effects and safe results.

1. Be prepared to repeat the whitening process with kits and products you buy over the counter, since the whiteners usually don't last very long. A dentist can prescribe stronger chemicals that can keep your teeth white for six months to one year.

2. Over-the-counter products do not work on caps, crowns, veneers, dentures or fillings.

3. Most tray kits work as one-size-fits-all, which might not work with all shapes and sizes of teeth. On the other hand, a dentist customizes trays specifically for your mouth shape.

The best way to get the right at-home teeth whitening product is to ask your dentist which is compatible to you. Listen to the professional's decision, and also research about the right ingredients your dental health needs for proper teeth whitening.