Teeth Bleaching

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICOI

Advanced dental techniques now provide consumers with exciting, new options for enhancing their smiles. Revolutionary methods are now available for bleaching teeth to make smiles sparkle!

Teeth bleaching or whitening lightens the color of teeth whether darkened from age, coffee, tea, or tobacco. Its brightening effects can last up to five years after the treatment depending on your personal habits, such as smoking or drinking coffee or tea.

Is Bleaching Right for You?

Bleaching has a higher than 90% success rate. Bleaching is tough on stains but gentle on your teeth! Results vary depending on several factors such as teeth stained from smoking; from taking certain medications such as tetracycline during tooth development; or from fluorosis, a condition occurring in the presence of too much fluoride.

Bleaching will not lighten fillings or artificial materials used in dental repair as for crowns, porcelain veneers, etc. Your dentist may discourage treatment if you have sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, teeth with worn enamel, or if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Several Options Available

Depending on the bleaching treatment selected, some are performed in the dental office using an in-office bleaching system such as laser bleaching. These methods lighten teeth instantly. The same results may be obtained more economically through dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, but take longer to achieve. Some bleaching systems, which bleach your teeth while you sleep, work in 10 to 14 days (or more accurately nights)! Others bleach your teeth from two to four hours a day requiring three to six weeks to complete.

Also it's important to know that certain types of stain respond better to different types of whitening materials. In such cases, your dentist may recommend one method over the other.

The Steps to a Bright Smile

  • Your dentist will first examine your teeth and gums and discuss the procedure best suited to your individual needs. Any cavities or gum problems must be treated before bleaching can begin.

  • The in-office method generally takes one to three hours and results in an immediate noticeable change.

  • For the at-home method, special molds will be made of your teeth, used to make custom-fitting flexible trays holding the bleaching gel comfortably in your mouth.

  • When you get your bleaching trays, you'll receive instructions about wearing them. These must be carefully followed. Only the materials provided by the dentist can be safely used.

  • After completing the treatment, your teeth will be checked by your dental provider to discuss the results.

  • Smile. Your teeth will radiate a bright new look!

Safety

Research over the last five years has proven bleaching to be both safe and effective. The American Dental Association's seal of approval has been given to a wide range of tooth whitening products. Generally the only side effect from treatment may be some sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If this occurs, sensitivity normally disappears within 48 hours.