Tooth Bleaching

Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day.


Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth has become popular in today's society and tooth bleaching can be the answer.

Tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth and can last for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.

Is bleaching for you?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, although it may not be an option for everyone.

Tooth bleaching is effective for teeth darkened from extrinsic stains such as aging, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened by intrinsic stains caused by fluorosis, tetracycline, or other medications and by congenital abnormalities won't respond well to bleaching.

Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening than gray staining. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

What's involved?

First, the dentist must determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system would give you the best results.

If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth whitened immediately. Your dentist will use either an in-office bleaching system or laser bleaching while you sit in the dental chair.

However, most patients choose dentist-supervised, at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provides the same results.

At the next appointment, if you don't choose laser bleaching, the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouth guard appliance for you. (The mouth guard is used to hold the bleaching solution against your teeth.)

The mouth guard is custom-made for your mouth. It can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping.

The mouth guard is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing it. Along with the mouth guard, you'll receive the bleaching solution and instructions on how to wear the mouth guard.

Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 10 to 14 days completing.

How long does it last?

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee or tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch-up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouth guard. The treatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide, also known as urea peroxide. When water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth, bleaching out the porous surface of the enamel.

The higher the strength of carbamide peroxide and the quicker the bleaching process is carried out, the greater the chances for sensitivity.

Is it safe?

Several studies during the past five years have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association has granted its seal of approval to some tooth-bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

What are realistic expectations?

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become, but the key is to have a realistic expectation before starting the process. Every case is different.

Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist shade guide. The success rate depends on the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color, from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example.

Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials, such as white fillings (resins) or porcelains. So if you are considering bleaching, it would be best to bleach before resin fillings or porcelain crowns, onlays or inlays are placed, to allow for the shade to be matched.