Tooth Whitening (bleaching)

Learn about causes of tooth discoloration, how to prevent change in tooth shade. Different methods of tooth whitening (bleaching), including over the counter products, in office whitening as well as at home whitening with products obtained from your dentist

 

What is Tooth Whitening (Bleaching)?

    -A procedure that lightens teeth by removal of internal stains and discoloration.

 

What causes tooth staining?

    -pores that are present in the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) acquire stains

    -aging    

    -smoking (click to quit smoking now)  

    -drinking tea and coffee 

    -inherited yellow stains can also develop during tooth formation

    -medications( tetracycline)

    -Ingestion of too much fluoride during young age which causes fluorosis

Fact:

   -Tooth whitening is most effective on teeth that are stained by age, foods or drinks.

 

Proper Steps for Good Results:

     -A cleaning is recommended to eliminate the stains present on the outer part of the teeth and get the oral cavity ready for the bleaching procedure 

     -Cavities need to be treated before teeth are whitened because the whitening solution can penetrate decay and reach inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity.

    -whitening will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer. Receding gums can cause roots to become exposed.

 

Whitening can be completed either in the  office or at home:

   -In the office  

   -At home (click for recommended products)

 

At Home Whitening:

    -A gel-like whitening solution, which usually contains hydrogen peroxides, is placed in a tray that resembles a night guard or mouth guard. 

    -It is important that the mouthpiece fit well so that the whitening agent remains in contact with your teeth and doesn't irritate your gums. Over-the-counter mouthpieces will not  fit correctly and can cause gum irritation if the whitening agent seeps out.

    -Many people achieve the amount of whitening they want within a week or two, but you may need to wear the mouthpiece for as long as four weeks or longer.

    -The tray is then placed over the teeth for a certain period of time ‹ anywhere from an hour or two to overnight depending on the percentage of the whitening solution used.

    -This is a safer way of whitening because:

        -Lower percentage whitening agent is used.

        -It is done over a longer period of time.

        -This will minimize the damage done to your teeth 

        -Less post-operative sensitivity  will be noted.  

        -The new shade of the teeth will be more stable and  longer lasting. 

        -takes a longer time to obtain the results, however results are obtained much safer.

    -Your dentist will want to check to make sure the process is working properly, usually after a week.

 

In-office Whitening:

    -Usually can take between 30 and 90 minutes and can require up to three appointments with your dentist. The number of visits required will depend on the type of discoloration and how white you want your teeth to be.

    -The desired effects might be seen sooner with in office whitening, however more damage is done to the teeth because of the process involved:

        -Higher percentage hydrogen peroxide solution might be used.

        -The whitening process can be heat or light activated, which can cause unnecessary damage to the teeth.

        -More post-operative sensitivity (to temperature) may be noted.

        -Effects of whitening might not last as long as compared to a slower more stable process. 

        -Gray-like appearance of teeth has been noted.      -Your dentist may want to see you a few days after in-office whitening to check your gums. If your gums were exposed to the whitening agent, they can become irritated.

 

General Information:

    -Whitening is not a permanent solution. The stains will come back. 

    -People who expose their teeth to a lot of staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as one month. 

    -Those who avoid staining foods and drinks may be able to wait six to 12 months before another whitening treatment is needed.

    -Re-whitening can be done in the dentist's office or at home. 

    -If you have a custom-made mouthpiece and whitening agent at home, you can whiten your teeth as frequently as you wish to. 

    -You should discuss your whitening schedule with your dentist, and talk about what whitening products would work best for you.

 

Risks:

    -Some people may experience a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity. 

    -There may be mild gum irritation as well. 

    -Whitening procedures should not be done while a woman is pregnant.

 

Non-Vital Whitening:

    -Non-Vital whitening is performed only of previously root canal treated tooth.

    -The tooth usually becomes discolored and appears dark gray in appearance. 

    -Methods described above most likely will not work on a root canal treated tooth.

    -The tooth is whiten from the inside (a whitening agent is placed inside the tooth and covered with a temporary filling.

    -The process should be repeated until the desired effect is noted.

    -After the procedure is complete a permanent filling or in most cases a crown should be placed.