How Can You Brighten Your Smile?

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 whitened (bleached), and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is a dentist-supervised system.

Is bleaching for you?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline can be lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

What's involved?

First, we will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth whitening and what type of whitening system would provide the best results. If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened 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 a dentist-supervised at-home tooth whitening, which is more economical and provides the same results. With this system, the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard type appliance called a whitening tray.. The whitening tray is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. The whitening tray is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing your tray. Along with the whitening tray, you'll receive the bleaching materials. You'll be given instructions on how to wear the whitening tray. Our whitening systems recommend whitening your teeth from one to two hours a day for approximately two to three weeks, depending on your results

How long does it last?

Tooth whitening should last from one to two years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. Heavy smokers, coffee or tea drinkers may choose to touch up more often. Touch up kits are available to whiten as needed using the same whitening tray. The treatment time to touch up is also much shorter than the original treatment time.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 to 16 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O2), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.

Is it safe? Any side effects?

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. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon 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 cosmetic bonding, fillings, or porcelains.

This and other information on dental topics are available at the American Dental Association online and the Academy of General Dentistry