Teeth Bleaching |
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A popular method for treating moderately stained or discolored teeth is bleaching. These stains often can not be removed with regular professional cleanings. Millions of people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to three years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration.
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, or smoking.
For example, yellowish colored teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-tinged teeth may not bleach at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.
The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N202), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Teeth can be whitened by several methods:
- Chairside bleaching is done in the dental office and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. A shield protects the teeth from the oxidizing agent which is "painted" onto the teeth. A special light may be used at five-minute intervals to help activate the agent. Sometimes the teeth may become sensitive following bleaching treatments. This procedure may require more than one office visit.
- With nightguard bleaching, a mouthguard is custom-made. The bleaching gel is dispensed to the patient by a dentist. The patient places the gel into the mouthguard which is worn up to two hours daily or at night for about two weeks. Some bleaching agents say you can wear them all night but your teeth may get very sensitive after doing this. You may continue using the product until you reach your desired whiteness. Sometimes you can not achieve the desired whiteness and will have to settle for something less.
The dentist may have you come in periodically to check the progress and the reaction to the gum tissue, if any. Noticeable improvement usually takes place within 2 weeks. After you have lightened your teeth, you may need to periodically (once every couple of months) bleach them for a session to keep the whiteness. Average cost is $200-300 per arch (top or bottom). People with gum recession and certain dental conditions may not be good candidates for this type of bleaching. These products are not recommended for habitual tobacco and alcohol users.At-Home Procedures and Products
There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.
Bleaching solutions.
Many of these products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the surfaces of the teeth. These products typically rely on 10 percent carbamide peroxide (which is equivalent to 3 percent hydrogen peroxide). In the last decade, carbamide peroxide has been demonstrated as a safe and effective whitening agent when used as directed.
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard, which you wear for about two hours a day over about two weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely.
Toothpastes.
There are a number of toothpastes currently available that rely on chemical or polishing agents to remove surface stains from the surface of the teeth. Many of these types of products will be effective while you are using them to remove stains.
Although over the counter products (those you can by directly in a store) have been approved and shown to be generally safe when used as directed. However, many dentists do not encourage using these products because uninformed use of such products can cause both injury and less than optimal results when used improperly. If you have any doubts about how to use such products make sure and consult with a dentist.
Several studies have proven its safety during the past five years. The American Dental Association has also 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.
Lightness should last for about one to five years depending your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you could use a touch up. The procedure will not be as costly the next time because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.
I've heard about laser whitening. Is it safe?
This technique may be safe, but the ADA has not evaluated it. Laser whitening products have not been submitted to the ADA for testing, nor has the ADA seen any published data on the safety and effectiveness of laser whitening.
No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. However, typically there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. 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 resins, silicates or porcelains.
The success rate depends upon the type of stain and how well your take care of your teeth.
- "ADA.Org"
- http://www.ada.org/consumer/faq/cosmetic.html#how-whiten-teeth
- "DentistInfo.Com"
- http://www.dentistinfo.com/topics/smile.htm#Bonding
- "Bleaching" @ http://www.drjay.com/bleach.htm
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