Teeth Whitening - Tooth Bleaching

"A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home." - So says an unknown author. However, discolored teeth can mar any smile, no matter how well intentioned. In fact, teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures of cosmetic dentistry opted for by people these days. Teeth whitening, also referred to as tooth bleaching, is a method of removing discoloration and stains from teeth. It involves using tooth whiteners, or bleaching agents in the form of peroxide gels, in order to make teeth look whiter, resulting in a brighter smile.

How does Teeth Whitening work?

When we consume various types of foods, or beverages like coffee, tea, wine, or soda, or are habitual smokers, the teeth have a tendency of getting discolored and stained over a period of time. That is because the enamel on our teeth is porous, and the staining agents therefore get absorbed deeply into the teeth, which cannot be scoured away by simple brushing. Although the deeper stains are generally quite harmless, however, most people think they are not attractive. This is the reason tooth whiteners are used since the bleaching agents get right into the enamel and remove the stains.

There are two types of tooth bleaching procedures offered these days, one, an ‘in-office’ tooth bleaching method, wherein the procedure is carried out in the dentist’s office, which has immediate results, and the second, an ‘at-home’ method, wherein a tooth bleaching kit, along with customized trays, is available which can be used at home, which takes a little more time for the effects to be apparent. In both the methods compounds based on peroxide of varying degrees of strength are used for the tooth whitening process.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In this, the dentist begins by cleaning your teeth thoroughly, and then places protective material in your mouth in order to protect the gums, the insides of the cheeks and the lips from the tooth whitener that is applied on the teeth, which comes in gel form. Then, a special light or laser is used in order to activate the tooth bleaching agent. After it is activated, it is allowed to remain on the teeth for about 15 to 20 minutes. Some offices repeat this procedure in three tooth bleaching sessions.

The advantage of carrying out the tooth whitening procedure in a dentist’s office is that the effects are usually immediate, and it is faster. Usually, it takes just about 45 minutes in all for teeth to be whitened by several shades. In fact, during the consultation period, you can determine how much you want your teeth to be whitened by referring to tooth shade charts. Hence, when tooth bleaching is done in a dental office, the dentist has far more control on achieving particular goals of teeth whitening.

The disadvantages are that it is far more expensive and there are higher incidences of tooth sensitivity after the procedure due to more potent tooth whiteners used, especially when it is a single session procedure. However the tooth sensitivity is temporary.

At-Home Tooth Bleaching

The at-home tooth whitening systems that are available range from the gel kits prescribed and provided by the dentist to the ones available over-the-counter, like teeth whitening strips, out of which the ones that the dentist provides are the most effective. Most of these kits come with mouth trays that are meant to be filled with the tooth whitening gel, which then has to be placed on the teeth for varying lengths of time, which can be just a few minutes or even overnight. The results are apparent in about 5 to 10 days, sometimes more or less than that. The advantages of this method are that it is less expensive and re-treatment can be done whenever required. Even though the results may take a longer time, however eventually the effects are not very different from the procedure done in the dentist’s office.

Some Other Factors of Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening procedures are usually effective in removing stains and discoloration, however, it can vary from person to person. Plus, many people find that their teeth become fairly sensitive immediately after the procedure, and hence are advised to void drinking cold or hot beverages for some time. Sometimes, dentists provide fluoride treatment after a tooth bleaching procedure in order to lessen the effects of sensitivity.

Also, in case high concentrations of a bleaching agent is used, and it comes into contact with tissues that have been inadequately protected, it can result in chemical burns in the mouth. Sometimes, an over bleaching effect may be produced, which is not attractive. And, another side effect can be rebounding, or the teeth darkening or losing the whitening effect.

Sometimes the discoloration of the teeth may be so acute that it may not be resolved by whitening alone. If that is the case, veneers may be more effective, which you can discuss with your dentist.