If you are interested in having your teeth cosmetically lightened - you are not alone. In fact, it seems only natural that most dental patients today are interested in having the whitest and brightest smiles possible. At one time, crowns (caps) were the only alternative to restoring badly discolored or decayed teeth. More recently, porcelain veneers and composite bonding have become available as an attractive alternative. Now, there's another alternative available to make natural teeth look their brightest. This process reverses the discoloration of tooth enamel to create a whiter, more esthetic appearance. The advantages of this procedure are that no natural tooth structure is lost, and no anesthetic is required.

Is tooth whitening for everyone?

Not necessarily. As mentioned previously, it is only one alternative to lightening discolored teeth. Determining whether or not you are a candidate for tooth whitening is largely based upon diagnosing the exact cause of tooth discoloration. A number of factors contribute to discoloration, including:

tetracycline (antibiotic) staining, excessive fluoride, trauma (injury) to the teeth, pulp (nerve) degeneration, restorative materials (silver, gold), genetic and acquired illnesses, aging, consumption of staining substances, such as coffee, tea or tobacco products.

Another consideration in determining whether tooth whitening is for you is the strength and condition of your teeth. Careful clinical examinations and x-rays will help determine whether you are a candidate for this procedure.

What tooth whitening options are available?

The two major types of tooth whitening systems are active (in-office) or passive (conducted by the patient at home while closely supervised by the dentist.) Sometimes your dentist may recommend either system or a combination of both, to give you the best results in the least amount of time. Regardless of which type you choose, follow the recommendations of your dentist. Self-treatments (as advertised on television) can be dangerous.

What happens during in-office tooth whitening?

This procedure is done in a series of appointments (usually 3 to 5) until the desired effect is achieved. During in-office tooth whitening a solution of hydrogen peroxide is carefully applied to the selected teeth. The teeth are then exposed to a special light to accelerate the bleaching process. A number of steps are involved to ensure the most esthetically pleasing results:

What happens during passive tooth whitening?

This system involves wearing a custom-fitted appliance containing tooth whitening solution. During a dental visit, an impression is taken of your teeth so that a tray that fits especially to your teeth may be fabricated. Typically this appliance is worn at night while you sleep. While two weeks worth of bleaching solution is included with your appliance, it may not take that long to achieve the desired shade.

A final note...

Following the tooth whitening procedure some patients' teeth may temporarily exhibit a slightly chalky appearance. This is due to slight dehydration caused by tooth whitening solution and will gradually disappear. Occasionally some patients experience mild sensitivity to cold food and beverages for a day or two following the procedure. We also recommend you avoid enamel staining substance such as coffee, tea and tobacco products for several days following your in office bleaching appointment or while bleaching at home..