Bleaching

California Dental Association
MOVING FORWARD. TOGETHER.

If you’re wishing you had a brighter, whiter smile, consult with your CDA member dentist to determine if bleaching is right for you!

Why are my teeth discolored and can bleaching help?

The easiest stains to remove are also the most common. These are the result of external factors, such as drinking coffee or tea, and smoking. Also, teeth tend to get slightly yellower as we age because of changes that occur within the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) that can be seen through the translucent enamel layer. Bleaching is most effective and generally quite successful on these types of stains.

Other types of stains result primarily from internal factors, such as stains from tetracycline use or excessive fluoride during the formative years of tooth development. The gray and black discoloring that result from these factors are much harder to successfully bleach.

What does bleaching involve?

There are both in-office and at-home bleaching options available. Most bleaching products use the same bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide, though the concentrations will vary, depending on the process and product used.

In-office procedures use stronger bleaching agents and/or a light source to speed up the bleaching process. These methods produce the quickest results, but are also the most expensive bleaching options.

The at-home option generally takes several days to a couple of weeks to complete, allowing for a slower, more gradual shade change. For this method, your CDA member dentist will take an impression of your mouth and fabricate a custom-made tray to hold the bleaching solution. You will receive instructions on the proper method for placing the solution in the tray and the length of time to wear it for each bleaching session. Usually, each session lasts just a couple of hours.

What about over-the-counter bleaching products and whitening toothpastes?

While there are several over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products that claim to bleach your teeth, it is best to complete the bleaching process under the guidance of a dentist. In some instances, bleaching would not be recommended, and your CDA member dentist is best able to advise you if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for bleaching to be safe and effective. Also, as cosmetic products, OTC bleaching agents are not regulated so do not undergo the same governmental oversight as medical devices or drugs do.

If you decide to use an OTC bleaching product, the ones offered by large, well-known oral product manufacturers have a good record of safety and efficacy, though they use lower peroxide concentrations and results will take longer than the products your CDA member dentist may offer.

For OTC bleaching systems that rely on a tray to hold the bleaching solution, often the tray is not custom-fit enough to hold the solution in place and prevent it from running out onto gums or from being swallowed.

Whitening toothpastes often resort to abrasives to keep teeth clean – and whiter. However, frequent use of high abrasives on tooth enamel usually results in excessive enamel wear and less shine and luster over time. If these products are used at all, they should be use with care.

If a whitening toothpaste does contain a peroxide ingredient for bleaching, the amount of time the toothpaste contacts the teeth is generally much too short to provide much bleaching effect. These products are probably most useful in maintaining a whiter color once it has been achieved through a more effective bleaching method.

Always consult your CDA member dentist before you use an over-the-counter oral care product to make sure it will be safe and effective for your specific situation.

Are there side effects to bleaching?

Mild tooth sensitivity is a somewhat common side-effect of bleaching. This can be reduced with the use of prescription strength fluoride gels, though not everyone needs this. For most people, the sensitivity usually lasts only a few days. Your CDA member dentist will advise you on the appropriate steps to take if your teeth become sensitive during the bleaching process.

Additionally, bleaching solution will irritate your gums, so be sure to wipe away any excess solution. Custom fit trays and avoiding overfilling the tray will help prevent excess solution runoff.

Bleaching is a very effective method of tooth whitening for many people. However, your teeth and gums must be healthy before bleaching. Consult with your CDA member dentist to discover the safest and most effective tooth whitening method for you!

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