Smile > Tooth Whitening
Tooth Whitening
In-Office Tooth Whitening
Sit back in the dentist's chair while a solution containing
35- to 50-percent hydrogen peroxide (the whitening ingredient)
is applied to your teeth and activated by a high-intensity light or
laser to accelerate the process. Approximately one hour later,
you're on your way out the door. The dentist should do an examination before
the tooth whitening procedure to determine if you're an appropriate
candidate. Worn-down enamel or large pulps (the inner structure of the tooth
containing nerves, arteries, veins and tissues) can mean your teeth might
be too sensitive to endure the treatment. Be aware that several visits
may be needed to get your desired tooth shade. Check with the dentist to see
if these visits are included in the initial quote you receive. In-office tooth whitening costs between $500-$1,500.
At-Home Tooth Whitening
Your dentist may suggest at-home tooth whitening, a less-expensive option that
requires a longer commitment but may still yield the same results as in-office
tooth whitening. It's also an alternative for patients with teeth too sensitive for
laser or other light-induced whitening. Thin plastic trays are custom-molded
to fit your teeth. You wear the trays filled with a solution of two- to
ten-percent hydrogen peroxide for one to three hours a day for several weeks. At-home, follow-up tooth whitening costs between $200-$600.
Over-the-Counter Whiteners
Whitening toothpastes and paint-on whiteners may not contain enough hydrogen
peroxide or remain on teeth long enough to make a significant difference on their
own. But they can help prolong the effects of in-office tooth whitening or take-home tray
treatments. Talk with your dentist about the best over-the-counter options for you.
Getting Write Right
What causes your teeth to discolor? Top stain-makers are red wine, coffee, cola
soft drinks, tea and tobacco. Certain medications can also affect color. The antibiotic
tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration. Minocycline, another antibiotic
often prescribed to treat acne, is one of the worst culprits for turning teeth dark.
Genetics also play a role in determining tooth color. Some people simply have naturally
brighter enamel.
How will your teeth respond to bleaching? It depends on all the factors mentioned above
as well as their hue. For example:
- Yellow
- Best candidate for tooth whitening.
- Brown
- A possible candidate for tooth whitening, but you may require multiple visits.
- Grey
- Difficult to bleach well. Consider porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
- Dark grey
- Silver fillings may cause a dark grey hue. Before bleaching, it's best to have old fillings replaced with newer filling materials.