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How Can I Whiten My 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. With nightguard bleaching, a mouthgurad 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. 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. How Long Does Bleaching Last? You can help your teeth remain white by brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners, seeing your dentist for regular professional cleaning along with occasional touch-up treatments. The surface of your teeth can be stained by tobacco and certain foods and beverages such as coffee, tea and berries and by deposits of calculus or tartar. If you have had your teeth whitened, avoid stain-causing foods for the first several days after the procedure. How Do I Know Which Whitening Products Are Safe? Products that are purchased over-the-counter and self-administered are not recommended. Bleaching treatments should only be done under the supervision of a dentist following a proper examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth. Whiteners with the ADA Seal of Acceptance have proven they meet the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness. 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. What Is Deep Bleaching? Deep Bleaching is a type of bleaching that is so effective that it will even whiten tetracycline-stained teeth. This can be done with little to no sensitivity at all. Occasionally patients will experience some mild sensitivity, however your dentist will give you easy-to-use AcquaSeal desensitizing swabs to take home. Deep Bleaching takes a little more time and a little more effort, but will result in a whiteness beyond what any other bleaching technique can create, and the result is permanent with periodic maintenance at home by wearing the trays for 1 night every 2-3 months. Like other bleaching techniques Deep Bleaching will not whiten fillings, crowns, or veneers, so you may need to have those replaced after you complete whitening.
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