White teeth are part of an attractive healthy smile.  Now just about anyone can have white teeth. There are several methods and some common problems associated with bleaching.

Over the counter bleaching products will whiten teeth.  The problem with them is that you can't keep the bleaching solution only on the teeth.  Some of it will get on the gums and inside of the lips.  The chemical used (various types of peroxide depending on brand) can cause irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth.

Dentists can offer two better solutions which protect the soft tissues. 

The first is the "take home" bleach.  In order to prevent the chemicals used in bleaching procedures from contacting the soft tissues the dentist constructs a  "bleaching tray" out of a soft, clear, rubbery material.  It is specially fitted to cover for the teeth and to hold a reservoir of bleaching material against the parts of the teeth that are to be bleached.  When in place it is nearly invisible because it is clear.  The patient applies a small amount of bleaching gel to the inside of the tray and seats it over the teeth.  Any excess material is wiped off and the tray holds the bleaching gel against the teeth and away from the soft tissues.

Because the bleaching gel is held against the teeth and away from the soft tissues a stronger solution can be used and the bleaching works faster.  Because you can control which teeth get the gel you can selectively bleach problem areas and less material is wasted.  You can also control how white the teeth get by using more or less frequently.

The second solution is an in office bleaching procedure like the Zoom™ system.  This is a one day in office procedure which whitens the teeth to their maximum whiteness in about 2 hours.  The bleaching gel used is similar to the home bleaching gel, but a very bright light is also applied so the bleaching process is accelerated.  The gums lips and face are covered to protect them from the bright light during the procedure. The main advantage to the Zoom system is that it gives  you maximum results in minimum time.  You will still need to use a home bleaching method to maintain the white color over time.

All bleaching methods can cause the teeth to become sensitive.  The sensitivity is usually reversible in a few days by discontinuing use of the bleaching product and applying a fluoride treatment to the affected teeth.

Not all teeth will whiten the same.  If your teeth are an even color in the beginning they will usually bleach to an even white shade.  If your teeth have a blotchy appearance they will become a whiter shade of blotchy.  It is sometimes possible to do spot bleaching to reduce the blotchiness.  

Existing fillings and crowns will not change their basic color with bleaching.  You may need to have them replaced with new fillings or crowns that match your new whitened teeth.

Last modified: 05/03/04