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Tooth whitening is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures available, resulting in a brighter smile, more attractive appearance and greater self-confidence. It is also safe, non invasive and remarkably cost effective. More than 10 million people have had tooth whitening in the USA and demand for the procedure is rising rapidly in the U.K. Tooth whitening or dental bleaching is the use of a chemical bleaching agent to whiten the teeth. This whitening agent oxidises the tooth causing it to lighten and also removes stains both from the inside and the surface of tooth.

Teeth, like skin and hair, vary enormously in both colour and lightness. They tend to darken as we get older and may become discoloured by staining substances such as tea, coffee, red wine and tobacco. Teeth may also be discoloured during formation, by excessive fluoride, illness, trauma or some antibiotics such as tetracycline.

Procedures

Tooth whitening is suitable for people of almost any age, though treatment may not be as effective for some people as it is for others. Treatment times and techniques may vary according to the nature of the discolouration. Your dentist can assess and advise you of the best treatment and likely outcomes. There are three main techniques for tooth whitening each using different whitening agents. These techniques can be used in isolation or in combination and are described below. The first two whiten the teeth from the outside, the last one whitens from the inside of the tooth.

Power Whitening

This procedure is carried out in the surgery, usually at a single visit lasting between one to two hours. This is the quickest method of tooth whitening. The whitening agent is applied as a gel to the surfaces of the teeth and a specially designed light is then used to enhance the action of the gel. This is left in place for twenty minutes and the gel is then washed off. This cycle is usually carried out three times and is then followed by a five minute fluoride treatment to complete the procedure. In some cases this procedure may be further advanced by a few days of home whitening.

Home Whitening

This is carried out by the patient at home under the professional supervision of their dentist. The procedure usually takes two weeks per arch or a month for the whole mouth. Impressions are taken of the teeth and special bleaching trays are made - one for the upper teeth and another for the lower teeth. The patient places the whitening gel into the tray and then seats the tray onto the teeth. This is ideally worn overnight and every night for a fortnight. The process is then repeated for the opposite arch.

Internal Bleaching

This technique is used for teeth that have become dark because the nerve of the tooth has died (due to disease or damage). In these cases the whitening agent is placed inside the tooth under a temporary dressing. The gel or paste may need to be changed on a regular basis (e.g. weekly) until the desired lightening has occurred. The temporary filling is then replaced by a tooth coloured filling.

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