My high school reunion is coming up next summer.  I would like to say it is my ten year, but that isn’t even close!  Typically people try to get “back in shape” when it is time to renew old acquaintances (although the older I get, the less I care!).  Part of getting back into shape may involve whitening your teeth.  Whatever the occasion, tooth whitening isn’t just for the movie stars, and it isn’t for just one day.  Everybody loves a bright, white smile.  Patients often ask me about changing the appearance of their teeth, but aren’t sure what options are available.  Although you have many choices to achieving a beautiful smile, I’d like to talk with you in this article about whitening.

Let’s talk about why teeth darken in the first place.  Unfortunately, a lot of things can cause your teeth to lose their natural luster.  Bad news for all of you coffee and tea drinkers – over time they will stain your teeth.  Several fruits and fruit drinks also have the same result.  Smoking is notorious for darkening your pearly whites as well as having many dangerous side effects to your health.  In some instances, the medications you are taking could discolor your teeth.  Still another possible cause is that, as you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth can get worn away to reveal the darker tooth structure underneath. 

Whitening procedures are effective in the vast majority of people, but whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration.  Talk with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for whitening.

Several products are available for whitening teeth.  Some of these include:

Toothpastes:  All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives.  Some “whitening” toothpastes have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.  Unlike peroxide based whiteners, these products do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth.

Whitening Solutions: These products contain peroxides which will actually bleach the tooth enamel.  These products typically rely on carbamide peroxide as the whitening agent and come in a variety of concentrations.  Crest Whitestrips have been utilized by many patients over the last few years.  These adhesive strips are placed on your front teeth and can be purchased over-the-counter or at your dentist (The box you get from the dentist has a larger supply and stronger concentration than over-the-counter).  The Whitestrips do work and have the advantage of being less expensive, but often contain a lower concentration of the whitening agent and only cover the front six teeth.

Many patients choose to have their dentist provide higher concentrations of the whitener in a custom-fitted mouthguard that fits their teeth precisely.  Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a clear mouthguard that is lightweight and can be worn comfortably while awake or sleeping. Usage regimens vary depending on your specific needs and will typically be completed in 2-6 weeks.  The advantage of mouthguards is that they may be used over and over again as you want to “touch up” the brightness of your teeth.

In-Office Whitening: If you are in a hurry and are a candidate for whitening, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his of her office while you sit in the dental chair.  The procedure is called chairside whitening and may require more than one office visit.  Each visit will take approximately one hour where your dentist will apply a whitening agent to the teeth.  It is activated either chemically, by a special light or lasers.  The advantage of chairside whitening is that you achieve dramatic whitening in a very short period of time.

 Side Effects? Several studies during the past five years have proven bleaching to be safe and effective.  Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity which will resolve when the treatment ends. 

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become.  Every case is different.  The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance.  I hope this helps in your decision making process.