About 15 percent of people in the United States have bleached their teeth, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. It can be an effective way to improve the appearance of teeth that have become discolored over time because coffee, deeply colored foods and normal wear. Even stubborn stains such as those caused by taking the antibiotic tetracycline during tooth formation can fade with treatment. But would-be bleachers often wonder whether the process is safe.
History
At least since the 19th century, dentists have been trying, through in-office bleaching, to whiten teeth discolored by trauma or by dental treatments, according to the American Dental Association. But starting in the late 1980s, the concept became popular for cosmetic purposes, starting with tray bleaching kits that dentists could apply in the office or send home with patients. Cosmetic teeth whitening is, as of 2010, an $11 billion a year industry, according to the Council for Cosmetic Teeth Whitening, a trade organization.
Types
Teeth-bleaching products typically contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. But if you choose to get your teeth whitened, there is more to consider than just the chemical. Your options include professionally applied treatment, home-use products dispensed by a dentist and over-the-counter bleaching kits. In 2009, the American Dental Association write that whitening treatments were becoming available at mall kiosks, in spa settings and on cruise ships. The ADA expressed concern because the people applying the treatments were not necessarily dental professionals. Companies market some products, such as toothpastes, as whitening even though do not contain bleach; they work strictly by cleaning stains from the teeth.
Short-Term
Bleaching the teeth often causes temporary side effects. Your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold for a couple of days. This is particularly likely if you have cracks in your teeth or if your gums are receding, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. Irritation of the gums is also a possibility; it generally clears up when you stop using the bleach or lower the dose.
Long-Term
Bleaching the teeth is, overall, safe, according to the American Dental Association. But the organization recommends consulting with a dentist to determine which approach is most suitable. High-concentration bleaching solutions, such as the kind used in dental offices, can damage the gums if they are not adequately protected. Because their potential effects in pregnant or nursing women, bleaching agents should not be used by such patients, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
Considerations
Dental restorations require special consideration when you are planning teeth-whitening treatment. Bonding, crowns and veneers will not lighten the way your natural enamel will. So you can end up with mismatched areas in what is sometimes termed "technicolor teeth." You may wish to replace such restorations a couple of weeks after you are done bleaching your teeth. That amount of time is necessary for bleaching to take full effect.
