Bleaching teeth involves more than just regular brushing with toothpaste designed for whitening. Your teeth naturally darken as part of the aging process, and this can be more noticeable if you drink coffee, smoke or by take medications such as tetracycline. If you feel the toothpaste you use is not doing the job, an option to consider is bleaching your teeth.
Types
The two types of teeth bleaching include in-office and at-home bleaching. In-office, also called chairside bleaching, is a process your dentist completes in one or more office visits. According to the American Dental Association, in-office bleaching combines a bleaching agent with either a laser or blue light that enhances the bleaching agent's action. You can get at-home bleaching kits from your dentist or use one of many over-the-counter products. At-home products contain a bleaching agent called carbamide peroxide in a concentration that varies depending on the product. Typical carbamide peroxide concentrations are 10, 16 or 22 percent.
Process
The process for in-office teeth bleaching begins with protecting your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. Your dentist will apply a gel or place a rubber shield in your mouth to protect these areas. The bleaching agent, usually hydrogen peroxide in a concentration of 9 to 40 percent, comes next, followed by exposure to a laser or blue light. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour.
At-home bleaching uses a mouth guard that you fill with the bleaching agent and place in your mouth according to directions provided by the manufacturer. Frequency and duration of treatment depend on the product. For example, instructions may tell you to use the product overnight for one to two weeks, and another may instruct you to use the product twice daily for up to two weeks.
Costs
As of 2010, in-office teeth bleaching can cost from $600 to $700 per visit. According to WorldDental.org, most dental insurance does not include this service as insurance companies consider bleaching teeth to be a cosmetic, rather than required service. Take-home purchased kits from your dentist range from $100 to $400, and at-home teeth bleaching kits in a retail store can range from $20 to $100 per kit.
Risks
WorldDental.org identifies two risks associated with teeth bleaching: tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Increased tooth sensitivity means increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, pressure and touch. The higher the concentration of bleach in the mixture, the more likely you are to experience increased tooth sensitivity. While this usually lasts only a day or two, it can last up to one month following treatment.
Gum irritation most often results from improperly fitting mouth trays that cause the bleaching solution to push up into the gum and soft tissue area of the mouth. This condition can last until treatment stops.
Considerations
Bleaching teeth is not for everyone. WorldDental.org notes that people under the age of 16, pregnant or nursing women, and people with gum disease, crowns or dentures, and sensitive or dark-stained teeth, are not good candidates for bleaching. If you are in this group, possible consequences can include increased tooth sensitivity and uneven bleaching. Other procedures, such as veneers, bonding or crowns, may be a better option for you.
