Whitening or bleaching teeth has become very popular over the past few years. Most teeth can be lightened 2 to 4 shades in a period of two to three weeks. Impressions are made of teeth, casts are poured, and a thin clear plastic stint is fabricated. This stint is worn approximately one hour each day for 14-21 days. Different medicaments, usually peroxide and glycerin, are placed in the stint to lighten the teeth. Usually, one arch is bleached at a time and the other arch is used as a baseline for comparison.

Most patients are quite pleased with the results. Patients find that the effects from bleaching last six to twelve months. If the teeth begin to discolor one can re-bleach, usually 5-7 days, and regain the original lightness. Bleaching has not been found to damage the teeth either externally or internally.

Teeth with dark discoloration pose a greater challenge. These can usually be lightened over a period of 5 to 7 months. The same techniques and agents are used. Crest Professional Whitestrips are also available in our office.

If you are dissatisfied with the color of your teeth, ask your dentist to discuss the possibility of making them light by bleaching.