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Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, it is inevitable that, over time, some yellowing or discoloration will occur. This gradual change can be caused by aging, substances that stain your teeth (such as coffee and tobacco), excessive fluoride, or the deterioration of a tooth's nerve. A tooth whitening treatment can be performed either as an at-home, dentist-supervised process or in the dentist's chair. While neither of these methods stops future discoloration, these treatments bring about whiter teeth and help create a more vibrant smile.
At-home Whitening
The most popular method of whitening teeth is the at-home, dentist-supervised option. During your visit to the dentist, he or she takes a mold of your teeth and creates a comfortable, customized mouthtray. The mouthtray holds a mild solution whose main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, a substance that reacts with water to release a non-toxic bleaching element (hydrogen peroxide). The mouthtray is placed inside the mouth, and sits only against the teeth, thereby avoiding contact with the gums. Patients can choose either to wear the mouthtray throughout the night or for periods that last from 30 to 60 minutes. When the mouthtray is worn throughout the night, the treatment takes one to two weeks. Patients with more sensitive teeth may opt for the longer treatment, which takes three to five weeks.
Brite Smile
The alternative method for teeth whitening is a laser procedure, performed at the dentist's office. This treatment involves coating the teeth with a paste-like form of carbamide peroxide. When the laser is applied to this paste, the tooth's enamel takes on a whiter appearance. This technique lasts approximately two hours in the dentist's chair and involves no further at-home treatment. While more convenient than take-home treatments, it is more expensive and the results are not as long lasting.
Patient Concerns
When using the at-home treatment, the patient's teeth may feel a heightened, but temporary, sensitivity. The gums may also feel more sensitive or burn slightly. Not all people experience the quality of whiteness they had hoped for on their first treatment and they may require a "touch-up" treatment. Whitening treatments begin to fade in one to four years. It should be noted that tooth whitening treatments have no effect on the artificial materials used for bonds, veneers, or capped teeth.