Tooth Whitening
Bleaching, Porcelain Crowns,
Veneers, and Bonding
Whiter teeth can be accomplished with basically three different procedures: bleaching, bonding, or porcelain restorations. Bleaching is the method that most people are referring to when they ask about tooth whitening. This is the method used to whiten the color of the existing tooth structure without any restoration of tooth.
Bleaching can be done with an at home kit or in the dental office. The first method is by far the most popular because it is far cheaper and the results are usually as good if not better. An impression is taken on the first visit from which a set of bleaching trays are made. At the second visit, the trays are tried in, adjusted if necessary and delivered to the patient with the bleaching material to be worn in the trays for a period of time each day at home. The time period depends upon the material used and the desired level of whitening as well as the condition of the teeth at the start of treatment. The procedure to be followed as well as the care of the trays and the teeth and gums is all explained to the patient at this visit.
Sometimes bleaching is not an option, either because of too many restorations in the teeth already (only natural tooth enamel will respond to bleaching), or because the stains in the teeth are too dark or too uneven, or in some cases, because the patient’s gum tissues are too sensitive to the bleaching material. In these cases, it is necessary to consider either bonding the teeth or using a porcelain cap or veneer facing. Both of these methods involve some drilling of tooth structure. The porcelain restorations will give the best esthetic results and the most lasting. All of these whitening procedures except the porcelain are to one degree or another temporary and will need some retreatment to maintain the level of whitening desired. The frequency of re-treatment varies with the person and will be more often if the patient smokes or drinks coffee, tea, or wine. Usual frequency of re-treatment is several years.
