Whitening (bleaching)

Have you ever thought of a whiter smile?  The results of vital tooth bleaching can be quite spectacular; however, it may not be the choice of treatment for everyone. For example, if you have an anterior white filling or a crown, the bleaching process will only affect the colour of the natural tooth but not the restorations. Also, bleaching is not recommended in individuals who have very sensitive teeth.

In general, there are two different types of whitening procedures that may be performed. One procedure is done in the dental chair where a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to the targeted teeth and a light is used to accelerate the process. This is often referred to as laser bleaching. The second whitening system is one that you can do at home. An impression is taken of your upper and lower teeth so that a custom bleaching tray can be made. You will be supplied with a gel that is placed in the tray and you leave it in your mouth for a specific time, sometimes overnight. It is very important to follow home care instructions carefully and not exceed the time when leaving the bleach on the teeth.