Whitening (Bleaching):

Some patients are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth, perhaps from staining caused by the use of tobacco, coffee and other beverages and foods, the result of aging, injury, excessive fluoride, certain illnesses and use of tetracycline, an antibiotic, in early childhood.

Bleaching can remove many discolorations and stains, but some are harder to remove than others.

Patients also can have their teeth whitened at home in a procedure called night guard bleaching. This approach involves a custom-fitted mouth guard that holds a bleaching gel in close contact with the teeth and is worn about two hours daily, day or night, for about two weeks, although the amount of time and the duration of the treatment can vary depending on individual needs.

The ADA does not recommend over-the-counter tooth bleaching products that are self-administered. Although such products may cost less, bleaching should be done only under the supervision of a dentist after an oral examination and diagnosis of the discolored teeth.  Some over the counter whitening agents contain acids that will eat away at the enamel of the teeth.

Some people with certain dental conditions may not be good candidates for bleaching, such as patients with gum recession that has left sensitive tooth roots exposed.