A cosmetic process to whiten teeth that have become discolored. Dental bleaching is considered safe for the teeth and gums when supervised by a dentist, who can determine whether a person’s teeth can be lightened and what type of bleaching system is appropriate. The most immediate results involve applying a bleach solution to the teeth, followed by exposure to a high-intensity heat lamp for 5 minutes, and then applying a fluoride gel to reduce sensitivity. Laser bleaching can also be performed by a dentist in his or her office. Some people choose to buy a whitening system that can be used at home; this is often the least expensive and most common form of dental bleaching. It is effective for people who have healthy, unrestored teeth that have become darkened due to age or from drinking tea or coffee. Yellowish shades of teeth tend to respond best to dental bleaching. If the teeth are gray-shaded, which may be caused by fluorosis (excessive fluoride), smoking, or taking tetracycline, dental bleaching may not help, or the change may be negligible.
A cosmetic technique utilized to whiten specific forms of discolored teeth, including nonvital or “dead” teeth, involves the application of oxidizing agents onto the tooth’s surface, followed by exposure to ultraviolet light. Additionally, there is an alternative home procedure that involves the use of trays filled with bleaching material, although it typically achieves results at a slower pace.