If You Hate the Color of Your Teeth, Try Whitening Them

Do you feel as if you have to cover up your teeth because you are embarrassed they are not purely white? Are you tired of the yellow or brown color that have seem to become? It might just be time for you to try your hand (er, teeth) at teeth whitening!

There are different ways to whiten your teeth, from in-office bleaching, at-home bleaching or whitening toothpastes. To figure out which process would work best for you, go see your dentist for his or her opinion on the matter. Depending on the color your teeth have taken on, the different methods will be suggested. Yellowish hues bleach well, brownish hues do not bleach as well, and grayish hues may not bleach at all! It is also advised to not do teeth whitening if you have any bonding or tooth-colored fillings on your front teeth. It will only result in those standing out because the whitener will not affect them. It would be more wise to invest in some porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

If your teeth are able to be bleached, there are two different ways this can be done: in-office bleaching or at-home bleaching. In-office bleaching is done by your dentist, usually will take more than one session, and lasts 30 minutes to one hour per session. A protective gel or rubber shield is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissues and a bleaching agent is applied to your teeth. A special light will be then used to enhance the color of your teeth by activating the bleaching agent. The price range is $200 to $500 per arch, or $500 to $1000 for the entire mouth.

At-home bleaching can be done two ways: bleaching solutions (which can be administered by your dentist or bought over-the-counter) or whitening toothpastes. Bleaching solutions contain peroxide so it actually bleaches the tooth enamel. These come in gel form which is placed in a mouth guard. Some are used twice daily for two weeks while others are worn overnight for 1-2 weeks. Side effects of using the bleaching solutions can be sensitive teeth or soft tissue irritation. The bleaching solutions can range from $10 to $55 for a 14-day treatment. Whitening toothpastes are used like regular toothpastes, but they contain a special chemical that aids in additional stain removal. These do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth.

Teeth whitening is not permanent and may start fading in as little as one month, depending on the food and beverages that the teeth are exposed to. Some people can wait up to one year before a touch-up is needed. The degree of whiteness depends on the condition of the teeth, the nature of the stain, and the type of bleaching done as well as how long it is done.

Whitening should not be done, or will be the least successful on children under the age of 16, women who are pregnant or lactating, people with sensitive teeth or gums, anyone allergic to peroxide, people with gum disease, those with cavities or exposed roots, or people with very darkly stained teeth.

All products that are used for whitening must be approved by the ADA and will bear an ADA Seal of Acceptance.