What is used for bleaching?

Hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching agent. It acts as an oxidizing agent releasing free radicals that help dislodge pigments.

Peroxide removes both surface and deep stains on teeth and can cause teeth to become lighter than the natural shade.

Am I a candidate for bleaching?

Tooth whitening is safe for most people.

But certain types of discolourations that cannot be corrected are: Dental crowns, caps, fillings or veneers, teeth with gray tones, white spots or discolourations from a non-vital tooth, discolourations caused by medications or tooth injury.

Bleaching is normally not indicated in patients with severe sensitivity, enamel wear or bruxism.

How long do the teeth stay white?

The effect varies from person to person depending on their diet and habits. Avoiding pigmented food items and habits like smoking can maintain whitened teeth for longer periods.

On an average the effect can stay from about 6 months to 3 years.

What care should be taken after teeth whitening/bleaching?

Since surface stains are caused due to certain food items or habits limiting the ingestion of these can help control discolouration of teeth.

If possible, reduce the amount of food or drinks that can stain teeth.

Stopping or reducing smoking an reduce discolouration or staining.

What are the side effects?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the procedure. There might be some discomfort or irritation to the gums.

But these are temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment.

Why do some teeth not whiten on bleaching?

Most teeth can be brightened using bleaching but some teeth may be stained from within and may not respond to normal tooth whitening procedures.

In such cases a combination of one or two sittings of bleaching followed by placement of a veneer or crown on the tooth may be required..