Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from daily oral hygiene and regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. But if you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your whitening options.

Are you a candidate for whitening?
Start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration:

Important limitations:

• If you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth, the whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile.

• Porcelain crowns, veneers, and bridges also do not whiten.

• You may want to investigate other options like porcelain veneers or dental bonding for those restorations.

Whitening methods (detailed):

1. In-office bleaching (chairside bleaching):

• Usually requires only one office visit (60–90 minutes).

• The dentist applies a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect oral soft tissues.

• A bleaching agent (usually 25–40% hydrogen peroxide) is applied to the teeth.

• A special light or laser may be used to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

• Results: 5–8 shades lighter in one visit.

• Cost: $300–1,500 depending on location and technology.

2. At-home bleaching:

• Peroxide-containing whiteners (10–22% carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) bleach the tooth enamel.

• They typically come in a gel and are placed in a custom-fitted mouth guard (tray).

• Usage regimens: Usually overnight or 1–2 hours per day for 1–2 weeks.

• Potential side effects: Increased tooth sensitivity (temporary) or gum irritation.

• Speak with your dentist if you have any concerns.

• Cost: $200–500 for custom trays and gel.

3. Whitening toothpastes:

• All toothpastes help remove surface stain through mild abrasives.

• “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents (e.g., baking soda, silica) that provide additional stain removal effectiveness.

• Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not change the intrinsic color of teeth because they can only remove surface stains.

• They lighten teeth by about 1 shade at most.

Statistics:

• According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing.

• The global teeth whitening market was valued at $7.4 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $11.2 billion by 2027.

• In-office whitening combined with at-home maintenance extends results by 6–12 months.

Side effects and risks:

• Temporary tooth sensitivity: 50–80% of patients experience this, lasting 1–3 days.

• Gum irritation: Usually mild and resolves within 24 hours.

• Overuse: Can lead to enamel erosion and translucent teeth.

• Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women (lack of safety studies).

References:

• Joiner, A. “Tooth bleaching: a review of the literature.” J Dent, 2006.

• Carey, C.M. “Tooth whitening: what we now know.” J Evid Based Dent Pract, 2014.

• ADA. “Tooth Whitening and Bleaching.” 2021.