Dental Encyclopedia · Prosthetics
Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a procedure that brightens the teeth by breaking down the discoloration deposited on them, using whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. It is known as a method of improving color without reducing the tooth.
In plain terms
Put simply, it is brightening the teeth by “bleaching” rather than cutting them. Teeth that have yellowed from coffee, wine or smoking are returned to a brighter tone with a whitening agent.
Teeth whitening is divided into in-office whitening, carried out at the clinic with a high-concentration agent and light application, and home whitening, done at home with a custom tray; the two are also sometimes combined.
The effect and the number of sessions vary with the cause of the discoloration (extrinsic or intrinsic) and its degree, and for root-canal-treated teeth, restorations and severe intrinsic discoloration there are limits to ordinary whitening, so other methods may be considered alongside it. Temporary sensitivity can occur after the procedure, and it is known that how long the result lasts varies from person to person.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
- Q. How long does the effect of teeth whitening last?
- It is known that how long it lasts varies greatly from person to person, depending on eating habits (coffee, wine, smoking and so on) and care. Cutting down on staining foods and smoking and having regular care tends to make it last longer, and touch-up whitening is used to maintain the tone if needed. We advise you in terms of average tendencies rather than a definitive period.
This entry is for general information. Diagnosis and treatment depend on individual conditions.