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Answer: The first way to bleach your teeth is a ‘one visit’ procedure that takes about an hour in a dentist’s office. The second way is to have custom trays made by a dentist for home bleaching. The third way is by purchasing ‘over the counter’ bleaching strips. In my
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opinion, the best way is the one hour office procedure, followed by custom tray bleaching at home to increase and maintain shade brightness over time.
Answer: Some people experience sensitivity during and after the bleaching procedure. In rare instances, this can last up to several weeks. If sensitivity occurs, it is usually gone within forty-eight hours.
Answer: All dental research confirms that using ADA approved bleaching agents do not soften or damage teeth in any way.
Answer: All bleached teeth will fade with time. Color fading occurs within three to six months after bleaching. For this reason, most cosmetic dentists provide the patients with a custom touch up tray to maintain color, or bring color back if it shifts.
Answer: First of all, teeth get ‘brighter’, more than they get ‘whiter’. People with different color teeth respond differently to bleaching.
Yellow teeth respond the best, while brown or gray teeth tend to respond poorly. Intrinsically stained teeth, such as tetracycline stains, will not bleach well at all.
Answer: Prior to bleaching, you should have a recent set of x-rays and an oral exam by a dentist. This is to assure that there is no decay or gum disease present, which would need to be addressed before you bleach.
Answer: Yes, certain medications cannot be taken before or during bleaching. Temporary tooth and gum sensitivity may occur. Read manufacturer informed consent clearly.
Discuss potential problems with your cosmetic dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: No, they will remain the same color. However, if many differently colored dental materials are in the mouth prior to bleaching, they may appear dramatically different or not match the teeth that are bleached. You actual- ly may have to change the tooth colored fill- ings after bleaching for a pleasing cosmetic result.
Answer: Yes, you must consume only bland colored foods for at least forty-eight hours. No coffee, tea, tomato sauce, berries, carrot juice, red wine, or any foods or beverages that typi- cally stain teeth. A good rule of thumb is to eat only ‘white’ food- mashed potatoes, rice, bread, milk, etc. for at least two days. Use common sense in your long term diet.
Answer: A toothpaste containing a tooth whitener or bleaching agent would be your
best choice if you want to maintain the bright- est look possible. These are available over the counter.
This chapter from Amazing Smiles Through Cosmetic Dentistry explains or demonstrates common teeth whitening and bleaching questions as part of Dr. Albert J. Kurpis’s broader cosmetic dentistry approach to improving smile balance, appearance, and confidence.
The right treatment depends on the condition of the teeth, gums, bite, facial balance, smile goals, and a professional examination. Similar-looking smile problems may require different solutions.
Cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. For many patients, a more balanced and attractive smile can also improve confidence in social, personal, and professional situations.
Use the related chapter links on this page to explore similar cosmetic dentistry cases, porcelain veneer examples, dental implant topics, bite correction cases, and full mouth reconstruction chapters.
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