Cosmetic dentistry today offers three options for teeth bleaching. all three differ in the concentration of various bleaching agents or peroxides used, the time of application as well as cost.
In-Clinic
In-clinic teeth bleaching is administered by the dentist or a trained technician in their clinic. They first secure the gums with a paint or rubber cover, and then apply on the teeth a bleaching gel with high concentrations of peroxide, for several 15-20 minute sessions. the total duration of application adds up to one hour at the most. however, those who have particularly stubborn stains may have to return for one or more sessions, or continue with a home use teeth bleaching system.
In-clinic teeth bleaching gives good and noticeable results in a short period of time. however, as it requires professional time of the dentist, its costs are also substantial.
Take Home Kits (Professionally Dispensed)
Many dentists provide take home kits that contain easy to use gels with lower concentrations of peroxides and custom built application trays. These are applied on the teeth for about an hour or longer, sometimes overnight. in general, the lower the peroxide concentration, the longer the duration of application. the kit contains custom made trays resembling mouth guards to apply the gel with.
Take home kits that are professionally dispensed are believed to produce the best results in the long run. Their cost varies greatly but is still lower than in-clinic option.
Take Home Kits (Over the Counter)
These kits can be purchased from the stores without consulting a dentist. They consist of low concentration bleaching gel and standardized size trays, or bleaching strips and paint-on applicators.
Over the counter kits are the cheapest and the most convenient, but the use of standardized size trays often results in whitening of a few front teeth only. the custom trays, on the other hand, can whiten the entire smile.
Possible Risks
Teeth bleaching is generally safe when the procedures are followed in the proper way. however, it also involves some risks which you should know about:
Sensitivity: Teeth bleaching, particularly that which uses higher concentration of peroxides, may a cause a temporary increase in teeth sensitivity. Some individuals may even experience a sharp shooting pain in the middle of their front teeth. Those with receded gums or cracks in teeth are more at risk of sensitivity or pain.
Sensitivity from teeth bleaching usually does not last more than two days, but may persist for up to a month in some cases.
Gum Irritation: About 50% of those who use teeth bleaching experience greater or lesser degree of gum irritation which may last up to several days and dissipates slowly after the bleaching has stopped.
Technicolor Teeth: Teeth restorations like crown or porcelain veneer are not affected by bleaching and retain their color. On the other hand the surrounding teeth get whitened. this may result in odd looking technicolor teeth.
Barring these temporary problems, teeth bleaching works for most people. however, its results take at least two weeks to appear fully. Moreover, they are not permanent; they need to be followed up with continued care to maintain the brightness of your smile.
Teeth Bleaching: Available Options and Possible Risks
