Teeth whitening – or bleaching – changes the color of natural tooth enamel and is a simple, noninvasive dental treatment. It is also an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile. Having whiter teeth is typically the number one aesthetic concern of most patients. Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touchup may be needed once a year, and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.
The ADA recommends that if you choose to use a bleaching product, you should only do so after consultation with a dentist. This is especially important for patients with many fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains. A thorough oral examination, performed by a licensed dentist, is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment. The dentist and patient together can determine the most appropriate treatment. The dentist may then advise the patient and supervise the use of bleaching agents within the context of a comprehensive, appropriately sequenced treatment plan.*
