Ever since the invention of the mirror, people have been looking for an easy way to have whiter teeth. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help by removing the stains and deposits on the surface of the teeth. But for those patients who have dark, yellow,brown or other internal discolorations to their teeth,there has never been a simple solution.

Nothing freshens up your appearence like a whiter, bright smile. Those "glorified toothpastes" at the chemist's store just can't give you the whitest possible smile, only your dentist can. Nite White® and Day White® are examples of tooth whitening systems which can be used safely to bleach your teeth to lighten discoloration caused by food, coffee, tobacco, aging and other sources.Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolorations and removes stains from the enamel and dentin of the teeth. A mild solution retained in a custom filled appliance that is worn over your teeth while you sleep or during the day are used.We simply make you a clear plastic shell (tray) which fits your teeth (it is thin and barely visible). You place the bleaching agent into the tray, slip it into place and go about your business.The process takes from several days to a couple of weeks and will not harm fillings, bonding, caps, or other dental work.

How can you brighten your smile?

Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the colour of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.

Is bleaching for you?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

What's involved?

First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system would provide the best results. If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately. Your dentist will use either an in-office bleaching system. However, most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provides the same results. The dentist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a custom-fitted tray for you. The tray is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping.It is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing it. Along with the custom-fitted tray, you'll receive the bleaching materials. You'll be given instructions on how to wear the tray.

Some bleaching systems recommend bleaching your teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires three to six weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires only 10-14 days to complete.

How long does it last?

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N2O2), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.

Why Aren't My Teeth Whitening Evenly?

Sometimes the biting edges and the sides of the teeth whiten more quickly than the rest of the teeth. This occurs because your enamel is thicker in these areas and responds faster to the whitening process. As you continue to use the tooth-whitening system, the rest of your teeth will catch up and the color will even out.

Is it safe? Any side effects?

Several studies, during the past six years, have proven bleaching under the supervision of a dentistto be safe and effective. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends. To date, there has been no testing done on the effects of using a professional tooth-whitening system during pregnancy. Therefore, we do not recommend that you use it if you are pregnant or lactating.

What are realistic expectations?

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicates, or porcelains.