Bleaching

Treatment time

In office: 1-3 treatment as needed, about 30-90 min each

Home: for 1-12 months, depending on stain severity

Maintenance

    Brush thoroughly after meals to remove plaque.
    Avoid smoking and stain – causing foods (eg, coffee and tea)
    Have a professional cleaning 3-4 times per year.

Results

Deep yellow stains can be considerably lightened; brown and gray stains are much more difficult to bleach

Treatment Longevity

Indefinite, although annual touch – ups may be required

Advantages

•  Safe
•  Usually painless to adults
• No tooth reduction required
• No anesthetic required
• Less expensive than many other options

Disadvantage

• Natural tooth color may not be restored
• Can cause discomfort if large tooth pulp present
• Only 85% effective in selected cases
• Extended treatment time may be necessary
• May not achieve the whiteness you desire