Frequently Asked Questions

What is tooth bleaching?

Dental bleaching is often called tooth-whitening and is a method of lightening the colour of natural teeth. This information relates to the use of dental bleaching techniques which use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
The colour of teeth varies between individuals and at different ages – teeth can gradually
darken over time. Tooth colour is influenced by a person’s genetic makeup and by any
surface stains or deposits in or on the teeth. If teeth are dark due to stains or deposits they will need to be cleaned before bleaching is undertaken.
There are a number of different techniques available.
In surgery tooth bleaching procedures usually take 1 hour 30 minutes. The dentist will
protect the gums with a rubber sheet or a gel whilst the strong bleaching gel is applied.
Sometimes a light is shone on the teeth to activate a chemical within the gel. The gel will be changed several times during the procedure as necessary.

What are the risks?

There is a risk that bleaching will not work quickly and the dentist will discuss the possible reasons why it might not work particularly well or why it might take longer than average. Not all teeth bleach to the same extent, particulary deeper discoloured or multi coloured teeth. Some teeth bleach more effectively or more quickly than others. Teeth which are already quite white will only lighten a little further. Some teeth do not bleach evenly. This can be a problem where the gum has receded and the darker root surface is exposed. Such teeth can become sensitive with bleaching. Certain types of tooth discolouration do not respond easily and may require special treatment by a dentist. Fillings, veneers or crowns that match the existing teeth will not change with bleaching. The costs of replacing these so that they match the new lighter colour of the natural teeth can be considerable. This needs to be discussed with the dentist before undertaking bleaching.

The extensive clinical data continue to support the safety and effectiveness of this kind of bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide. However during bleaching teeth may become sensitive for a period of time. This is usually only temporary. A fluoride gel or special toothpaste can be worn for 30 mins before bleaching to minimise this. Temporary irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth particularly in the gums is rare but can occur if too much gel is loaded.

How long will the lighter appearance last?

Teeth which may have been bleached have a gradual tendency to return to their normal colour. This means that teeth may need to be bleached again at some time in the future.

What is the current legal situation?

Under European Legislation certain products containing hydrogen peroxide cannot be supplied for cosmetic purposes because of ‘cosmetic regulations’.
Most European countries are agreed that these products should be available to dentists. Changes in European laws are anticipated but have not yet taken place. Meanwhile supervised bleaching techniques are widely used in other countries throughout the world.

Tooth bleaching materials are perfectly safe when used under professional supervision.

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