Many factors determine success of tooth whitening procedure Published May 7, 2010 By 72nd Dental Squadron Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tooth whitening has become more and more common, with many products on the market to choose from. Typically, about 90 percent of users will have success when whitening their teeth, depending on the condition and color of the teeth. Teeth that are stained due to age, coffee, tea or smoking usually respond well to whitening. Teeth with a yellowish hue tend to whiten the best, brownish teeth will not whiten as well and grayish teeth may not whiten at all. There are other conditions which may cause results to vary. For those with white spots on their teeth, the whitening agents will usually enhance these areas instead of whitening the rest of the tooth to match. For those with crowns or tooth colored fillings on their front teeth, these will not whiten and they will be more noticeable after whitening. Exposed tooth roots also do not whiten. It isn't possible to predict how much your teeth will lighten, but typically most teeth lighten about two shades, based on a dentist's shade guide. The potential benefits of tooth whitening don't come without possible side effects. Typically, side effects associated with tooth whitening are tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation. The tooth sensitivity is temporary, and it can be more pronounced with higher concentrations of the whitening agent or use of heat or light used with in-office whitening. To help minimize and manage this discomfort, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or fluoride can be used. Tissue irritation is usually caused by an ill fitting tray or contact of the material with the tissue. There are several different whitening systems available. These include in-office, supervised home use and over the counter whitening systems. In-office whitening is done during a dental appointment, usually using a higher concentration of whitening agent and a light or laser may be used to activate or accelerate the process. The gum tissues are isolated in these cases to prevent tissue irritation. The results are faster in these cases, but also more expensive. This appointment will usually take about an hour. Supervised home use is more economical and provides similar results to in-office whitening. Depending on the system the dentist gives you, it will usually require using trays for several hours a day or using the product while you sleep. These systems can take 10 to 30 days depending on the concentration of whitening agent or the results you are trying to achieve. For these systems, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth to make a fitted tray that you will be able to use while talking and working. Over-the-counter systems usually come in strips or gels and are a lower concentration than the products used by the dentist. They usually take longer to achieve a desired result, but are cheaper. The strips only cover and whiten the front teeth. Whitening is an elective procedure and is not available at Tinker Dental Clinic. Whitening procedures may not be effective for everyone. Because tooth discoloration may be a sign of disease or pathology or can be from filling material used on teeth, you should consult with your dentist before proceeding with treatment. For more information, call the 72nd dental clinic at 736-2000, visit the ADA website at www.ada.org or the AGD website at www.agd.org.