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Frequently Asked Questions

Tooth Whitening

Date Posted: 7/12/2005

Question
Are there issues with oxygen-based bleaching methods?

Answer
• They do not change the colour of dental fillings. After a whitening treatment, it may be necessary to have fillings resurfaced or replaced to match the new shade of the natural tooth structure.
• The one (partial) exception to this principle is for teeth that have porcelain veneers bonded to their front surface, the use of whitening gel applied in custom-made trays may cause a lightening of the natural tooth enamel from the inside. The colour of the veneer itself does not change, but because of its translucent nature, some improvement in the overall shade may result.
• They elevate the level of oxygen in the outer (enamel) surface of the tooth, and because this can affect dental adhesives used for bonding, any procedures on the same teeth which require bonding must be delayed for at least 2 weeks after the end of the bleaching treatment.



More questions in this category:

Should teeth be white?
Which dentist can bleach my teeth?
What are the likely causes of tooth discolouration?
Why is it important to know the likely causes of tooth discolouration?
How are surface stains treated?
What are “conventional” whitening toothpastes and how do they work?
What is tooth lightening?
How are internal stains treated?
Are there issues with oxygen-based bleaching methods?
Are peroxides safe to use?
What are advanced formula whitening toothpastes and how do they work?
Paint-on whitening treatments
Adhesive strips
“Home tray vital bleaching”
“Power bleaching”
How effective is home bleaching in whitening the teeth?
Is home bleaching safe?
What is home bleaching?
Are bleaching toothpastes very effective?
How long does the bleaching last?


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