Dr. F.D. Ramirez, D.D.S

7052 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568
Tel: 925-556-9994 | Fax: 556-6710
email | directions

Topic of Interest > Bleaching

How much can a tooth be whitened?

How white an individual tooth can become from bleaching and whitening is a common question. Some whitening procedures claim they can whiten your teeth by up to nine shades, but that is highly unlikely. A change of two or three shades will make a significant difference in just about anyone's smile. There is no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth color. However, the Vita shade guide is the most used. This guide divides individual tooth color into four basic shade ranges:

A (reddish brown)
B (reddish yellow)
C (gray)
D (reddish gray).

In the A range there are five levels of darkness. Ranges B, C and D, each have four levels.

Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your bicuspid teeth are darker than the others, and your front teeth are almost always the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade between those two. When one particular tooth is being whitened, this is taken into account. The goal for everyone is to achieve an overall whiteness while still looking natural. During your first consultation for tooth whitening, the dentist will go over what you personally can expect for your specific smile. How a white tooth will become will vary from person to person. The structure of your tooth and the type of procedure implemented will affect the outcome.

Overview of Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is used to correct discoloration of a tooth by removing the brown and yellow staining. The term "tooth whitening" or "tooth bleaching" can refer to a number of techniques to improve the brightness of the patient's tooth. Among them are chemical whitening, mild acid whitening, abrasive tooth brightening and the newest technique, power bleaching.

How long does tooth whitening last?

Tooth whitening is not a permanent procedure. Results can last up to a year or beyond, depending upon your personal habits. In most cases, the tooth whitening procedure is very effective and the patient is pleased with the results.

Types of Tooth Whitening Procedures

There are a few tooth whitening procedures available that correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. While each work effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available will be discussed with you, and the most appropriate tooth whitening procedure will be recommended.

Power Bleaching (In-Office)

Using a blue plasma light with a whitening gel, this is an in-office bleaching system. The translucent bleaching gel is applied to the tooth and a blue plasma light is used to activate the crystals to absorb the energy from the light and penetrate the tooth enamel to increase the lightening effect on the tooth. The length of time in the cosmetic dentist's chair depends on the degree of discoloration you have.

Pros and Cons of Tooth Whitening

Advantages:

People typically have a tooth whitened to improve their appearance. Teeth that are all of the same bright color are associated with beauty and a healthier lifestyle. When people have a brighter smile, they tend to smile more often and are less self-conscious. In addition, a whiter smile tends to minimize the appearance of facial wrinkles, giving way to a more youthful and energetic appearance. Finally, a whiter smile gives people with whom you are speaking a place to focus on, and gives you a friendlier appearance.

Disadvantages:

Although tooth bleaching is very effective, there are short term disadvantages, such as sore gums or tooth from the bleach. This disappears when bleach use is discontinued. Some individuals are more chemically sensitive. If you are one of them, inform your cosmetic dentist so that you can be tested for sensitivity to the solution.

Research indicates that tooth bleaching is completely effective in more than 78% of people. In cases of serious tooth discoloration, bleaching may not be the best choice. Veneers or crowns may be the superior choice. Bleaching is usually the first option due to its lower cost.

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