Indications

1. Discolouration caused by extrinsic factors like consumption of tea, coffee, colas, tobacco, smoking.
2. Discolouration due to aging.
3. Teeth that have darkened in shades of yellow, orange, light brown respond better to bleaching.
4. Discolouration due to fluorosis and tetracycline can be lightened to some extent.

Advantages

1. Simple procedure
2. Improves overall aesthetics
3. Non-invasive and safe
4. Relatively inexpensive.

Instructions to Patients

1. Minor sensitivity to cold is to be expected.
2. No smoking or chewing tobacco during and preferably after treatment
3. Slight reversal of colour is to be expected within the first few weeks.
4. Periodic touch-up is required.

Procedure

A dental check-up is a must to determine whether you are a candidate for bleaching. The next step is to decide whether to go for office bleach or the home bleach technique. Procedure In the home bleach technique the dentist takes impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouth guard appliance which is to be worn after being loaded with the bleaching material for the time period that is specified by the dentist depending upon the case. Usually the bleaching trays are to worn in the night for about four to five nights to notice visible changes.

• Home Bleach : This is done at home by the patient
• Office Bleach : This procedure is done in the dental office and carried out by the dental surgeon. Office bleach usually requires 1 - 2 sittings.

Procedure : The bleaching agent is applied on the tooth surface. The tooth is then exposed to rays of a special light . These rays penetrate the bleaching agent and the process is activated. Time taken to bleach each tooth is 5 - 10 min. Usually 1 - 2 sittings complete the entire procedure.