Does Tooth Whitening really work?

This is a common question that I am asked in my New York dental practice. Another version slightly different version is : Is Tooth Whitening a good idea? and still another variation:Is tooth whitening safe? The answer to all these questions is YES.

As a dentist who has been whitening teeth in New York for over twenty years I can confidently answer yes to all these questions. Further more all three of the most popular forms of tooth whitening work well and are safe.
Over the counter products, although sometimes harder to use, usually have carbamide peroxide as their active ingredient and this is an extremely effective whitening agent.

In office bleaching works well and is super fast (about an hour and half treatment time). When it is combined with tray bleaching , it is one of my favorite ways to whiten teeth.

Custom tray bleaching is also a fine stand alone treatment for whitening teeth. It has the advantage of being affordable, customizable and allows for inevitably needed touch ups down the road.

There are limitations to teeth whitening ; your bonded fillings and any crowns will not lighten at all. If you have these in the anterior of your mouth you may have to be prepared to change them, especially if they end up appearing darker than your natural teeth after bleaching is finished. Also some intrinsic stains such as tetracycling stains will not necessarily come out. Teeth whitening works best to get the yellow out of your teeth, and sometimes greyish hues can remain even after whitening.

If you have been thinking about getting a whiter smile, go ahead and ask your dentist! See if he or she thinks you are a good candidate for tooth whitening!