In-office bleaching
Procedure: During “chairside” bleaching, the dentist applies either a rubber shield to protect the mouth or a gel to protect the gums. The dentist then applies the bleaching agent, which contains 15 to 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, to the teeth and may use a light to enhance effectiveness. This process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and may take multiple visits.
Potential consequences: Initial discomfort during and following the procedure is possible, though subsides shortly afterward. In rare instances, patients report permanent tooth damage.
Treatments: ZOOM!, traditional dentist-recommended systems.
At-home bleaching
Procedure: At-home bleaching systems are typically in the form of hydrogen peroxide gels, which bleach tooth enamel and are put in to a tray or mouth guard. There are different application procedures for each type of treatment, some use the trays twice a day for two weeks, while others apply the trays at night for a period of one to two weeks. Tooth-whitening strips, which contain the bleaching agent, can be applied to the teeth for an average of two to three weeks.
Potential consequences: It is possible for teeth to become sensitive during treatment, though the discomfort should subside once the treatment is completed. The tissues of the mouth can also become irritated due to an ill-fitted tray or the bleaching gel coming into contact with tissues.
Products: Crest White Strips.
Whitening toothpaste
Procedure: Though all toothpastes help remove stains from the tooth’s surface, chemical or polishing agents are integrated in to whitening toothpastes. These additional agents intensify the extent to which the stain is removed. However, whitening toothpastes only lighten the tooth’s outer surface.
Potential consequences: As for all toothpaste, whitening toothpastes contain fluoride which, if too much is ingested, can cause fluorosis – noticeable spots on developing teeth due to the ingestion of more than the optimal amount of toothpaste.
Types of products: Many toothpaste companies, including Aquafresh, Arm and Hammer Crest, Colgate, Rembrandt, Sensodyne and ZOOM! have developed whitening toothpastes.
Source: ADA.org