Tooth whitening (also called bleaching) is a procedure that brightens teeth that are discolored, stained, or have been darkened because of injury. It can be performed on most teeth, including teeth that have had root canal treatment.

Bleaching may be done completely in the dental office (known as chair side bleaching) or the dentist may dispense a system for you to use at home (home-use bleaching). Please note: if you are considering using over-the-counter bleaching products, consult your dentist first, to ask about safety and effectiveness.

Chair side bleaching takes from 30 minutes to one hour per visit. A chemical solution, the oxidizing agent, is applied to the teeth. A special light may be used at intervals to help accelerate the bleaching agent. To complete the process, two or more sessions may be required. Following bleaching treatments, it is not uncommon for the teeth to temporarily become slightly sensitive to touch, temperature, or pressure.

With home-use bleaching, your dentist makes a custom-fitted mouthguard-like appliance that holds a bleaching gel. It is worn daily or at night for about two weeks. The amount of time the mouthguard-like appliance is worn and the treatment duration may vary according to your needs and your dentist's recommendations. Although the effects of bleaching may last for several years, beverages and foods such as coffee, tea, and berries can stain teeth again. Consequently, periodic touch-up treatments may be needed.

When bleaching is not possible (as with teeth deeply stained due to past use of tetracyclines), veneers or bonding may be needed.