Tooth whitening, or bleaching, offers a conservative option to improve upon the appearance of the tooth by removing surface stains and lightening the shade of the tooth. 

Peroxide based solutions are applied to the surface of the tooth. This can either be done using professional home bleaching kits or using ‘in office’ systems where stronger bleaching solutions are used. High intensity lights can be used to increase the activity of the bleaching solution.

There is no evidence to suggest that bleaching causes any long-term problems to the teeth. Some patients do complain of an increase in tooth sensitivity during treatment that can usually be controlled using sensitivity-based toothpastes. In a few cases, bleaching may have to be discontinued because of this sensitivity.