The tooth whitening procedure is now widely available in many countries of the world.  Certainly, it is not a secret that by simply eating and drinking our teeth are slowly becoming stained, darker - and no longer are that light and desirable whiteness we had when we were children. Common causes of tooth discoloration are coffee, tea, tobacco and just plain age. Sometimes, some medicines like tetracycline, or antibiotics, can also cause a change of color.

But as the tooth whitening procedure is now so common, it is quite
possible, thanks to science, to do the tooth whitening procedure at-home.  The tooth whitening procedure that is done at the dentist's office has methods that he may use: there is also laser tooth whitening, special tooth pastes and specialized over-the counter whitening systems. The professional dentist can tell you about all the opportunities available in the office.

There are three different ways to do the tooth whitening procedure: to have it done completely in the office, to start it in the office and finish at home, and, to do it entirely at home.

A complete at-home procedure is usually done during the night hours. It is at that time, when the special whitening mixture is placed into the tray that is previously molded by the professional, to fit your teeth exactly.  This medical solution is usually a peroxide mixture.

According to the type of solution, the length of the tooth whitening
procedure varies from a couple of hours in the evening, but may last the whole night.  This depends on the condition of your teeth,  and how quickly you and the doctor agree as to how long the process should take.  Of course, it also depends on how bad your teeth are, too.

The most effective way of bleaching the teeth is with the laser. It is the most expensive way to do it, and the fastest one. By the way, tooth whitening cost is rather expensive, even for the middle class American worker.

To talk about the effectiveness of tooth bleaching is a very important aspect. To begin with it is important to say that if the tooth discoloration causes are tea, coffee, or tobacco the color of teeth is very likely to change for better. In a case caused by medications it is much harder to do. It is then less likely that the teeth will become whiter. 

It is important that, before the tooth whitening procedure, one should remember what color their teeth were before the discoloration. The reason is that the whitening solution cannot change the natural color of the teeth - any more than the color of bones may be changed. It is an inheritance thing.

There are a number of possible side effects that can be caused by the bleaching of teeth. Some patients have temporary whitening, some of them can have the temperature irritation, or the enamel can be worn away, because of bleaching used in the at-home procedures - especially if the solution contains acid. The night guard procedure can have the gum irritation after that, and any other irritation can be followed with the result of the tooth whitening procedure.

And, as it has already been said, the tooth whitening procedure cost is rather high. For instance, at-home bleaching kits would cost you $300 -$500. The tray where the solution would be put together with the teeth, or reshape it a little, and to change the color would cost $300-$700.