Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients though it may not be an option for everyone. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown, or orange respond better to whitening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea.

There are two options available for bleaching ones teeth. One option is called at-home bleaching and the other is an in-office procedure. For at-home bleaching, impressions are taken of the teeth and custom trays are carefully fabricated to closely adapt to the teeth. A bleaching gel is applied to the inside of the custom fitted trays which are generally worn as indicated by the producer. The other option is in-office procedure where the doctor supervises whitening.

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. Typically, there is a two-shade improvement.The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicants, or porcelains.