This depends on each individual's satisfaction on his own tooth color. If one feels he would like to have a lighter shade of teeth because the present shade is too dark, resulting in a lower self-confidence, then the "tooth whitening" is necessary. Vice versa, if one feels fine with his own tooth color although it is dark, but it is still satisfactorily, then the "tooth whitening" is not necessary.

The side effects of "tooth whitening" are "teeth sensitivity" and "soft tissue irritation" which will be back to normal when not in contact with bleaching agents.

It is found from the research that the effect on tooth surface and dentin is not significant. Therefore, "tooth whitening" is the most conservative and the most money-saving way to change tooth color.

However, the limitations of "tooth whitening" are :-

1. The original color of the teeth.

If the original shade of the teeth is not too dark, that is, yellowish or a little dark, "tooth whitening" alone may be sufficient to change teeth color. However, if the original shade of the teeth is very dark, that is, grayish or black, then other techniques might be more effective. The techniques are Veneers, Tooth Surface Conditioning, or Crowns. The "tooth whitening" might be, but not always, effectively used along with any of those techniques.

2. The natural teeth.

Only the color of natural teeth can be changed. Others, for example, fillings materials, false teeth, or crowns, cannot be changed. Therefore, if any fillings are necessary, a lighter shade when compare to the original shade of natural teeth might be used so that the shade after tooth whitening will be about the same. If there are existing crowns, or other types of false teeth, then it might be necessary to replace those crowns or false teeth to match the after-bleaching shade.

The price of bleaching on only ONE tooth (in the case of non-vital tooth) is approximately 1,000 baht per tooth, while the price of bleaching on every tooth varies. The "at-home" bleaching costs approximately 5,000 - 8,000 baht, while the "in-office" type costs around 8,000 - 15,000 baht. The price varies depending on each clinic and promotional campaigns.

"Tooth Whitening" can be done on "natural teeth" only. It cannot be done on any other materials. Therefore, if anyone who wants to have "tooth whitening" has natural teeth, then it is possible to do. This also depends on the original shade and condition of the teeth.

In those who have abnormality of the outter and inner layers (enamel & dentin) of the teeth, it might not be a good idea to do the tooth whitening. Other procedures might be more helpful.

In those who have tooth decay, gum inflammation, cracked tooth, or even gum recession, it might also not be a good idea to do the tooth whitening as there may be more sensitivity than usual. Those abnormalities needed to be corrected prior to the tooth whitening procedure.

Therefore, if anyone would like to whiten thier teeth, it is highly recommended to go see a dentist to have a consultation, select, and pursue a proper tooth whitening technique.

"Tooth Whitening" can be done on every single tooth that has no tooth or gum diseases. Mostly, we do the "tooth whitening" on those teeth that are dark and visible (especially when smile or during speech). The dentist will be the one who choose the best and most appropriate technique for each individual for the best result.
If there are dark teeth or even only one tooth is dark, "tooth whitening" is possible, but the cause of the discoloration is to be analyzed to obtain the most appropriate method, which may not be merely "tooth whitening".

"Tooth Whitening" is the safest and the most conservative way of making teeth white. Therefore, it is alright to do the "tooth whitening" as often as one wishes. This also depends on each individual's satisfaction. Mostly, one will do the "tooth whitening" according to the dentist's precription; for example, the times in a week, or the hours the bleaching gel needs to touch the teeth. Then, it is recommended to do the "touch up" every year in order to refresh the whiteness and make it become more stable and last longer.

It is a good idea to come and see a dentist to have a thorough check-up of the oral cavity. If everything is not ready; for example, there might be gum diseases, tooth decayed, or even calculus (tartar), then these have to be treated prior to the "tooth whitening" process
Taking pain-killer is believed to be helpful in preventing tooth hypersensitivity up to a certain level. The use of desensitizing agents in the form of tooth paste, mouth rinse, or gel, which can be Fluoride, about 2-3 weeks prior to the "tooth whitening" procedure will also be helpful in reducing the tooth hypersensitivity that might happen during the process.

"Tooth Whitening" can help making the tooth color become lighter up to a certain level depending on the original color. The tooth will not be more white if the whiteness has reached its peak. This white-most will stay for about 1 year or longer (about 3-5 years) depending on the behavioral and the post-op care of each person. It is recommended to have a "touch-up" visit every year so that the result will last longer and more stable.

Factors that have effect on tooth color are the following :-
1. Colored food; e.g. fermented vegetable, coloring deserts, soy sauce.
2. Colored beverages; e.g. Sodas (Coke, Pepsi), Tea, Coffee, Red Wine.
3. Smoking cigarettes.
4. Aging. When we get older, the tooth color will look darker or yellower. This is because the composition of the tooth itself has changed. The outtermost layer (enamel) is thinner, so the yellow color of the inner layer (dentin) shows.
5. Position of the tooth. The neck of the tooth has darker shade of color when compare to the edge. The canine will have darker color when compare to other front teeth.
6. Complexion. When we compare the same tooth color on a different background of each individual's complexion, we'll see that the teeth in "white" people seem to look more yellow than those in "dark" people. This is because the background can make teeth looks whiter.

After "tooth whitening", it is strongly recommended to avoid food or beverages that can stain the teeth. Smoking is also not recommended. In order to stabilize and maintain the whiteness of the teeth for a longer period of time, it is advisable to have "home bleach" after the "in-office" type. Besides, to use desensitizing agent might be necessary, especially, immediately after "tooth whitening" or even during the "home bleaching" procedure so that the teeth sensitivity will then be reduced.

Other forms of "tooth whitening"; for example, toothpastes, bleaching strips, can "whiten" the teeth. Since the bleaching property in those products is in a much lower concentration, the use has to be prolong till the result becomes visible. However, there is not sufficient study on the result of such products; therefore, it is still unclear about the exact result and the side effects of those products.

Esthetic and Cosmetic Dentistry nowadays is very popular, and tooth whitening is becoming very well known and seems to be quite interesting to people. Advertisement about Laser Teeth Whitening makes people feel that the teeth that have been "bleached" within just ONE hour will be "white". Some people just ask for merely Laser Teeth Whitening and will immediately left the premise once they heard there is not Laser machine available. This is because the perception about Laser teeth whitening being "best" that can make their teeth the most "white". In fact, Laser Teeth Whitening and other types of In-Office Teeth Whitening have similar effects. Oftentimes, a dentist needs to provide "Home Bleach" set as well so that the patient can improve the "whiteness" and maintain it for a longer period of time. Sensitivity from "any" Tooth Whitening system is likely to happen after the procedure for about a few days.