Request for White Teeth Tops Survey

The recent 2003 American Dental Association (ADA)/Colgate Oral Health Trend Survey revealed that 64% of dentists ranked tooth whitening as the number-1 requested procedure by patients between 40 and 60 years old.

Veneers, bonding, or crowns came in second, with 58%.

There are 2 ways to achieve tooth whitening. A product with peroxide can bleach the tooth, removing deep and surface stains. Nonbleaching whitening products with agents that work by physical or chemical action help remove surface stains.

The ADA recommends that patients speak with their dentist to determine the most appropriate whitening treatment. A complete oral examination by a dentist is crucial to determine whether bleaching is the best course of treatment.