Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to ADA guidelines, which statement about over-the-counter whitening products is accurate?
- They are as effective as professional treatments for intrinsic stains
- The ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates safety and efficacy have been reviewed (Correct answer)
- They are not regulated and should be avoided entirely
- They are only safe for patients under age 30
Correct answer: The ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates safety and efficacy have been reviewed
The ADA Seal of Acceptance on a whitening product means the manufacturer has provided scientific evidence of safety and efficacy reviewed by the ADA.
Question 2: What is 'rebound' in the context of teeth whitening?
- A secondary bleaching effect after treatment ends
- The gradual return of tooth color toward the pre-whitening shade (Correct answer)
- An allergic reaction to peroxide that worsens over time
- Re-staining that occurs within 24 hours only
Correct answer: The gradual return of tooth color toward the pre-whitening shade
Rebound refers to the natural process where teeth slowly return toward their original shade over weeks to months after whitening treatment ends.
Question 3: A patient with known sensitivity should use a tray for how long per session when starting at-home whitening?
- The full recommended time immediately
- Start with shorter sessions (e.g., 30–60 minutes) and gradually increase (Correct answer)
- Wear the tray for 24 hours continuously at first
- Skip the first week entirely before beginning treatment
Correct answer: Start with shorter sessions (e.g., 30–60 minutes) and gradually increase
For sensitive patients, starting with shorter wear times allows the teeth to acclimate and reduces the risk of significant sensitivity or pulp irritation.
Question 4: Which whitening method provides the most immediate and dramatic single-visit result?
- Daily use of whitening strips for 1 week
- Overnight at-home trays with 10% carbamide peroxide
- In-office power bleaching with 35–40% hydrogen peroxide (Correct answer)
- Whitening toothpaste used for 4 weeks
Correct answer: In-office power bleaching with 35–40% hydrogen peroxide
In-office power bleaching using high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (35–40%) delivers the most dramatic whitening in a single appointment.
Question 5: Why should whitening treatment be postponed for patients with untreated cavities?
- Peroxide destroys the dentin required for future fillings
- The bleaching gel can penetrate decay and cause severe pulp pain or damage (Correct answer)
- Cavities increase the cost of whitening significantly
- Fluoride in whitening products worsens cavity formation
Correct answer: The bleaching gel can penetrate decay and cause severe pulp pain or damage
Bleaching gel can seep into cavities and reach the pulp, causing intense pain or irreversible pulp damage if decay is present.
Question 6: What distinguishes 'extrinsic' from 'intrinsic' tooth stains?
- Extrinsic stains are inside the dentin; intrinsic are on the enamel surface
- Extrinsic stains are on the outer tooth surface; intrinsic are within the tooth structure (Correct answer)
- Extrinsic stains occur in children; intrinsic stains occur in adults only
- Extrinsic stains require bleaching; intrinsic stains require only polishing
Correct answer: Extrinsic stains are on the outer tooth surface; intrinsic are within the tooth structure
Extrinsic stains are deposits on the outer enamel surface from food or tobacco, while intrinsic stains are embedded within the dentin or enamel structure itself.
Question 7: Which factor most significantly determines how long whitening results last?
- The brand of whitening product used
- The patient's natural tooth color before whitening
- Post-whitening dietary habits and maintenance care (Correct answer)
- The type of tray (custom vs. boil-and-bite) used
Correct answer: Post-whitening dietary habits and maintenance care
How long results last depends most on lifestyle factors such as consumption of staining foods/drinks, tobacco use, and adherence to maintenance whitening.
Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening 5
According to ADA guidelines, which statement about over-the-counter whitening products is accurate?