Nightguard vital bleaching beneath existing porcelain veneers: a case report

Dentist-prescribed, at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide was used to lighten the apparent color of teeth with preexisting porcelain veneers. Veneers had been placed over unprepared, tetracycline-stained teeth; the translucency of the veneers over the discolored teeth resulted in a graying of the veneers. A custom-fitted tray with no reservoirs and no gingival scalloping was fabricated. A 10% carbamide peroxide material was applied nightly for 9 months to achieve the maximum change in the underlying tooth color. The patient was pleased with the apparent color change. Tooth sensitivity during treatment was minimal (lasting 4 days total); the patient treated sensitivity by brushing with a potassium nitrate-containing toothpaste or applying fluoride in the tray.