As we age, our teeth usually become darker. Over the years, different foods, coffee, tea, and tobacco products will turn our teeth into varying shades of a dull yellow. These stains are on the surface of, and barely into, the enamel. Heavy antibiotics as a child can also stain the teeth. These disfiguring stains are actually in the enamel and the dentin of the tooth and not just on the surface of the enamel. These teeth can be lightened to a certain extent by two different methods of bleaching, if the stains are not too deep. The first is a "Power Whitening" system, which is done in the office by Dr. Romans. This is a one-time procedure used on very dark teeth and might lighten the natural teeth as much as two shades. "Power whitening" is recommended for most heavily stained teeth. It is a very powerful technique that must be performed in a controlled, office environment. The second is the in-home bleaching technique in which you bleach your teeth during the night for ten to fourteen days. It is the most commonly used method. Dr. Romans and his staff can advise you as to which of your teeth can be bleached and which method is best suited to your situation. Neither of these bleaching systems will whiten crowns (caps) or white fillings. Bleaching techniques sold over-the-counter in retail stores are basically ineffective.