[Bleaching of teeth: a review].

Bleaching of vital and non-vital teeth is becoming a routine procedure in esthetic dentistry. In a relative safe way many types of discoloration can be treated. Four treatment systems are available at present. For an appropriate choice it is essential to know the cause of the discoloration. Long term results are still scarce. Most treatment systems show slight to moderate side-effects, varying from demineralisation of enamel to soft tissue problems.