Bleaching and bonding for the older patient.

UNLABELLED Older people who remain reasonably well may wish to maintain or enhance their dental and oral appearance, preferably at minimal biologic and financial costs. Bleaching and bonding represents a very good treatment option and a sensible strategy for this group. Bleaching addresses the discoloration, while direct composite bonding can improve the shape of worn, or otherwise unaesthetic, teeth without damaging the structure or health of the residual tooth tissue. This pragmatic treatment is well tolerated by older patients. The visual and functional improvements are greatly appreciated by this group, partly because of the non-destructive and affordable nature of the benefits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Bleaching and bonding represents a proven, sensible, pragmatic, affordable and practical approach to managing the aesthetic problems of older patients, and the benefits are achievable without destroying their residual sound tooth tissue.