Dentistry:
Tooth Whitening
Almost everyone would like whiter teeth. Now it is possible to do this for most people, by means of tooth whitening.
In America, 500,000 whitening treatments are carried out each month and are often the first aesthetic treatment to be undertaken.
There are three methods of whitening vital (live) teeth. Your dentist will help you decide which method is the most suitable for the result you require.
Power Whitening
Zoom! whitening as seen on Extreme Makeover is a very simple and effective procedure for those who wish to whiten teeth quickly. It is done in the dental practice and is 98% successful and very useful for those who are short of time and patience.
Your dentist applies a protective coating to cover your lips, cheeks and gums.
Whitening gel is placed on your teeth and a light is directed over your teeth for fifteen minutes. This is repeated a further two times. The whole procedure takes about an hour.
Home Whitening
This is done at home usually at night in bed or for a few hours at a time. Your dentist fits you with special whitening trays, which hold the whitening gel on your teeth. The concentration of the chemicals is not as strong as with the power whitening. It is a safe and effective treatment at a relatively low cost. The results take a little more time to achieve, usually around two weeks.
Non-vital (dead) teeth can also be treated separately or in combination with the above methods.
Enlighten Extreme Whitening
The difference with this method is the results. Follow your dentists guidelines and your teeth will whiten beyond any other system.
It is a combination treatment which means that there is a 2 week home treatment followed by a one hour visit at the dentist. It works by increasing the tooth permeability to break down stain molecules more efficiently.
Take a look at the before and after images below to see the effectiveness of the treatment.
Over-the-counter kits
There are problems with whitening kits that are purchased over-the-counter or by mail order. Whilst inexpensive, they normally contain a very acidic rinse that can severely damage teeth and gums. We would advise that they are risky and a waste of money. Like any medical intervention that involves part of your body, it is safest when a health professional supervises the treatment.
Most frequently asked questions
Can everybody have the treatment?
In general almost everybody can have the treatment, but the results can vary. There are a small number of people for whom it is advised treatment is not immediate. These include pregnant and lactating women (although there are no known adverse reactions) and patients with pre-existing sensitivity (this should be addressed before commencing whitening treatments). If you have had dental work in your front teeth you may need additional care.
How long does it last?
Re-whitening may be necessary after 2-3 years, but this depends on the amount of staining products you consume. If you need to re-whiten with power whitening, the whole procedure needs to repeated, but probably with fewer gel applications. Alternatively if you have home-whitening trays you can top-up as necessary at home. These are included in the price of your power whitening.
Will the treatment improve the colour of my teeth?
Your teeth will appear brighter and whiter. This is a prerequisite for a healthier, youthful and attractive smile. The improvement is usually several shades lighter. Cosmetic experts say that as a rule of thumb the teeth should be similar in colour, but no lighter than the whites of your eyes.
It should be noted that if you are a smoker or consume large amounts of black coffee, tea or red wine these stains may not be removed and will build up after treatment. It is advisable to see the hygienist prior to treatment to remove intrinsic stains. Also it is best to stop smoking and the consummation of stain creating foods/drinks while undergoing treatment and keep them to a minimum after if you wish to maintain the benefits.
Will the treatment have any effect on my discoloured white filling or my crown?
No. The whitening only affects natural tooth substance so crowns and fillings remain the same colour. The fillings and crowns can be restored to the lighter shade of the teeth after treatment without any problems. Normally the dentist will wait 2 weeks after the completion of whitening before replacing fillings and crowns. It is important that you are aware of this so that any additional treatment is not an unanticipated financial burden.
What happens if the teeth do not whiten evenly?
If the teeth have white spots on them before bleaching, these spots will appear whiter initially.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, but these are minor and not long lasting. The most common is tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation. These generally last for a few days
What if I have any sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of tooth whitening, The best indicator of whether you may experience this side effect is if you personally think that having you teeth professionally cleaned by the dental hygienist is unpleasant. We recommend that you use a sensitivity toothpaste to clean your teeth for a few weeks before and after tooth whitening treatment. We supply a special mousse to treat teeth that are very sensitive and this can be applied inside your whitening trays.
