Effective Tooth Whitening that will make you Smile
Everyone wants whiter teeth these days. A confident, dazzling smile makes you feel better about yourself while discoloured, unsightly teeth make you want to keep your lips tightly shut to hide the teeth behind them.
For some people, porcelain veneers may be the best way to correct irregular or discoloured teeth. But simple whitening, where possible, is much less invasive (and less expensive).
The procedure is simple and effective. It is also quite safe, as long as important factors are assessed first. Our experience has shown that home whitening using custom made “trays” and whitening gel supplied by your dentist is the most effective way to whiten your teeth.
Before treatment we check the teeth and gums for areas that may become over sensitive during the whitening. We will also be able to predict teeth that may not respond to the treatment because of existing fillings or crowns.
Whitening gels contain various forms and strengths of peroxide as the active ingredient. To ensure the gel stays in contact with the teeth without spilling onto your gums, we make perfectly fitting, vacuum-formed trays to fit closely over your teeth. These are then used at home for one or two hours a day for about two weeks or until your teeth reach the required degree of whiteness. The trays will often last a few years so can be used repeatedly to “top up” the whitening if needed.
The whitening trays are made on plaster models of your teeth, which in turn are cast from impressions of the teeth and gums. It only takes a few minutes to take the impressions so the treatment involves minimal time with the dentist and this keeps costs to a minimum.
FAQs
Can tooth whitening damage the teeth?
When properly planned and supervised, modern tooth whitening causes no lasting damage to the teeth. Although the whitening effect penetrates into the tooth structure, it does not weaken the tooth in anyway.
How long does tooth whitening last?
This varies according to how much strong coloured food and drink a person has in their diet. Many people find the effect of whitening lasts for months or years without fading. However, if you drink a lot of tea, coffee, red wine etc. you may find you need to top up your whitening every six months or so.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity can be a temporary side effect of some whitening procedures. But this is now less common with the gentler products available today. It is also possible to reduce the likelihood of sensitivity by pre-treating the teeth with fluoride gel.
Can all teeth be whitened?
It is nearly always possible to whiten natural teeth. However, most dental materials already in your teeth such as fillings, crowns, and veneers will not respond to whitening. This is not usually a problem with back teeth but a single crown on a front tooth for example may look yellow next to newly whitened teeth. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you have any existing fillings etc. which may affect the final result. One option is to have these replaced to match the newly whitened teeth.
Can whitening be done in the surgery?
There are single visit treatments available including “laser” whitening. We have tried these alternative systems but found the results disappointing. In our experience, home whitening achieves the best results. Whitening takes some time and cannot be rushed.
Do whitening toothpastes work?
Whitening toothpastes can be of some benefit, but their effectiveness is quite limited and will take much longer. This is because the active components necessary are much weaker. They are certainly not strong enough to compare to the home kits supplied by dentists.