TOOTH WHITENING
Over the years, like almost everyone else, you may have noticed natural build up of organic pigments on your teeth. Coloured proteins from coffee, tea, wine and other foods have darkened the natural whiteness of your teeth. The use of tobacco, antibiotics and certain minerals usually speeds the darkening process.
Procedures have been developed to whiten or bleach teeth over the last ten years in America and have had excellent results for hundreds of thousands of people. Whitening treatment s should only be done under the supervision of a dentist following a proper examination and diagnosis of the discoloured teeth. Whiteners with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance or with the European CE mark have proven they meet high standards for safety and effectiveness.
With home whitening, a mouth guard is custom-made to fit your teeth accurately. The patient places the gel, carbamide peroxide which equates to 3.6% hydrogen peroxide into the mouth guard and wears the guard for up to two hours daily and/or at night for two to five weeks. We recommend whitening the upper teeth first, using the lower teeth as a colour control. When you are happy with the degree of whitening achieved or when you seem to have reached the plateau of whitening on these teeth, we suggest you contact us again for a further consultation if you wish to consider the whitening of the lower teeth.
Just about everyone is a candidate for whitening procedure. People with significant periodontal (gum) disease, however may not be suitable. Unsightly fillings may be better treated by restorative procedures. Heavy smokers should note that whitening will relapse more quickly if smoking continues.
Peroxide solutions have been available for many years as an antiseptic in the mouth. They have only more recently been used for their whitening effect. Research indicates that use of carbamide peroxide (equivalent to 3.6% hydrogen peroxide) as directed in your instruction sheet is entirely safe. Some patients feel discomfort in the teeth after whitening procedures. This normally disappears after about 12 hours of refraining form the whitening treatment. Sensitivity can be further reduced by using a fluoride gel or a sensitive toothpaste (preferably one containing potassium nitrate). This can be placed in the tray and can be worn at night.
We are happy to offer various strategies for successful whitening, which are tailored to individual patient needs. Under the correct supervision, the process can be tailored to achieve maximum uniformity of colour e.g. to avoid white flecks being made whiter.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does whitening work? Click to view the process
The carbamide peroxide is converted to hydrogen peroxide, which is a gentle oxygenating agent that penetrates the enamel and dentine, breaks up deposits lodged in the tooth structure and then carries away the debris.
How long will it take?
You will usually see results right away, normally within a few days of starting the whitening process. The complete process takes between two to five weeks but treatment will vary depending on the source and depth of the discolouration.
How long will it last?
Non-smokers who don't drink coffee or tea often see little or no relapse for years. But your own long-term results will depend pn your habits and specific foods you eat. Based on those variables, some patients may require a 'freshen up' treatment once a year or so. As a guide, 'freshen up' treatment takes about one seventh as long as the original whitening.
Will whitening damage my teeth
Safety studies have shown that whitening teeth using 3.6% hydrogen peroxide home whitening technique is perfectly safe on the teeth, cheeks, gum and tissue of the mouth. Whitening the teeth with the dentist prescribed kits, which we use at this practice, is equivalent to drinking one soda drink. The whitening we supply has a pH of 6.5.
What if I have further questions?
Please feel free to ask the dentist or practice staff at your next visit.