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The Opportunity | About Us | FAQ | Services | Testimonials | Quote | Contact Us
The most common cosmetic dental procedure is whitening. While many whitening options are now available, dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.
The benefits of whitening include:
- speed - one hour or even less;
- cost - in comparison to other cosmetic treatments it is very affordable; and
- safety - whitening treatment performed by a dentist is very safe.
However, whitening as a treatment may include:
- unpredictable results - put simply, on some patients it works well, on others it is less effective;
- semi permanent effect - the results are semi-permanent. The teeth will eventually discolour again. Discolouration may take place immediately or occur gradually over a few years; and
- sensitivity - some patients experience sensitivity. Sensitivity is treatable.
Why do teeth discolour?
Teeth can become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco. In addition, as a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Certain antibiotic medications (like tetracycline) can also lead to teeth stains or a reduction in the brilliance of the enamel.
What is whitening?
Teeth are whitened using bleach. There are two methods to whiten teeth: bleaching gel and laser bleaching. One method of whitening is done with bleaching gel which is applied to the teeth using thin guard trays. Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are utilized to lighten the shade of the tooth. The oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidizes interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentin layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached. Laser bleaching, is a faster treatment, it utilises light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching. Laser bleaching is carried out in a dental office.
How effective is whitening?
It depends on the patient but between 2 and 4 shades improvement can be expected. The effects of bleaching can last from several months to years but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors which will decrease whitening include smoking and the ingestion of dark colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine.
Some other reasons include:
Naturally darker or discolored teeth - we are not all born with the Pure White tooth gene. Whitening will bring teeth to their original color, but for some people this just isn't enough. In these cases veneers or crowns are the best option.
Dental Work – white fillings and tooth colored crowns will not change color with whitening products.
Roots don't whiten - if gums have receded they may expose the roots of the teeth. These roots are not going to whiten because there is no tooth enamel.
Have a light complexion - teeth appear darker on fair haired, light skinned individuals.
Is whitening safe or does it cause any damage to the Teeth?
When carried about by a qualified dentist whitening is completely safe.
Are there any food or beverages I should avoid after whitening?
Red wine, coffee and other dark coloured liquids should be avoided immediately after treatment.
Will my teeth be sensitive?
Sensitivity is a possible side effect of bleaching and can be treated.