TOOTH WHITENING
Tooth whitening is a great way to boost your self confidence and dazzle with your sparkling smiles.
Tooth whitening is a relatively quick and simple way to help you look your best.
There are two ways to whiten teeth:
1. Take home whitening system – This is the most popular form of whitening. It provides great results and is relatively inexpensive. 2 appointments usually necessary-1st to take an impression and get the trays custom made in the lab. The 2nd appt to ensure the trays fit, teach the patient how to use the trays and to clean their teeth. Trays are usually worn while you sleep for just 7 nights. This may need to be prolonged if your teeth are particularly dark or a greyish shade. Newer products claim to be able to produce the same results in 3 days or by wearing the trays twice a day for ½ an hour at a time. It has yet to be proven that this method will provide the same result.
2. In chair whitening – we have found that Zoom produces the best results. A light is used to enhance the effects of the whitening gel. The process usually takes between 1 – 1 ½ hrs during which the gums, cheek and other soft tissue are covered to prevent whitening gel from making contact with them. The advantage of this method is that it is relatively quick. The disadvantage is that it produces more sensitivity which is temporary. To bet the best results from in chair whitening you should still have custom made trays made which you should wear 2-3 times about 48 hrs after you’re in chair session.
General information:
It is essential that you consult a dentist before whitening and not just a beauty clinic. Both systems will produce the same results the difference is time and cost. If your teeth are discoloured by medication such as tetracycline you will need a very prolonged period of Treatment to produce a satisfactory result.
If your teeth are a grey shade they will take longer and wont go as light as yellowish teeth. If your teeth have translucent edges whitening could exacerbate this. If your front teeth are heavily filled or you have a crown or veneer whiting might not be for you as it will make these restorations stand out more. If you have gum disease and recession or exposed root surfaces of you teeth these will need to be assessed before whitening. If you are after the very artificial white toilet bowl look teeth whitening will not fulfil your expectations.
During the whitening period you should avoid food and drinks that stain e.g. tea and coffee, red wine, curries and smoking. Make your appt to assess your suitability for TW at least a month before any big event. This will allow time to get your teeth cleaned and trays made and prolonged periods for whitening should you require it. Use your whitening trays the night before your event to ensure that extra sparkle on the day. A tan and dark lipstick will make your teeth look even whiter.
To read Perfect Smiles article on teeth whitening click here
To read Big Smile article on teeth whitening click here
To read The White Stuff on teeth whitening click here
To read Tried and Tested on teeth whitening click here
To read Make your bite bright and white on teeth whitening click here