What
is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening can
be a highly effective way of lightening
the natural colour of your teeth without
removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot
make a complete colour change; but it will
lighten the existing shade.
Why would I need my
teeth whitened?
There are a number of
reasons why you might get your teeth whitened.
Everyone is different; and just as our
hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth.
Very few people have brilliant-white teeth,
and our teeth can also become more discoloured
as we get older.
Your teeth can also be stained on the surface through food and drinks such
as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.
Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some people may have
staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny
cracks in the teeth which take up stains.
What does tooth whitening
involve?
Professional bleaching
is the most common form of tooth whitening.
Your dentist will be able to tell you if
you are suitable for the treatment, and
will supervise it if you are. First the
dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel
on your gums to protect the soft tissue.
They will then apply the whitening product
to your teeth, using a specially made tray
which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield.
The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide
or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets
into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.
How
long does this take?
The total treatment
can usually be done within three to four
weeks. First, you will need two or three
visits to the dentist. Your dentist will
need to make a mouthguard and will take
impressions for this at the first appointment.
Once your dentist has started the treatment,
you will need to continue the treatment
at home. This means regularly applying
the whitening product over two to four
weeks, for 30 minutes to one hour at a
time.
However, there are now some new products which can be applied for up to eight
hours at a time. This means a satisfactory result can be achieved in as little
as one week. |
|
How long will my teeth
stay whiter?
The effects of whitening
can last up to three years. However, this
will vary from person to person. The effect
is less likely to last as long if you smoke,
or eat or drink products that can stain
your teeth. Ask your dentist for their
opinion before you start the treatment.
How can I look after
my teeth once they have been whitened?
You can help to keep
your teeth white by cutting down on the
amount of food and drink you have that
can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping
smoking can also help prevent discolouring
and staining.
We recommend the following tips to care for your teeth:
- Brush your teeth twice
a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Cut down on how often
you have sugary snacks and drinks.
- Visit your dentist
at least once a year
|
