Teeth Whitenening

Below:

What causes my teeth to darken?

Adult teeth are not normally bright white but more of a creamy white/yellow.
As we age our teeth naturally become darker in appearance. Our teeth can also become stained due to smoking, drinking tea, coffee and red wine.
Illness too can affect the colour of our teeth as can the use of certain antibiotics in childhood.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves applying a solution of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) to the outside surfaces of the teeth. As the peroxide penetrates the teeth they become lighter in colour.

Teeth whitening has been popular in the US for decades. However, the last five years has seen a growing demand for teeth whitening in Ireland.

Most people choose to have their teeth whitened for cosmetic reasons – a brighter, whiter smile. However, teeth whitening, in certain circumstances, can be used as cheaper and less painful alternative to veneers.

What does the procedure involve?

Before your teeth are whitened you should have a dental exam to ensure that your teeth are free of decay and leaking fillings and that your gums andmouth are healthy. Your dentist will also investigate why your teeth are discoloured in the first place.

  • Home bleaching Home bleaching using 3% hydrogen peroxide and a specially constructed tray is economical, convenient and produces equivalent results to other techniques. Ideally it should be carried out under the supervision of a dentist. This treatment is available in Ireland for approximately 350 Euro.

Before beginning treatment your dentist will record the shade of your teeth. This is necessary to monitor progress of bleaching. He will then advise the correct choice of bleaching kit and make a clear plastic mouth tray like a mouth-guard to fit your mouth. The bleaching gel is syringed into the tray and is worn for two to six weeks, usually at night. The snug fit of the tray will maximise contact between bleaching gel and tooth surface. It will also minimise contact of the bleaching gel with the surrounding soft tissues including the gums. The majority of people see an improvement after two weeks but it can take up to six months.

Some kits also supply a second higher concentration gel, which can be used to speed up the process and shorten the bleaching period. However, moving to the higher concentration increases the risk of side-effects, especially tooth sensitivity. Ongoing supervision by a dentist is essential to monitor the progress of bleaching and to deal with any unwanted side effects.

  • In-surgery bleaching Dentists use the same basic materials that come with home bleaching kits but have the advantage of using techniques to speed up the process. The most important of these is the use a much stronger concentration of bleach. The peroxide solution is painted on to the tooth surfaces and a high intensity light is beamed on to the teeth. This can produce a satisfactory result in one long session or in shorter sessions over three to five days.

This treatment carries a greater risk of tooth sensitivity and injury to soft tissues. Despite some claims to the contrary, there is no evidence to show that in surgery bleaching produces a better result than dentist supervised home bleaching. The price can vary from 600 to 1,200 Euro depending on the time spent in the surgery.

A compromise between dentist supervised home bleaching and in-surgery bleaching can be achieved by combining one in surgery application at the dentist with home bleaching. This lowers the cost to approximately 600 Euro and lessens the time required for an acceptable result.

Is it safe?

The sale of teeth whiteners in the EU is actually against the law. EU law does not permit the sale of products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide; teeth whitening products typically contain 3% and higher.
However, teeth whitening kits containing 3% hydrogen peroxide (bleach) have a long-term safety record.

Using a higher concentration of peroxide, using too much peroxide or leaving the bleach on the teeth for too long can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, mouth and gums. For these reasons it is always advisable that teeth whitening always be carried out under the supervision of a dentist.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Teeth whitening may not be suitable for you if:

  • You already have crowns or bridges as their colour will not lighten when bleached. White fillings may need to be repaired or replaced after whitening for the same reason.
  • You are pregnant.
  • You smoke and drink alcohol as high doses of hydrogen peroxide can make you more vulnerable to the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol.

Are there any side-effects?

The commonest side effect of bleaching is tooth sensitivity. This can be prevented before bleaching by using toothpaste for sensitive teeth for two to three weeks before the procedure. If the teeth are very sensitive either during or after bleaching the dentist may recommend applying special desensitising toothpaste to the teeth on a tray for between 10 to 30 minutes.

Some people complain of gum irritation and a chemical taste in the mouth. Asking your dentist to make up a proper fitting tray for your mouth will decrease the chance of peroxide leaking on to the gums and causing irritation.

Do teeth whitening toothpastes work?

Some toothpastes promise quick tooth whitening results. However, there is no evidence to suggest that they work. Recent additions to the teeth whitening market include dental strips and paint on whiteners that can apply peroxide to individual teeth, which can offer promising results.
 
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