Teeth Whitening
Why Consider Teeth Whitening?
Tooth whitening is the most popular and least expensive cosmetic dental treatment available. Everyone loves shiny white teeth, but over the years teeth can become stained and discoloured.
Teeth can become stained from the outside, (known as extrinsic discolouration). This is where your dental enamel becomes stained from things outside your body such as foods, plaque and tartar, smoking and drinks.
Teeth can also be stained from the inside, (known as intrinsic discolouration). This is where your teeth become discoloured from things inside your body. This includes medicines, medical treatments, dental trauma, ageing, and dental infections.
Some medications such as tetracycline or doxycycline antibiotics can cause intrinsic discolouration in children whose teeth are still being formed. When cells are making enamel and dentine, and the tooth is forming, fevers and illness can disrupt the process and lead to bands of different colours within the tooth.
Teeth whitening (also known as teeth bleaching) can help to remove extrinsic stains from your teeth enamel, and this might mask the underlying colour of darker dentine.
No matter the teeth whitening option you consider, remember that teeth whitening alone will not change the colour of any dental work you have had done previously such as white fillings or veneers. Whitening should always be considered before any major cosmetic dental work.
Many people have their teeth whitened before life events such as school formals, weddings, significant anniversaries or before having family or business photos taken.
Why Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Is Not Effective
Over the counter teeth whitening options such as whitening toothpaste can contain mild abrasives to scrub the surface enamel of your teeth. This may move some extrinsic stain but will not remove the deeper stains within the enamel. If used to excess enamel can become thin and dull.
Over the counter strips, gel pens and DIY kits contain heavily diluted bleaching chemicals to whiten teeth. Over the counter options range from 3% to 25% active ingredients, whereas dentist applied or provided options contain up to 37.5% active ingredients.
Strips are probably the most efficient over the counter product. They fit against your teeth and hold the product against your enamel. However, they are a bit tricky to manage and may not cover enough teeth.
One thing to remember is that over the counter teeth whitening treatments don’t work well enough to mask tooth discolouration from intrinsic factors.
What Are My Options for Teeth Whitening Treatments in Alderley?
Our recommended technique is a take-home kit with customised tray delivery system. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular dental cosmetic treatments in our dental clinic.
Having your dentist work with you to whiten your teeth is currently the only proven way to deliver sustainable results that are not harmful to your teeth.
We offer two different teeth whitening options: in-chair and take-home teeth whitening packs using Pola advanced tooth whitening products.
The In-chair procedure uses a very strong hydrogen peroxide gel to remove stains from within the enamel surface of your teeth. A barrier is placed to protect your gums and lips, and the gel is painted onto your teeth. The take-home kit is also supplied to make sure you get the best result.
Take home customised trays hold a thin layer of the whitening gel against the surface of your teeth and do not allow saliva, lips or tongue to disturb the process. They are very comfortable and allow you to whiten whenever you want.
The advantage of this system is that it allows you, the patient, complete control over the process. You can whiten as little or as much as you like. Dramatic results can be achieved in just a few days.
One thing to remember is that teeth whitening is not suitable for all people and conditions, and only a dentist can advise you on what will work for you and your needs.
What Happens During Take-Home Teeth Whitening?
Take home teeth whitening needs two appointments a few days apart. The first appointment is for a thorough clean and polish, as well as taking impressions of your teeth.
The second appointment is to show you how to apply the whitening gel and wear the trays.
You then wear your teeth tray with your gel for the amount of time each day as discussed with your dentist. Optimal results are obtained after two weeks of daily use.
Keep your teeth trays and use them for maintenance. After a routine clean and polish, you might do one treatment to keep the result you achieved. Pola whitening gel can be purchased from Meg Bowtell Dentist.
What Happens During In-Chair Teeth Whitening?
In-chair teeth whitening is often called one-hour teeth whitening and is designed for people who are looking for an instant whitening boost.
In-chair teeth whitening ideally needs two appointments a few days apart. The first appointment is for a thorough clean and polish, as well as taking impressions of your teeth to make customised teeth trays to hold your whitening product.
The second appointment is to fit your teeth trays and then apply dental clinic strength Pola over three 8-minute applications.
You get to take your teeth trays home, using another Pola whitening gel you can continue the whitening process and have the trays to maintain your new whiter smile.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
Dentist teeth whitening can last for up to two years depending on your teeth and lifestyle factors. Whitening does not make your teeth stain resistant.
Tips for Maintaining White Teeth
Regular dentist check-ups and clean can help reduce plaque and tartar build-up and remove stains between dental whitening.
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Discuss the impact on your teeth of any medications you may be prescribed with your doctor.
Want Effective Teeth Whitening in Alderley?
If you are looking to have a brighter smile, then book a teeth whitening appointment with Meg Bowtell Dentist in Alderley.