What is Tooth Whitening?
Tooth whitening encompasses a range of relatively new procedures which lighten the underlying or base colour of a patients teeth.
Why is tooth whitening needed?
Tooth whitening may be required following antibiotic damage to a patients teeth (usually when antibiotics are given to children, whilst the teeth are still forming). Some patients will have a dark coloured dentine, and this colour shines through the enamel. Teeth will darken naturally with age, and this process can be reversed. In addition, teeth will develop extrinsic staining from tea, coffee, smoking, red wine etc.
Does it hurt?
No. Both power bleaching and at home bleaching can cause a temporary increase in sensitivity. However there is usually no discomfort involved. We may advise caution for patients with very sensitive teeth.
How does it work?
The active ingredient penetrates the enamel of the tooth, and combines with and oxidises the colour containing compounds
What does it involve?
For power bleaching, the teeth are individually painted with the active agents and a very powerful light source is used as an activator. It will usually take about an hour to treat all the teeth. For at home bleaching, a mould is taken of the teeth, and a tray made (rather like a boxers gum shield) and a small amount of gel placed in the tray which is worn at night. Typically it will take about three weeks to lighten the teeth.
What will my tooth look like after treatment?
Whiter! There are some important issues to bear in mind, however. The process will not affect crowns or fillings. If these have been matched to the old colour of your teeth, they may become more obvious after treatment. Some teeth will exhibit areas of decalcification where the surface has become demineralised. These will whiten along with the rest of the tooth, but the degree of contrast will remain the same. If this is a problem small cosmetic fillings can hide the defect.
What if it happens again?
Studies have shown about a 30% recurrence of your old tooth colour after three years (we don't have figures for any longer than that). However, the rate of relapse would depend very much on lifestyle. Heavy smokers and drinkers for example would expect a higher rate of relapse.
Is it expensive?
Power bleaching costs £350 for the whole mouth, and at home tooth whitening costs £140 per arch (i.e. for the upper or lower teeth)
Are there alternatives to this treatment?
Yes. Veneers and crowns can be used to permanently alter the colour of your teeth. Veneers are not always suitable and crowns would entail drilling away some of your tooth. You should expect 20 years service from these, however.
Is tooth whitening better for some teeth than others?
Yellow/brown teeth tend to show a greater improvement than grey teeth. The process is particularly suitable for people whose teeth show age related discolouration. Occasionally dentists are asked to make teeth ultra-white (see Hollywood!) These procedures are not suitable for extreme colour changes.
Will it damage my teeth?
No.
Where can this treatment be obtained?
Tooth whitening is a routine dental procedure which we are happy to undertake at Gentle Dental.
