Tooth whitening is a fast, easy and safe procedure to create beautiful white teeth.
There are many reasons teeth discolour including medicines, tobacco, coffee, tea, certain foods and natural aging. Tooth whitening is the best option to safely lighten discoloured teeth.
Tooth Whitening involves taking moulds of your teeth and making a thin tray/guard that holds the bleaching gel unto your teeth. The tray is placed into the mouth for a least two hours a day or overnight. You keep bleaching daily until you are happy with the results.
Before commencing tooth whitening it is important to check your teeth for any holes which will need fixing before you start.
How does tooth whitening work?
The bleach contains carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into tiny molecules (oxygen radicals) and migrate through the tooth breaking down any coloured molecules that cause the tooth discolouration. The entire tooth does not need to be covered by bleach for this to work.
The tooth and existing fillings are not affected or harmed by the bleach. However, we do advise that you stop bleaching two weeks prior to any appoinments where you will be having fillings placed, as it can affect the bonding of new filling material.
How long does bleaching last?
Over time due to lifestyle habits and food/beverage intakes (red wine), the process may need to be redone periodically. The tooth whitening process is safe and we have 'top up' kits available.
Does bleaching harm my teeth or cause any side effects?
There have been numerous studies and research performed showing that enamel, dentine, existing fillings and bonding materials are not affected by tooth whitening.
Side Effects
Tooth sensitivity is a relatively common side effect of tooth whitening. If sensitivity occurs it is usually transient and disappears after stopping bleaching. Please advise us if you have sensitivity and we can recommend products that will help with this.
New Research is showing tooth whitening may help decrease your decay risk by killing bad bacteria!
