Smile Designing

Tooth Whitening

What is tooth whitening?

Natural colour of the teeth can be lightening in a very effective way without removing/ damaging any of the tooth surface by a procedure known as Tooth Whitening. It may not completely change the existing colour of the tooth but enlightenment of existing shade can be seen.

Why would I need my teeth whitened?

Every individual is different; and just like our skin color, eye color and hair color vary, same way our teeth color vary. Limited people have bright-white teeth, and our teeth naturally gets discolored by ageing process.

Coloured foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and blackcurrant will lead to staining of the teeth. Smoking is one of the key reasons for teeth staining. Some people may have stains on their teeth surface because of antibiotics usage or affected by fluorosis.

Whatever the reason might be Better teeth color will give us a Confident smile.

What does tooth whitening involve?

Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. We will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. Firstly we shall put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. They will then apply the whitening product on the teeth,‘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.

What other procedures are there?

There is now laser whitening or ‘power whitening’. During this procedure a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and the colour change can be achieved more quickly.

How long does chair-side power whitening take?

In office procedure will take an hour but frequency will vary from individual to individual.

How much does tooth whitening cost?

Charges will vary from practice to practice and region to region. Laser or power whitening will be more expensive than professional bleaching. We recommend you get an estimate of the cost before you start any treatment.

What are the side effects?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

What about whitening toothpastes?

There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining. Therefore, they may improve the overall appearance of your teeth but many of the whitening tooth paste use high abrasives which can lead to damage of your tooth surfaces.

Can a single tooth which has been root filled be whitened?

Yes, that can be done.

When might tooth whitening not work?

Whitening procedure works only on natural teeth and does not work on artificial prosthesis like crowns, bridges or dentures. Also whitening procedure may not be effective if there is stains, calculus on the natural teeth.

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 drinks you have that can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discoloration and staining.

We recommend the following tips to take care of your teeth:

Twice a day brushing.
Reduce sugar based foods and drinks.
Regular dental visit.

Maintaining Your Results

To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, dentists are likely to recommend:

Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
Practicing excellent oral hygiene – brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.

Facts you should know about teeth whitening

Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth.
Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal.
Stains on teeth cannot be removed overnight.
Caps and veneers cannot be whitened.
Not everyone’s teeth can be perfectly white.

Bleaching vs. Whitening: What’s the Difference?

According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” is permitted to be used only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach — typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

The term “whitening” on the other hand, refers to restoring a tooth’s surface color by removing dirt and debris. So technically speaking, any product that is used to clean the teeth (like a toothpaste) is considered a whitener. Of course, the term whitening sounds better than bleaching, so it is more frequently used — even when describing products that contain bleach.

Dental Veneers / Laminates

A dental veneer is an ultra-thin shell of tooth-colored porcelain or composite that is cemented over the facial surfaces of your teeth to correct dental issues including worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, tooth discoloration, and chips or cracks.

Although veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they help makeover smiles with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth, they also boast protective qualities and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Other benefits include durability, an improved smile appearance, and the need for little-to-no removal of tooth structure compared to crowns

Over the past 30 years, developing dental technology has made veneers more lifelike and convenient than ever before. New types of porcelain are stronger and reflect light similarly to natural dental enamel. Digital imaging systems enable many dentists to create same-day restorations that are a near-perfect match to the natural shape and color of patients’ teeth. Additionally, other advanced dental treatments such as teeth whitening and dental crowns can be combined with veneers to provide patients with comprehensive cosmetic results and truly stunning smiles.

Eligible Candidates

Cracks on the teeth
Spaces between teeth
Minor misalignment
Teeth discoloration

In order to have porcelain veneers placed, patients should:

Have good periodontal and overall oral health
Be committed to proper oral care and hygiene
Have specific cosmetic goals, which they can articulate to their dentists at their initial consultations, as well as realistic expectations

Are you a Candidate?

To determine if you are a candidate for dental veneers, your dentist will schedule a preliminary consultation during which your oral health will be evaluated and all available treatment options discussed. (Most dentists prefer to offer patients the most minimally invasive options.) Treatment involving tooth preparation is irreversible, so it is important that your dentist discuss any alternatives that provide the same results but with minimal to no removal of tooth structure. If you and your dentist decide that veneers are the best option, the next step involves a thorough review of treatment details, including preparing your teeth for your specific veneer procedure and what will be necessary for them to look and fit correctly.

Recovery and Post-Procedure Care

Veneers are durable and have been shown to last for many years before requiring replacement. Seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular examinations and dental cleanings is important for maintaining the health of your mouth and longevity of your restorations.

Aftercare is extremely important. Chipped or fractured porcelain veneers cannot be repaired, so your dentist will advise you of the costs and added time associated with replacing a damaged restoration.

To reduce the risk of damage, do not bite or chew on hard objects such as nut shells or bones, and do not use your teeth to open or tear packages. Your dentist also may advise you to avoid certain foods that could cause damage.

Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, and be sure to use a non-abrasive toothpaste. Because veneers are highly polishable, the risk of staining them with food or drink after the procedure is complete is greatly reduced. However, brushing after drinking red wine, coffee, tea or soda is advisable.

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR NEW SMILE!!!