|
Back to Top of Page
Back to Top of Page
Back to Top of Page
Reply: You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: A popular method for treating moderately stained or discoloured teeth is bleaching. This is necessary to deal with stains that cannot be removed with regular professional cleanings. Millions of people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. Whiter teeth are more attractive and tooth bleaching safely lightens the colour of the teeth, lasting for up to three years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea, or smoking. For example, yellowish colored teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-tinged teeth may not bleach at all.
Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile.
In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, you probably shouldn't opt for bleaching.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: The active ingredient in most of the whitening agents is 10 percent carbamide peroxide (CH4N202), also known as urea peroxide; when water contacts this white crystal, the release of hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Teeth can be whitened by several methods:
Dental Supervision
Chairside bleaching is done in the dental office and usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. A shield protects the teeth from the oxidizing agent which is "painted" onto the teeth. A special light may be used at five-minute intervals to help activate the agent. Sometimes the teeth may become sensitive following bleaching treatments. This procedure may require more than one office visit.
With nightguard bleaching, a mouthguard is custom-made. The bleaching gel is dispensed to the patient by a dentist. The patient places the gel into the mouthguard which is worn up to two hours daily or at night for about two weeks. Some bleaching agents say you can wear them all night but your teeth may get very sensitive after doing this. You may continue using the product until you reach your desired whiteness. Sometimes you can not achieve the desired whiteness and will have to settle for something less.
The dentist may have you come in periodically to check the progress and the reaction to the gum tissue, if any. Noticeable improvement usually takes place within 2 weeks. After you have lightened your teeth, you may need to periodically (once every couple of months) bleach them for a session to keep the whiteness. Average cost is £110- 170 per arch (top or bottom). People with gum recession and certain dental conditions may not be good candidates for this type of bleaching. These products are not recommended for habitual tobacco and alcohol users.
At-Home Procedures and Products
There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Many of these products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the surfaces of the teeth. These products typically rely on 10 percent carbamide peroxide (which is equivalent to 3 percent hydrogen peroxide). In the last decade, carbamide peroxide has been demonstrated as a safe and effective whitening agent when used as directed.
Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard, which you wear for about two hours a day over about two weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely.
Toothpastes.
There are a number of toothpastes currently available that rely on chemical or polishing agents to remove surface stains from the surface of the teeth. Many of these types of products will be effective while you are using them to remove stains.
Although over the counter products have been approved and shown to be generally safe when used as directed. However, many dentists do not encourage their use because uninformed use of such products can cause both injury and less than optimal results when used improperly. If you have any doubts about how to use such products make sure and consult with a dentist.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Several studies have proven the safety of teeth bleaching during the past five years. The American Dental Association has also granted its seal of approval to some tooth bleaching products. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, this will resolve when the treatment ends.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Lightness should last for about one to five years depending your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you could use a touch up. The procedure will not be as costly the next time because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: This technique may be safe, but the American Dental Association has not evaluated it. Laser whitening products have not been submitted to the ADA for testing, nor has the ADA seen any published data on the safety and effectiveness of laser whitening.
Back to Top of Page
Question: How effective is Teeth Bleaching?Reply: No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different. However, typically there is a two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. Bleaching can only provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not lighten artificial materials such as resins, silicates or porcelains.
The success rate depends upon the type of stain and how well your take care of your teeth.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramics, which are bonded to the front of teeth. Increasingly popular since the late 1980's, porcelain veneers have been used to improve the appearance of the front teeth.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Veneers are used to correct many of the same things as bonding. Veneers may be an option instead of a crown in covering a partially broken front tooth. They are much stronger and last longer than bonding does but are more expensive and time consuming to have done. Veneers can: cover up discoloration and stains in front teeth brighten teeth repair a damaged (chipped) tooth change the shape or size of your teeth.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: They are much stronger than bonding. They will not pick up stain like bonding does. They do not become dull over time like bonding does. Veneers last longer than bonding. Most people should get at least 4-5 years from a veneer with reports of veneers lasting more than 10 years. How long they last will depend on how a person uses their teeth.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: They are more expensive than bonding (typically £220- £320 per tooth, but only £170 from us). They are more time consuming to prepare and cannot be done in one sitting.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Porcelain veneers are not "instant orthodontics," and in most instances, they are not a substitute for braces. Patients with very crooked teeth should consider braces first. However, patients with teeth that need minor movement may be suitable for porcelain veneers. The appearance of crowded front teeth can be corrected with porcelain veneers when the back teeth have a good bite.
Back to Top of Page
Reply: Patients must have fairly sound tooth structure. Persons who are not good candidates for veneers include those with: periodontal disease, teeth that are severely broken down, little or no enamel remaining
Back to Top of Page
The first appointment may consist of an initial consultation. The consultation includes an evaluation of the present conditions, a visual examination, and sometimes X-rays.
During the second appointment (lasting 1-2 hours) the teeth are prepared by essentially sanding off a small amount of enamel, making a mold of the tooth and sending it to a lab to make the veneer.
During the final appointment (lasting 1-2 hours) the veneer color is first adjusted. Once the final decision on color is made, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth. Then a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement. Excess cement is removed. It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Have more than one consultation if necessary to feel comfortable that your dentist understands your objectives.
Back to Top of Page
Question: How do I care for my veneers?Reply: You will go through an adjustment period of a week or two as you get used to your "new" teeth. Follow normal hygiene procedures by brushing and flossing daily. At first, flossing may seem "tight" because of tiny amounts of excess cement that may remain. After one or two weeks, you may return for a follow-up appointment for minor adjustments of the veneers and additional cement removal,if necessary.
|
