Teeth whitening

Retaining the natural whiteness of teeth is difficult. As we age, teeth naturally discolor and lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking red wine, tea and coffee all stain teeth. Yellow teeth can affect a patients' confidence. Whitening teeth with cosmetic dentistry restores confidence and leaves patients proud of their smile.

Teeth whitening options

Depending on how much the patient wishes to lighten teeth and how badly stained or discolored teeth are before treatment depends on the type of tooth whitening method that is recommended.

Home whitening

Home whitening treatments not supplied by a dental clinic include a low-strength peroxide gel that is applied to mouth-guards and the mouth-guards are worn overnight. Home tooth whitening kits will improve the color of teeth that are only slightly discolored. Teeth that have significantly yellowed cannot be lightened using home-bleaching kits as the peroxide is too diluted.

Teeth whitening kits and teeth whitening gels to use at home can cause damage to teeth if used extensively and can weaken tooth enamel. Dentists do not recommend the use of pharmacy purchased whitening treatments. Patients who wish to whiten teeth at home are advised to consult a dentist and use a professional tooth whitening kit designed to protect tooth enamel as well as whiten teeth.

Professional tooth bleaching

Professional tooth bleaching kits supplied by dentists for use at home include a custom made mouth-guard and the correct strength of concentrated peroxide to suit individual patients. The amount of lightening required and the strength of the tooth enamel is taken into consideration and a bleaching solution that will not harm the tooth enamel is given.

In-office whitening allows cosmetic dentists to enhance the results of tooth whitening procedures. The difference between home-whitening and in-office whitening is the strength of the peroxide.

Cosmetic dentists can whiten teeth making them up to 8 shades lighter using tooth bleaching techniques.

Cosmetic dentists use a highly concentrated peroxide solution to bleach teeth to the desired level of whiteness by applying the bleach directly to the tooth surface. Bleach is normally left on teeth for 30 minutes.

Laser tooth whitening

Laser tooth whitening is the most advanced method of tooth whitening available. Known as power whitening because of the dramatic and quick results, laser tooth whitening is the most suitable option for people who wish to see instant results or whose teeth are highly discolored or stained.

After protecting the gums using a dental dam, cosmetic dentists apply a high concentration peroxide directly to the surface of teeth. The higher the concentrate of peroxide, the more dramatic the results. Once the bleach has been applied to teeth, dentists activate the peroxide by shining a high intensity laser light onto the teeth. This accelerates the bleaching process and improves the ability of the bleaching solution to remove ingrained stains on teeth.

Many dentists now use a dental bleaching gel. As the laser light heats the gel it activates the bleach crystals which penetrate the tooth making laser teeth whitening the best option to remove stains.

Laser teeth bleaching procedures usually take one hour to complete however this varies between patients.