Teeth Whitening - Emergency Dentist London
Things You should know about teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening (bleaching) is a cosmetic procedure to make your teeth shade lighter.
There are many types of teeth bleaching ( home kits, in office whitening) designed to patients conditions and needs. A dentist will advise which type of whitening is the best for you.
Whitening agent that is used in both techniques is Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide.
When applied to the teeth it creates an oxidation reaction that penetrate enamel and dentine to break down stains and discolorations.
In office whitening:
Is the most effective and the fastest technique of teeth bleaching. After one hour on dental chair you can enjoy your brighter smile.
In this technique whitening gel is applied on patient’s teeth and a light is used to activate bleaching solution.
Home whitening kits.
Home whitening kit contains customized tray and syringe of whitening gel. Patient applies gel into a tray and put it on their teeth. Bleaching agent it less concentrated than in in office technique and it takes more time to obtain desirable results.
Results of whitening.
Teeth whitening offers a very effective solution against yellow or stained teeth caused by consumption of tobacco or tea, coffee, red wine or other foods and beverages. Many people see a noticeable difference after only one whitening session, while others may need repeated applications over a few days. Results depend on the strength of the whitening solution and which procedure is used.
The effects of whitening can last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.
You need to know that there are always risks with such a treatment, and that you might not get the desired effect every time.
Whitening changes only natural teeth colour. Fillings, porcelain crowns don’t change their colour.
Side effects of teeth whitening.
One of the common sides effects of teeth whitening is sensitivity. It can be treated by using fluoride varnishes or tooth pastes for sensitive teeth.
Another common side effect that may occur is gum irritation. It disappears after several hours.
Contraindications:
- Gum and periodontal disease
- Teeth attrition
- Dental caries
- Dentine hypersensitivity
- Leaky fillings
- Pregnancy and lactating. No know adverse effects but avoid use as a precautionary measure.
- Smoking. Smokers should stop smoking before having their teeth bleached. The smoking not only defeats the effect of whitening but there is concern about the mixture of hydrogen peroxide with smoking having a potentiating effect on tissue damage already known to be caused by smoking.
- Tetracycline stains- hard if not impossible to remove
- Amalgam fillings in front teeth
