Teeth Whitening Basics
Do I need teeth whitener?
Your smile is a signature to your personality. A happy, bright, white smile is a real asset. It puts others at ease and attracts people to you. It makes you feel better about yourself and confident in the presence of others.
Unfortunately, teeth can and do become discoloured and this can make people ashamed of their teeth, so they stop smiling or at best can only manage that tight lipped smile that won’t leave a favourable impression on anyone.
Fortunately, with modern tooth whitening technology, we can help you get back that winning smile.
Below we have provided information on the most effective and popular teeth whitening methods and there are links for you to browse giving more detail on each.
How teeth whitening works
Firstly, we need to say that the process only works on natural teeth. Dentures, crowns and other artificial dental work require a different process that your dentist will be happy to provide advice on.
Tooth whitening is a very effective way of whitening your teeth without removing any of the vital tooth surface or enamel.
Our teeth discolour with age but our dietary habits will speed up the process.
Food and drink stains such as red wine, coffee, tea and some fruit juices all stain our teeth, as does smoking, and tiny cracks in the tooth enamel and some antibiotics also stain our teeth.
The active ingredients in tooth whitening products are mostly either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
We recommend that you consider getting an assessment from your dentist as to the suitability of your teeth for whitening.
Your dentist may want to carry out the process for you but most people will want to do the work themselves in the comfort of their own homes.
A complete treatment will take up to two to three weeks, each application taking about thirty to forty minutes to complete.
The effects last up to three years but this may vary from person to person.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes can help maintain the effect of the whitening treatment after the treatment has been completed. Some use abrasives for polishing the teeth but we recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste twice a day whilst at the same time reducing sugary snacks and drinks.
Whichever toothpaste you decide to use, do be sure to look for the Dental Association seal of approval.
Toothpastes may help, but they will not whiten your teeth nearly as much as other whitening methods.
More information about whitening toothpastes.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Are easy to apply. The adhesive strips are applied to the front teeth twice a day and left in place for half an hour.
These are obtainable from apothecaries, supermarkets or your dentist and are not too expensive.
More information about teeth whitening strips.
Brush on Whitening Gels
A small brush is used to apply the peroxide based gel to the front teeth.
More information about brush on whitening gel.
Teeth Whitening Gel Kits
Very similar to the kits used under dental supervision but you can buy the treatment over the counter and use it in the comfort of your own home
The whitening gel is placed in a mouth tray that is moulded to fit your teeth and is left in place until the treatment is completed.
This is an inexpensive and very effective form of treatment.
More information about teeth whitening gel kits.
Dental Surgery Whitening
Using your Dentist
Your dentist will provide advise on the suitability of tooth whitening treatment and will provide the treatment if that is what you want.
Professional treatment should be quick, should be comprehensive and will be expensive.
A laser or a heat system is used to heat the gel that has been applied to the teeth.
The treatment can last as long as one hour and you may need repeat treatments. But it generally produces quick results.
More information about dental surgery whitening.
Dental Supervision Gel Treatment
An alternative treatment that is cheaper to laser or heat treatment is for your dentist to use a carbamide peroxide gel or hydrogen peroxide gel in a tray that has been moulded to your teeth. This ensures that all your teeth are treated. The carbamide peroxide gel is usually much more efficient.
The custom
tray will be very useful later on when you need tto follow up with the maintenence treatments for your
teeth. Dental supervision gel treatment is very similar to using a teeth whitening gel kit.
