TOOTH WHITENING

Discoloured teeth are the bane of smokers, red wine buffs, tea and coffee drinkers and even some people who have had antibiotics as a child. Don’t despair, a safe and effective remedy is only a smile away. Tooth whitening is perfectly safe for teeth and gums. That’s because the tooth structure is not changed just the colour. There are two options for tooth whitening.

One Visit (in surgery) whitening  

In a single appointment lasting a little over an hour, your smile can become up to 8 shades lighter. Through the application of a formulated whitening gel activated by a specially developed light, you can safely and easily achieve the white captivating smile you once had or have always wanted while relaxing in one of our comfortable treatment chairs.

Prior to the commencement of any treatment, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy. If any problems are diagnosed such as gum disease or  tooth decay , they will need to be treated before your teeth are whitened as the solution can penetrate decay and reach the inner area of the tooth; this can contribute to tooth sensitivity.           

As many people are seeking instant results due to a pressing engagement such as a wedding or other up-coming event, our one visit  in-surgery whitening is a popular choice. Your in-chair whitening will involve the application of the whitening gel to your teeth, which is then exposed to a blue light for approximately 15 minutes, after which time the gel is reapplied. Depending on the colour of your teeth and the shade you wish to achieve, the whitening gel may be applied three times. In order to maintain the desired result an ongoing home maintenance programme is required and instructions are issued on this.

Home Whitening

Some patients prefer the privacy and comfort of home for their whitening treatment. Using custom-made trays similar in design to a sports mouthguard, they are shaped to fit snugly over your teeth allowing for maximum contact with your tooth’s enamel while still protecting your gums.You will be given instructions on the correct use of your trays and gel so you can achieve maximum results. Your desired shade may take between 18-21 days to achieve.

Tooth whitening treatments have undergone extensive testing to ensure they are completely safe to use.Some patients may experience  sensitivity to hot and cold, however this will often subside several hours after completing your treatment.If you experience sensitivity while using your at home treatment you should cease application for a few days. If symptoms continue, please do not hesitate to contact Align Dental for advice.           

Depending on the colour of your teeth and the shade you wish to accomplish, results will vary from person to person. The longevity of your treatment will depend on your lifestyle and food choices. Smoking and strongly dyed foods discolour your teeth much quicker. In order to maintain the desired result  an ongoing home maintenance programme is required and instructions are issued on this.

Whitening FAQ’s

What causes tooth discolouration?

There are many causes. The most common include smoking, aging and consumption of substances such as coffee, tea and red wine. During tooth formation, consumption of certain antibiotics (tetracycline) or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discolouration.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?

Most people will benefit from having their teeth whitened; however, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. We can determine if you are a feasible candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam ination and a shade assessment.

Does it work on caps, crowns or veneers?

Crowns, bridges and veneers are fabricated from porcelain, and whitening treatments cannot change their colour. Once you have achieved your desired shade, you may need to replace any existing artificial caps to match your new shade. The Align Dental team can consult with you on the most appropriate alternatives.

How long before I see results?

One of the main reasons one visit in surgery whitening is so popular, is patients can achieve a result of up to eight shades in a one-hour treatment. This is ideal for people who have an important event such as a wedding or limited time. For home treatments, your desired results may take between 18-21 days to achieve, however often a noticeable change can be seen after only 3-4 applications. Our team will be able to advise you on the correct way of using the home whitening system to achieve the best results.

Is whitening safe?

Yes, extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. Tooth whitening is not recommended for children under thirteen or in  pregnant or lactating women.

How long will the results last?

By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily and  a routine maintenance programme which is part of both our one visit in surgery and home whitening procedures.

Are there any side effects?

Some people experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold during treatment, however this most often subsides several hours after completing treatment.If sensitivity continues, consult with one of our dentists.