TOOTH WHITENING

There are a number of reasons why you might like your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and they can also become more discoloured as we get older. Teeth can also be stained on the surface with food and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. Smoking also stains the teeth. Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some people have staining under the tooth surface, which may be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth, which then take up stain. Teeth can also become darker if their roots have been damaged and the nerve has died - these teeth are normally root filled.

Tooth whitening has become an excellent, safe and effective way to remove discolouration and staining using a gel containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. It will not alter the shape of your smile or the colour of existing fillings or crowns. Therefore we advise patients to undertake any tooth whitening before they embark on any cosmetic fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges or implant work. Tooth Whitening is not recommend for patients with advanced gum problems or unsatisfactory root fillings. Otherwise our well researched whitening systems are totally safe and suitable for everybody.

Smilemakers offer three alternative tooth whitening treatments:

1. Zoom Professional Tooth Whitening

A treatment carried out by the dentist using a specially designed light and whitening gel. This procedure can take about an hour and a half and is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. We also provide our Zoom patients with a top up kit so that they can further enhance the results at home.

2. Home Whitening

A customised tray system designed by your dentist, using a whitening gel and trays which fit closely around the teeth for careful use at home.

3. Home and In-Clinic Deep Bleaching

In the past we had reservations about the safety, unpredictability and long term stability of tooth whitening systems and after treatment tooth sensitivity. Our latest research using the Enlighten Deep Bleaching system means we are now able to offer the most effective whitening system available today. We have addressed all remaining concerns and our Deep Bleaching patients may now look forward to the whitest natural smiles possible that will last with only minor maintenance for years to come.

What will my dentist do?

Zoom Professional Whitening - Begins with a short preparation to cover lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. The whitening product is applied, before a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light and gel work together to gently penetrate the teeth, breaking up stains and discolouration. Colour change can be achieved more quickly using this procedure and can be completed in less than an hour.

Laser whitening can make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.

Home Whitening - Is usually carried out over a period of weeks. Your dentist will supply you with enough material to lighten your teeth by several shades. You may notice that your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold following treatment. This is normal with this type of procedure and should settle after a few days.

The tooth colour change will relapse after a year or so, but may be topped up at any time using more whitening gel available from the clinic.

Deep Bleaching - After a thorough examination of your smile your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and design a custom made whitening tray for your whitening gel. You will be required to wear this for 14 consecutive nights to prepare your teeth for the Deep Bleaching appointment in the clinic on the 15th day. This requires only a relaxing hour in the clinic, after which you will have the incredible white smile you always dreamed of.

Your dentist will note the colour of your teeth before starting treatment, by matching them with a shade guide. Look at the colour guide yourself so that you are able to compare it with your teeth after bleaching.

What are the benefits?

• Improves a dull smile, restoring brightness and bringing a smile alive, giving you the confidence of a brighter, whiter smile.
• Corrects brown, yellow and mottled tooth staining.
• Works on people of all ages.
• Improves the appearance of your teeth without removing any of the natural tooth surface.