Teeth whitening is a common procedure in aesthetic dentistry as it lightens teeth in a totally non-invasive method. As a person ages, the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the teeth, and thinner enamel will allow more of the darker underlying dentin to show through. Teeth can also be stained by foods, tobacco, certain antibiotics and bacterial pigments which are referred to as extrinsic stains. It is this type of stain that teeth whitening most effectively removes.
There are two types of teeth whitening, In-surgery and Home whitening. The studies in recent years have shown that home whitening obtains a more superior result when compared to the In-surgery technique. For this reason, this is the method of choice here at Patheodent, but obviously this can be tailored to suit each specific case. In some instances we may choose to incorporate both techniques into the same treatment, benefiting from the advantages of both, to obtain the best possible result.
In-surgery Whitening is an hour procedure in which peroxide agents are applied by the oral hygienist to the surface of the teeth. In the procedure the stains are oxidised from the tooth structure. Various protective barriers will be placed over your eyes, cheeks, lips and gums. Then the active gel will be coated over the teeth and left in place for 20 minutes, repeated three times. The result may be accelerated with the use of light or laser activation of the gel.
The home whitening kit contains soft plastic trays fabricated to custom fit over your teeth very precisely together with the Opalescence gel syringes. The trays will be filled with a small amount of gel and then worn each night for approximately ten nights depending on the result you require. There are various concentrations of gel which will determine how long you will keep the trays in your mouth each night, ranging from thirty minutes to ten hours.
Teeth whitening does not cause any long term damage to your teeth. Studies have in fact proven it to be beneficial as an antibacterial agent, when used periodically over the long term. Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect during the active phase but this will subside once the treatment is complete. Should your teeth become sensitive during treatment, your hygienist will provide you with the necessary care to combat this.
We hope this information will help you decide on weather it’s time to update your smile with the lighter version for the summer of 2016!
Keep smiling!
