SOME OF YOUR COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Does Teeth Whitening really work?
Of course it does! The surface of the teeth contains millions of microscopic pores, and over the years, organic compounds fromfood, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee or tobacco penetrate these pores causing discoloration of the tooth enamel. Almost all natural teeth respond to the whitening process, however some people s teeth take longer to whiten such as those with tetracycline antibiotic staining.
Does Teeth Whitening damage the enamel of the teeth?
Extensive research shows there is no risk to the enamel of the teeth.
This procedure has been popular in the USA and Australia for many years.
Does whitening work on veneers, crowns, bridges and fillings?
The whitening procedure will not whiten crowns, veneers, bridges or fillings however they will be restored to their original colour.
Will it Hurt?
Most people find the procedure painless, however a small percentage may experience temporary sensitivity to hot and cold for 24-48 hours following treatment.
We can supply at no extra charge a flouride and potassium nitrate soothing gel to ease sensitivity.
Simply rubbing Sensodyne toothpaste onto the teeth will have a similar effect.
How long will the results last?
This depends on the system that is used. The SmileQuest lazer light procedure will stay noticeably whiter for approximately 12 months.
A top up treatment every 6-12 months will maintain that dazzling smile.
Alternatively, we supply home whitening kits imported from USA and Australia.
We value your custom and will carry out top up treatments at £99.
NO OTHER CLINIC OFFERS THIS TO THEIR CLIENTS.
What is the difference between LazerTeeth Whitening and the home whitening kits you can purchase off the shelf?
Lazer Teeth Whitening is only carried out by a professionally qualified therapist.The procedure is fast, efficient, and your smile can be up to ten times whiter within an hour with results lasting 18-24 months depending on diet, lifestyle and oral hygiene.
Home whitening kits are self administered over a period of up to three weeks. The same results cannot be achieved as the strength of the gel is weaker, and it is not exposed to a light source to accelerate the whitening process.
Our home kits are not sold on the high street and have been imported from the USA and Australia for their strength and are beneficial for maintaining your brighter, whiter smile.
Click on the link on the left to see an article taken from the Daily Mail explaining how the many of the high street kits do not do 'as it says on the tin'.
Is it the practice of dentistry?
Tooth whitening products were confirmed as being cosmetics on 28 June 2001 by the House of Lords ruling in the case of Optident Limited V The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. This means that they fall under the EU Cosmetics Directive (implemented in the UK by the UK Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996).
The legal definition of a cosmetic product is:-
“any substance or preparation intended for placing in contact with the various external part of the human body or with the teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or principally to cleaning them, perfuming them or protecting them in order to keep them in good condition, change their appearance or correct body odours”
Tooth whitening is therefore a cosmetic procedure and not a dental one.
How long has tooth whitening been used?
Tooth whitening has been practised by dentists for over 100 years. The history of “modern day” tooth bleaching, however, began in 1989 and is credited to Haywood and Heymann who introduced the nightguard method of vital tooth bleaching. At the same time, Omnii International (USA), working with a dentist named John Munro, developed and marketed the first commercially available home-bleaching product.
Interestingly enough, this system was initially discovered quite by accident by an orthodontist named William Klusmier. He instructed a patient to use an oral antiseptic containing 10% carbamide peroxide in an orthodontic positioner, which the patient wore at night, in an effort to facilitate tissue healing. The patient returned with improved tissue health and, after using the product for an extended period of time, his teeth were significantly lighter in colour. He began using this technique to lighten teeth. From 1970 to 1975, Klusmier presented his findings at several dental meetings. Haywood and Haymann attended one of these meetings and initiated their clinical and laboratory investigations on the technique as a result.
Why might I want my teeth whitened?
As with hair and skin colour, the colour of our teeth is genetically determined and therefore varies between individuals. Our teeth tend to naturally darken as we get older.
Teeth can be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. Tobacco smoking can also stain teeth. Acidic drinks and foods such as fizzy drinks, fruit juice and yoghurt can cause the teeth to appear more yellow as they cause erosion of the outer enamel layer allowing the underlying yellow dentine to shine through.
Discolouration can also be caused by illness or the use of tetracycline antibiotics while the teeth are forming. Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, can cause staining in adult teeth.
Deposits of calculus (tartar) that form around the necks of teeth can pick up unsightly stains.
What are the different options for tooth whitening?
Whitening products may be administered or dispensed by therapists or purchased over the counter. Professional bleaching is the most common and effective form of tooth whitening. There are two techniques available for professional bleaching;
1. Home bleaching techniques.
2. Power whitening techniques.
What do the different options for tooth whitening involve?
Home technique
With this technique you bleach your teeth at home using a tooth bleaching gel which is held next to the teeth in a mouthguard.
You will then continue the treatment at home. The tray is worn for several hours, usually at night time or when it is most convenient. A course of treatment usually takes two weeks but may vary dependant on the concentration of bleaching agent used. In cases of heavily stained teeth the duration of treatment may be as much as six months.
Power whitening
This technique involves using either light-activated units for ‘power bleaching’ or lasers while you sit in the dental chair.
The therapist will apply a rubber dam or a gel to protect the soft tissues, and a bleaching agent, usually containing 15-35% hydrogen peroxide, is then applied onto your teeth. A light or laser is then shone on the teeth to activate the chemical so that it acts more quickly on the discolouring molecules within the tooth. The actual tooth whitening procedure will take about one hour.
The success of these techniques is determined by the initial colour of the teeth. Generally, bleaching easily removes yellow with dark brown and grey stains being more resistant to the process. As younger teeth are more porous it has been suggested that they would be easier to bleach than older ones.
What are the active ingredients in professional bleaching gels and how do they work?
Bleaching gels contain either hydrogen peroxide or one of its precursors, notably carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active ingredient.
The success of any bleaching treatment is based on the ability of the bleaching agent to permeate tooth structure to the source of the discolouration. Hydrogen peroxide has a low molecular weight and therefore passes easily through enamel and dentine. Bleaching is an oxidation of the discolouring molecules within the tooth. Peroxides release free radicals which interact chemically with large organic pigment molecules contained in enamel and dentine. These molecules are reduced into smaller, less pigmented molecules.
How long does tooth whitening last?
Some individuals experience better effects from tooth whitening than others. Tooth whitening should last for approximately 12 months. At this point you may chose to have a touch up treatment and the colour will usually change to the optimal shade readily. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain teeth.
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Will it be obvious that I've had my teeth whitened?
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This depends on how extreme the changes are and how discolored your teeth were prior to treatment. People who know you very well may notice the difference to your smile. Most will notice how good you look but often they will find it difficult to work out why.
Is tooth whitening safe?
The evidence on safety published to date tends to suggest that bleaching is a safe procedure.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen. Urea breaks down into carbon dioxide and ammonia. Normal body processes easily handle all four products.
Tooth whitening has been taking place successfully in the USA for many years.
How can I look after my teeth during and after whitening?
Personal habits may need to be modified to achieve and maintain the desired goal of whiter teeth.
Teeth should be dry and cleaned of debris before any bleaching agent is applied. During bleaching teeth may be slightly dehydrated and consumption of food and drinks which can cause staining should be kept to a minimum. These foodstuffs should also be kept to a minimum after tooth whitening. Stopping smoking will also prevent staining of teeth.
Are there any people for whom tooth whitening is not a good idea?
Individuals with a history of extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink, fracture lines in their teeth, large dental pulps, and severe loss of enamel may not be suitable candidates for tooth whitening as the procedure may precipitate sensitivity.
Decay, periapical lesions, and gum disease should be treated before any tooth whitening procedure is carried out. Tooth whitening should not be carried out on individuals with a peroxide allergy.
