TEETH WHITENING TREATMENTS & BLEACHING

Stained or discoloured teeth are a major problem for many people. We all start out with beautiful, white teeth but over time, our teeth begin to discolour as a result of many factors. These factors include tea or coffee drinking, food especially curries and nicotine stains as a result of smoking.

Another factor is that of genetics: some people do find that their teeth are prone to staining more than others. Others notice that their teeth start to yellow or darken with age.

We may think of staining on just one level but there are in fact, 3 levels of stains:

  • Surface level or superficial stains: these can be removed using a good whitening toothpaste or via a scale and polish by your dentist.
  • Deep rooted stains: these are stains which, over time, have worked their way into the structure of the teeth. Often caused by eating, drinking and smoking.

    These cannot be removed by a scale and polish or whitening toothpaste and so require a professional approach.

  • Developmental or inherited stains: these are largely genetic in origin. For example, if someone has been taking a course of tetracycline antibiotics during tooth development then these can, unfortunately, result in greyish looking teeth.

    Some teeth whitening treatments can help but often the only solution is to have cosmetic bonding or a porcelain veneer.

Whatever the reasons or level of stain, discoloured teeth are a cause of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many people.

But, if you are one of these people who dread smiling because of the state of your teeth then teeth whitening can help. It can also give you that pearly white smile so often seen on celebrities, models and film stars.

Am I suitable for teeth whitening? How much does it cost? Does it hurt? How long does the treatment take? These are just a few of the many questions people have in regard to teeth whitening.

What is ‘teeth whitening?’

Teeth whitening is a form of cosmetic dentistry which uses a bleaching process to remove stains from teeth. This also improves their colour and overall appearance.

If you have dull, darkish or yellowed teeth then it can restore them to a ‘pearly white’ appearance.

Depending on the amount of staining, you may find that whitening toothpaste or the good old scale and polish, via your dentist can help.

If your stained teeth require a professional approach then you are looking at either of the following:

  • In-house treatment
  • Home tooth whitening kit

In house treatment at the surgery can involve the use of a light or laser, in conjunction with a whitening gel, which helps to speed up the whitening process.

In regard to home whitening kits, there are several different varieties of kits which can be used at home. What generally happens is that your dentist will start off the process by taking an impression of your teeth. This impression is used to produce special bleaching trays which are customised to your teeth only. These trays help to remove stains and improve the colour of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Guide Index:

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