Teeth whitening FAQ :: CosmeticSOS.com
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What is tooth whitening?
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| Tooth whitening can be a highly
effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth
without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a
complete colour change; but it will lighten the existing shade. |
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What other procedures are there?
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There is now laser whitening or
‘power whitening’. During this procedure a rubber dam is put
over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is
painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the
teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the chemical
reaction of the whitening product and the colour change can be
achieved more quickly using this procedure. Laser whitening can
make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.
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Why would I need my teeth whitened?
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There are a number of reasons why
you might get 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 our teeth can also become
more discoloured as we get older.
Your teeth can also be stained on the surface through food and
drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking
can also stain teeth.
Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some
people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused
by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which take up
stains.
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How long does this take?
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The total treatment can usually be
done within three to four weeks. First, you will need two or
three visits to the dentist. Your dentist will need to make a
mouthguard and will take impressions for this at the first
appointment. Once your dentist has started the treatment, you
will need to continue the treatment at home. This means
regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks,
for 30 minutes to one hour at a time.
However, there are now some new products which can be applied
for up to eight hours at a time. This means a satisfactory
result can be achieved in as little as one week.
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How long does this take?
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Your dentist will need to assess
your teeth to make sure that you are suitable for the treatment.
Once it has been agreed, this procedure usually takes about one
hour.
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How much does tooth whitening cost?
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You cannot get whitening
treatments on the NHS. Private charges will vary from practice
to practice and region to region. Laser or power whitening will
be more expensive than professional bleaching. We recommend you
get a written estimate of the cost before you start any
treatment.
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How long will my teeth stay whiter?
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The effects of whitening can last
up to three years. However, this will vary from person to
person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke,
or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your
dentist for their opinion before you start the treatment.
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What are the side effects?
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Some people may find that their
teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment.
Others report discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white
patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary
and should disappear within a few days of the treatment
finishing.
If any of these side effects continue you should go to your
dentist.
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Home kits are cheaper. But because
tooth whitening is a complicated procedure you should only have
it done by a dentist, after a thorough examination and
assessment of your teeth.
Over-the-counter kits sold in the UK are not recommended as they
usually contain only a small concentration of hydrogen peroxide
(the whitening product). The legal limit in the UK is 0.1% of
hydrogen peroxide and effective bleaching products need to have
about 3.6%. So home kits will not be able to lighten your teeth
noticeably. Also, some contain mild acids and others are
abrasive. This can cause ulcers and damage to the gums if the
product is not used properly
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There are several whitening
toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the
natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing
staining and therefore may improve the overall appearance of
your teeth. Whitening toothpaste may also help the effect last,
once your teeth have been professionally whitened.
We recommend that you look for our accreditation symbol on the
packaging of oral care products. This is a guarantee that the
claims made about the product have been scientifically and
clinically checked by an independent panel of experts.
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Can a single tooth which has been root filled
be whitened?
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Yes. Many dead teeth go
discoloured after a root filling. If the tooth has been root
treated, the canal (which previously contained the nerve) may be
reopened. The whitening product is applied working from the
inside to whiten the tooth.
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Tooth whitening can only lighten
your existing tooth colour. Also it only works on natural teeth.
It will not work on any types of ‘false’ teeth such as dentures,
crowns and veneers.
If your dentures are stained or discoloured visit your dentist
and ask for them to be cleaned. Stained veneers, crowns or
dentures may need replacing; again ask your dentist.
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What does tooth whitening involve?
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Professional bleaching is the most
common form of tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to
tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will
supervise it if you are. First the dentist will put a rubber
shield or a gel on your gums to protect the soft tissue. They
will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a
specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a
gum-shield.
The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen
peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is
broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the
tooth colour is made lighter.
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After tooth whitening treatment
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How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?
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You can help to keep your teeth
white by cutting down on the amount of food and drink you have
that can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also
help prevent discolouring and staining.
We recommend the following tips to care for your teeth:
· brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
· cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks
· visit your dentist at least once a year. |
If you have any more Qs Please email us
More Q&A 's
What is plaque?
Plaque is a thin, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth
and reacts with food, turning sugar into acid, which then dissolves the enamel on
your teeth. After the teeth are attacked in this way many times, the tooth enamel
breaks down forming a hole or cavity, this is tooth decay.
How can plaque cause gum disease?
Plaque
can also harden into something called ‘tartar’ and forms near the gumline, releasing
poisons causing the gums to become irritated and inflamed. The gums begin to pull
away from the teeth and the gaps become infected. If gum disease is not treated
promptly, the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed and healthy teeth may be lost.
How do I know if I have dental decay or gum disease?
Dental decay is usually noticed when you have pain when eating sweet
foods and drinks. Extreme temperature change (icy or very hot drinks) can often
warn of a defective filling or early decay. X-rays can also be used to find early
decay.
Gum disease is recognised by red and swollen gums that bleed on gentle touching
or when brushing. Often gum disease involves no pain until later stages when irreversible
damage has been done. Your dentist will check your gums at every six monthly review
so that any gum problems can be detected at an early stage.
It is common for your gums to bleed for the first week of flossing,
however, should this continue and/or happen when you brush you should make an appointment
to see your dentist. Many people brush more gently when they notice bleeding but
it is important that you continue to clean regularly and firmly, so
visit your dentist
to resolve the problem.
How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?
A simple routine of brushing and cleaning between the teeth to remove
plaque, good eating habits and regular dental check-ups can help prevent most dental
problems. Although most people brush regularly, many don’t clean between their teeth
and some people don’t have dental check-ups. A few small changes in your daily routine
can make a big difference in the long run.
Prevention
is always better than cure. If you visit your dentist regularly, you will need less
treatment in the long-term as your dentist will be able to recognise symptoms and
treat you for them sooner.
Is it inevitable that I will lose my teeth as I get older?
No! All dental disease is preventable, with a good dental health
care regime, which includes regular visits to the dentist.
How do I know if I have bad breath?
There’s
an easy test for bad breath - take 18-inches of floss and use it between two of
your back teeth. When you have done this look at the floss and it will usually have
some yellowing plaque on it. One sniff of the floss will tell you if you have bad
breath.
What causes bad breath?
It’s the bacteria left in the mouth for over 24-hours and the volatile
sulphur compounds produced by these bacteria that cause bad breath. Most common
causes are eating spicy foods and garlic but the effects of these are usually temporary.
Smoking will give you stale breath and has a drying effect, allowing more bacteria
and debris to remain in the mouth.
A dry mouth (or
xerostoma) can also be a problem
for people as they get older and for people on certain medicines and tablets.
What can be done? Mouth Wash will it
work?
Your mouth will be assessed to measure the plaque found in your mouth
and the number of areas that are bleeding. The areas that trap bacteria (stagnation
areas) will be pointed out to you and then your dentist or hygienist will carefully
clean around every tooth, removing the bacteria and deposits. Your hygienist will
also be happy to recommend fresh breath toothpaste and mouthwashes. |