With time, teeth can become dingy and discoloured. Teeth whitening is a non-invasive way to restore the natural brightness to your smile!
What's involved in cosmetic teeth whitening?
First, your dentist will determine whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic teeth whitening, and also what bleaching system would provide the results you want.
At your initial appointment, we'll make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you.
Your mouthguard is custom made for your mouth. It is lightweight, and can be worn while you are awake or sleeping, and so thin you will even be able to talk and work while wearing it.
At the next appointment, you will be given your mouthguard, and the necessary dental teeth bleaching materials. Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions on how to apply the gel and and how long you need to use it each day.
Most bleaching systems require 10-14 days to achieve the desired whiteness.
How does cosmetic teeth whitening work?
The active ingredient in the majority of our whitening agents is carbamide peroxide (CH4N202). When water comes into contact with this white crystal, the hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Is teeth bleaching safe? Are there any side effects?
Several studies over the past five years have found bleaching to be safe and effective. Some patients may experience minor gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve itself when the treatment ends.
What can I expect?
Dental teeth bleaching can only provide a change in the colour of natural teeth; from grey to a lighter shade of gray, for example.
Bleaching won't change the colour of materials such as resins, silicats or porcelains.
If you are having major restorative work done (such as implants, crowns, veneers, bridges), we recommend you do a course of bleaching prior to having the work done.
If the restorative work is matched to the yellow or grey teeth, there is no way to change the colour.
How long does it last?
Results typically last from one to five years, and the longevity of your whiteness depends partly on your personal habits, such the frequency with which you drink coffee and tea.
With our cosmetic teeth bleaching kits, most patients will have at least one vial of bleaching gel left over from their initial course of bleaching. These leftover vials can be used in future to "touch up" your smile.
If you drink a lot of coffee, tea, or wine, you may have to do touch-ups every six months.
You can continue to use your custom mouthguard and to buy vials of bleaching gel separately as you need them.
Re-treatment takes much less time than the original treatment, often only taking 2-3 applications to restore the desired level of whiteness.
Is cosmetic teeth bleaching for you?
If your teeth are darkened from age, coffee/tea drinking, or smoking, cosmetic teeth whitening may be a good choice for you. Bleaching is successful in at least 90% of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone.
Generally, yellow, brown, or orange discolourations respond better to bleaching than 'grey' stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline.
If you have highly sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with thin enamel, we may discourage bleaching and recommend porcelain veneers.