What is tooth whitening?

02 Oct What is tooth whitening?

Tooth whitening is the process by which the discolorations of the enamel are whitened.

How long will it last?

This will depend on the patient and the patient’s oral habits, diet and lifestyle, but usually effects can last up to 3 years. The average person will require a periodic touch up once a year. The effects will last longer on an individual who does not smoke or drink coffee regularly.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. Clinical studies have shown that bleaching with carbamide peroxide is safe when instructions are followed.

How white will my teeth get?

This will depend on your teeth – everyone’s teeth are different. If your teeth are heavily stained from coffee or smoking, you will probably see a big change. If your teeth are not heavily stained, the change will not be as great. Changes up to 12 shades lighter have been reported.

How does tooth whitening work?

The active ingredient carbamide peroxide is broken down, allowing oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin, causing the stains to be whitened.

What causes teeth to discolour?

There are many causes of tooth discolouration. Some of the most common include the consumption of highly coloured foods (beetroot, spicy foods) and drinks (coffee, sodas, red wine). Antibiotics consumed at an early age, natural ageing, smoking and trauma can also add to discolouration.

Do all teeth whiten evenly?

There is an overall whitening of the teeth. The biting edges of the teeth are more likely to whiten faster than the areas adjacent to the gum.

What is the taste?

A pleasant mint flavour.

My teeth are sensitive, what can I do?

There are several things that can be done to help eliminate sensitivity caused by whitening your teeth. First, wear the whitening trays for a shorter period. Second, brush your teeth with Sensodyne toothpaste. Sensodyne toothpaste has a high concentration of potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate soothes the nerves endings and helps eliminate tooth sensitivity and fluoride helps re-mineralise your teeth. Thirdly, stop whitening your teeth for at least two days so your teeth can adapt to the whitening process. Abstain from carbonated drinks, citrus foods and beverages and smoking products to avoid sensitivity for a few hours after treatment.

My gums are irritated, what can I do?

This irritation is due to the whitening solution sitting on your gums. There are several things that can be done to help eliminate irritation of the gums. First, after you apply the teeth whitening gel in the mouthpiece wipe the gel that seeps onto your gums with a tissue or Q-tip and make sure that you are not using too much gel. Second, you can cut the mouthpiece so its 1mm to 2mm below the gum lines therefore no gel will be in contact with your gum. Thirdly, Vaseline Intensive Care for your lips can be applied to your gums prior to whitening your teeth. This will keep the gel away from the gums and usually resolve the problems. Fourth, stop whitening your teeth for at least two days to give time for your gums to adapt to the whitening process.

Are there any long term effects?

The active ingredient in the process is carbamide peroxide which breaks down to water and oxygen. Dentists have been using carbamide peroxide for over 50 years to whiten teeth, and there have been no known long term adverse effects.

How long does the procedure take?

It takes between 7-14 days for an hour a day in the comfort of your own home, office or even in the gym! Fantastic results can be noticed even after just a few days of use.

What causes teeth to stain again after bleaching?

The same things that made them stain in the first place; general ageing, red wine, smoking, teas, coffee, coloured foods etc.

Is it better to get it done now or wait until my teeth are more stained?

It is better to get it done now as the stains will become worse and darker. The teeth will then require more applications of bleach as stains will be harder to remove.

Are my teeth more easily stained now that they have been whitened?

No, the chance of staining your teeth is not increased once they have been whitened.

Will my crowns, veneers and fillings get whiter?

No, only your natural teeth will (Crowns, veneers and fillings will whiten to the colour they were when you first had them put in).

Is it safe to whiten my teeth if I am pregnant or lactating?

We advise pregnant or lactating women not to undergo any type of bleaching process.

Do over-the-counter bleaching systems I can buy direct from companies/supermarket chains work as well?

No, these systems do not use custom fit trays perfectly fitted to your teeth. At the very least, you need a custom made tray. Sensitivity is often a problem if your trays are not properly fitted. The bleaching solutions is not evenly distributed over the teeth, and saliva can seep in to dilute the solutions. Many over-the-counter systems contain an acidic rinse which can remove significant amounts of the tooth structure.