FAQs about whitening answered by our cosmetic dentist
When it comes to altering the appearance of someone’s smile with cosmetic dental options, the majority of patients have the same issue. Or rather, they are seeking the same resolution. They want their teeth to look whiter.
In daily life, many things can cause your teeth to become discoloured, such as smoking, drinking coffee or imbibing red wines which are high in tannins. Or simply genetics. While the normal tooth colour is off-white, thanks to celebrities in Hollywood, more people want that gleaming smile.
With Doctor Bobby Chhoker, our cosmetic dental team is often asked to whiten our patients’ teeth and we are glad to be able to offer a range of treatments to make this possible. We will of course assess the cause of the discolouration and will suggest a treatment option that is most suitable for you.
Do you want to know more about dental whitening? Our expert cosmetic dentist answers five common questions that we receive about this cosmetic treatment. So read on to learn more.
What are the types of dental whitening that I can have?
There are 2 types of teeth whitening that we can offer, with the most popular option being bleach-based whitening. For this, we use a hydrogen peroxide-based gel to whiten your teeth over 2 weeks. The gel oxidises stains on the surface of the tooth and removes them when the gel is exposed to high-intensity UV light. This option can whiten your teeth up to 18 shades.
If you have more deeply set stains, potentially due to a genetic disorder, we may use abrasion-based whitening. This will remove the deeper set of stains and could be accompanied by the fitting of veneers or composite bonding.
Will whitening make my teeth more sensitive?
It was common for dental whitening with bleaches to heighten oral sensitivity. But the gels that we use currently have anti-sensitivity agents within them. So when they are applied to your teeth, there should not be any noticeable sensitivity. If you do suffer from sensitive teeth already, however, bleach-based whitening may not be for you. So, our team will discuss alternative options.
How do I keep my teeth looking whiter?
To keep your teeth looking whiter after you have had them lightened with our team, we will offer you a set of trays which are custom-fitted and whitening gels to wear at night. The gel is a weaker version of the bleaching system that we use in the clinic and will help to prolong the effects. You should also refrain from smoking, drinking, and eating foods that are high in tannins and you should maintain good oral hygiene. All of these things will help to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Are over-the-counter options as good?
Over-the-counter whitening options have a maximum of 2% hydrogen peroxide, which is the compound that whitens the teeth. The gel that we use in our surgery is between 40 and 60% hydrogen peroxide. So, based on the chemical composition alone, no, over-the-counter options are not as good at whitening your teeth.
Are there any side effects?
As mentioned before, some people who already have sensitive teeth may notice an increase in this. But overall, dental whitening that is performed by our team should not have any side effects. Apart from a smile that turns heads!
DISCLAIMER
All treatments carry risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.