Thursday, November 02, 2006
Teeth Whitening Ratings, Best Teeth Whiteners: "Twenty panelists test five at-home tooth whiteners for the Good Housekeeping Institute. A dentist with expertise in whitening inspected their teeth before and after. Crest Whitestrips emerges as the 'best and most consistent whitener, lightening teeth up to three shades,' say editors. Some testers report good results with the paint-on gel GoSmile, which at $90 is pricier than the Whitestrips or Colgate Simply White paint-on teeth-whitening gel. "
Testing at-home teeth-whitening products. - By Seth Stevenson - Slate Magazine
Testing at-home teeth-whitening products. - By Seth Stevenson - Slate Magazine: "Tooth whiteners are primed to be the next deodorant: a once-optional form of personal hygiene that's now simply an obligation. It's only a matter of time because the more of us who get whitened, the grungier your unwhitened teeth will appear in contrast. Man, look at those choppers! Nasty! Aren't you going to do something about that? There has lately been a boom in tooth-whitening techniques, both at home and in the dentist's office. I asked St. Louis-area dentist (and frequent Slate dental correspondent) Dr. William Hartel about the various options, then tried a few for myself. Below, my findings.
At the Dentist's Office
Dentists have been whitening teeth for years. You have two options here: 1) The dentist gives you special equipment, and you do it yourself at home, over a few weeks; or 2) the dentist does it entirely at his office, in a single day.
With Option 1, the dentist molds vinyl trays to fit your teeth. Then he gives you a prescribed gel to put in the trays. This gel will contain carbomide peroxide (which reacts with your saliva to become hydrogen peroxide) at a concentration somewhere between 10 percent and 25 percent. You go home, load the gel into the trays, wear the trays two to four hours per day for two to three weeks, and your teeth get whiter as the gel oxidizes their stains. This option has been available for more than a decade, and it works. You'll see a difference within two days. The whole thing costs about $200 to $400, and the effects won't wear off for several years.
Option 2 is actually the same thing but massively speeded up. The dentist puts the peroxide on your teeth and then uses a laser (or plasma arc lamp) to activate the oxidization and whiten your teeth much more quickly. You spend about an hour in the chair, an"
At the Dentist's Office
Dentists have been whitening teeth for years. You have two options here: 1) The dentist gives you special equipment, and you do it yourself at home, over a few weeks; or 2) the dentist does it entirely at his office, in a single day.
With Option 1, the dentist molds vinyl trays to fit your teeth. Then he gives you a prescribed gel to put in the trays. This gel will contain carbomide peroxide (which reacts with your saliva to become hydrogen peroxide) at a concentration somewhere between 10 percent and 25 percent. You go home, load the gel into the trays, wear the trays two to four hours per day for two to three weeks, and your teeth get whiter as the gel oxidizes their stains. This option has been available for more than a decade, and it works. You'll see a difference within two days. The whole thing costs about $200 to $400, and the effects won't wear off for several years.
Option 2 is actually the same thing but massively speeded up. The dentist puts the peroxide on your teeth and then uses a laser (or plasma arc lamp) to activate the oxidization and whiten your teeth much more quickly. You spend about an hour in the chair, an"
Review toothwhitening products effective
Review toothwhitening products effective: "University of Michigan School of Dentistry researchers said most of the studies followed patients for only two to three weeks, so there was not enough data to reach a conclusion on long-term results, WebMD reported Wednesday.
The review found that users of tooth-whitening gels and strips did experience a whitening of their teeth, while those given placebo products recorded no change.
The reviewers said mild to moderate tooth sensitivity and gum irritation were common side effects of the products, especially those containing large amounts of hydrogen peroxide.
However, they warned, the lack of long-term data could obscure possible long-term risks.
'Given the lack of information on long-term benefits and harms, there may be a huge void between the state of knowledge based on the trials sponsored by the manufacturers and the experiences of millions of users of tooth whitening products,' they wrote.
'Over-the-counter or dentist-dispensed tooth-whitening products can be recommended to the public but with strong cautions,' the review concluded."
The review found that users of tooth-whitening gels and strips did experience a whitening of their teeth, while those given placebo products recorded no change.
The reviewers said mild to moderate tooth sensitivity and gum irritation were common side effects of the products, especially those containing large amounts of hydrogen peroxide.
However, they warned, the lack of long-term data could obscure possible long-term risks.
'Given the lack of information on long-term benefits and harms, there may be a huge void between the state of knowledge based on the trials sponsored by the manufacturers and the experiences of millions of users of tooth whitening products,' they wrote.
'Over-the-counter or dentist-dispensed tooth-whitening products can be recommended to the public but with strong cautions,' the review concluded."
Howstuffworks "How Tooth Whitening Works"
Howstuffworks "How Tooth Whitening Works": "Have you ever wanted a white, attention-grabbing, perfect 'Hollywood' smile? You're not alone. An estimated ten million Americans will spend a whopping 1.7 billion dollars on tooth whitening products and services this year. Tooth whitening is the most common cosmetic service provided by dentists, and there are also a growing number of over-the-counter tooth whitening products to choose from.
In this article, we'll explain how years of coffee, wine, soda and other unsightly stains can be removed quickly, safely, and with minimal discomfort. "
In this article, we'll explain how years of coffee, wine, soda and other unsightly stains can be removed quickly, safely, and with minimal discomfort. "
Tooth-Whitening Products Work For Brightening Smiles In Short Term
Tooth-Whitening Products Work For Brightening Smiles In Short Term: "If you're tempted to pick up one of those tooth-whitening products at the drugstore or dentist's office, rest assured: a new review of existing research suggests there's a good chance they're effective.
“All the products seem to work,” said Dr. Hana Hasson, clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan and lead author of the review. “They were dependable in terms of effects and safety.”
But Hasson and colleagues don't consider the studies in favor of the products to be rock-solid, and they couldn't find evidence supporting anything other than short-term use.
Tooth-whitening products started to become popular in the 1990s, and their appeal has grown mightily over the past decade. Now, store shelves are filled with tooth-whitening products, all claiming to brighten smiles.
The products bleach the teeth with chemicals - instead of cleaning them with abrasives - and are designed to be used only for a couple weeks at a time.
In the new review, Hasson and colleagues tried to assess the state of research into tooth-whitening products that are designed to be used in the home. Tooth-whitening toothpastes weren't included in this review.
The review appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews like this one draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.
The review authors looked at 416 studies and chose 25 that they thought were of the highest quality. Then they analyzed the findings of those studies.
All 25 studies reviewed were f"
“All the products seem to work,” said Dr. Hana Hasson, clinical associate professor at the University of Michigan and lead author of the review. “They were dependable in terms of effects and safety.”
But Hasson and colleagues don't consider the studies in favor of the products to be rock-solid, and they couldn't find evidence supporting anything other than short-term use.
Tooth-whitening products started to become popular in the 1990s, and their appeal has grown mightily over the past decade. Now, store shelves are filled with tooth-whitening products, all claiming to brighten smiles.
The products bleach the teeth with chemicals - instead of cleaning them with abrasives - and are designed to be used only for a couple weeks at a time.
In the new review, Hasson and colleagues tried to assess the state of research into tooth-whitening products that are designed to be used in the home. Tooth-whitening toothpastes weren't included in this review.
The review appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews like this one draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.
The review authors looked at 416 studies and chose 25 that they thought were of the highest quality. Then they analyzed the findings of those studies.
All 25 studies reviewed were f"
Tooth whitening - professional teeth bleaching & home kits - BUPA UK
Tooth whitening - professional teeth bleaching & home kits - BUPA UK: "Tooth whitening
Tooth colour varies from person to person - just like skin and hair colour. There are a number of ways that teeth can be made to look whiter. This factsheet describes bleaching methods that can be used to lighten the natural shade of your teeth.
Why do teeth get discoloured?
There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured. Simple things like drinking tea, coffee, red wine or other food and drink with strong colourings can cause it. Smoking is another major cause, which can result in a yellowed appearance to the teeth.
As people grow older their teeth can become darker naturally. Tooth decay, fillings and tartar build-up can also all contribute to discolouration.
Teeth have nerves and blood vessels inside them. If these nerves and blood vessels are damaged (this can happen because of decay, or if the teeth are knocked) the tooth may get darker.
Some types of staining can be caused by diseases or medicines. For example, if a type of antibiotic called tetracycline is given to children whose teeth are still developing, their adult teeth may form with a yellow or greenish tinge.
There are many simple ways to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. Visit your dentist or hygienist to have your teeth scaled and polished on a regular basis. This involves removing any tartar that has built up. Your dentist or hygienist will also give you advice about preventing tooth decay.
Regular toothbrushing, stopping smoking and cutting down on strongly coloured food and drink will help stop stains returning.
Whitening toothpastes are slightly abrasive, which may help to remove surface staining. However, they do not alter the natural shade of your teeth.1
Your dentist can also give you advice about replacing your metal fillings and crowns "
Tooth colour varies from person to person - just like skin and hair colour. There are a number of ways that teeth can be made to look whiter. This factsheet describes bleaching methods that can be used to lighten the natural shade of your teeth.
Why do teeth get discoloured?
There are many reasons why teeth can become discoloured. Simple things like drinking tea, coffee, red wine or other food and drink with strong colourings can cause it. Smoking is another major cause, which can result in a yellowed appearance to the teeth.
As people grow older their teeth can become darker naturally. Tooth decay, fillings and tartar build-up can also all contribute to discolouration.
Teeth have nerves and blood vessels inside them. If these nerves and blood vessels are damaged (this can happen because of decay, or if the teeth are knocked) the tooth may get darker.
Some types of staining can be caused by diseases or medicines. For example, if a type of antibiotic called tetracycline is given to children whose teeth are still developing, their adult teeth may form with a yellow or greenish tinge.
There are many simple ways to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. Visit your dentist or hygienist to have your teeth scaled and polished on a regular basis. This involves removing any tartar that has built up. Your dentist or hygienist will also give you advice about preventing tooth decay.
Regular toothbrushing, stopping smoking and cutting down on strongly coloured food and drink will help stop stains returning.
Whitening toothpastes are slightly abrasive, which may help to remove surface staining. However, they do not alter the natural shade of your teeth.1
Your dentist can also give you advice about replacing your metal fillings and crowns "
ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Tooth Whitening Treatments Frequently Asked Questions
ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Tooth Whitening Treatments Frequently Asked Questions: "Tooth Whitening Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should you ask your dentist?
What is in-office bleaching?
What are at-home procedures and products?
How should I choose a whitening product?
What should you ask your dentist?
You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
Return to Top
What is in-office bleaching?
If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.
During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
A number of in-office bleaching agents have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.
Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agen"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should you ask your dentist?
What is in-office bleaching?
What are at-home procedures and products?
How should I choose a whitening product?
What should you ask your dentist?
You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not effect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
Return to Top
What is in-office bleaching?
If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.
During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.
A number of in-office bleaching agents have the ADA Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.
Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agen"
Teeth whitening toothpaste for yellow or stained teeth - Bleaching kit - Supersmile
Teeth whitening toothpaste for yellow or stained teeth - Bleaching kit - Supersmile: "Supersmile Teeth Whitening System
The Supersmile teeth whitening system, invented by Dr. Irwin Smigel, can help you get the bright smile you deserve. Supersmile is the #1 recommended teeth whitening system by cosmetic dentists for maintaining bleached, bonded, and laminated teeth as well as natural teeth. More than any other tooth whitening system, Supersmile leaves your teeth smooth and clean, along with whitening stained yellow teeth.
Our patented formula uses Calprox™ to whiten, baking soda for fresh breath and healthy gums and fluoride to stop cavities. It quickly and safely removes coffee, tea, tobacco and red wine stains leaving your mouth looking and feeling its best!"
The Supersmile teeth whitening system, invented by Dr. Irwin Smigel, can help you get the bright smile you deserve. Supersmile is the #1 recommended teeth whitening system by cosmetic dentists for maintaining bleached, bonded, and laminated teeth as well as natural teeth. More than any other tooth whitening system, Supersmile leaves your teeth smooth and clean, along with whitening stained yellow teeth.
Our patented formula uses Calprox™ to whiten, baking soda for fresh breath and healthy gums and fluoride to stop cavities. It quickly and safely removes coffee, tea, tobacco and red wine stains leaving your mouth looking and feeling its best!"
22% Deluxe Teeth Whitening System
22% Deluxe Teeth Whitening System: "Deluxe Teeth Whitening System with 22% Ultrawhite Fast Whitening Gel from Ultra-White.com
New low pricing. Buy one kit at the regular price and get the 2nd kit for 50% off! The second kit can be used immediately or given as a gift at any time!
Imagine beautiful white teeth in only two weeks! Our deluxe kit is identical to whitening done by your dentist in every way but the price. The fast whitening 22% carbamide peroxide solution requires only one hour of usage per day. Noticeable changes begin to occur within 1-2 days, but most customers see a 2-4 shade change in their teeth within two weeks. So get ready for that wedding, job interview or first date. Because of its strong formulation, customers with sensitive teeth should order the 16% Deluxe Kit.
With your order, we ship by U.S. Prority Mail, the material to make accurate impressions of your teeth along with 5 syringes of the whitening gel. You make the impressions of your teeth and ship them back to us in the return pre-paid mailer. Once we receive your impressions our dental lab goes to work and ensures a 24-hour turn around in most instances. Along with customers of Ultra-White our lab also makes custom trays for patients of dentists. You can expect to receive your new trays via USPS approximately 7-10 days after you ship your impressions to us.
Also includes heat formed temporary trays. These can be used for those who want to start whitening now! These heat formed trays are easy to use and will give those who can't wait to get started the opportunity to do so right away.
Each Deluxe Whitening System Includes:
Impression putty and trays
Simple, accurate instructions
Prepaid Mailer
Laboratory Made Whitening Trays
5 Tubes of Ultrawhite 22% Carbamide Peroxide (each tube contains 3.8 ml of whit"
New low pricing. Buy one kit at the regular price and get the 2nd kit for 50% off! The second kit can be used immediately or given as a gift at any time!
Imagine beautiful white teeth in only two weeks! Our deluxe kit is identical to whitening done by your dentist in every way but the price. The fast whitening 22% carbamide peroxide solution requires only one hour of usage per day. Noticeable changes begin to occur within 1-2 days, but most customers see a 2-4 shade change in their teeth within two weeks. So get ready for that wedding, job interview or first date. Because of its strong formulation, customers with sensitive teeth should order the 16% Deluxe Kit.
With your order, we ship by U.S. Prority Mail, the material to make accurate impressions of your teeth along with 5 syringes of the whitening gel. You make the impressions of your teeth and ship them back to us in the return pre-paid mailer. Once we receive your impressions our dental lab goes to work and ensures a 24-hour turn around in most instances. Along with customers of Ultra-White our lab also makes custom trays for patients of dentists. You can expect to receive your new trays via USPS approximately 7-10 days after you ship your impressions to us.
Also includes heat formed temporary trays. These can be used for those who want to start whitening now! These heat formed trays are easy to use and will give those who can't wait to get started the opportunity to do so right away.
Each Deluxe Whitening System Includes:
Impression putty and trays
Simple, accurate instructions
Prepaid Mailer
Laboratory Made Whitening Trays
5 Tubes of Ultrawhite 22% Carbamide Peroxide (each tube contains 3.8 ml of whit"
Ultra White Teeth Whitening Products
Ultra White Teeth Whitening Products: "'Ultra-White Pharmaceutical Grade Whitening Gel - It's the Most Powerful Oral Care Miracle and The Only Teeth Whitening Gel worth using... No Toothpaste or Whitening Gel Can Compare to the Benefits of This Amazing Product'
Dear Friend,
You probably came to this site because you've heard about our Teeth Whitening Systems and how they turn dull teeth into dazzling smiles. Or perhaps you're interested in cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening is just one of the many treatments that you are doing research on.
If you are just learning about this procedure, click here to discover the different teeth whitening options and costs of various treatments in our Teeth Whitening Facts and Myths section including new information on “White Strips” and Laser Teeth whitening.
If you are familiar with Teeth Whitening and just want to know why choose Ultra-White Gel? Here are just a few reasons:
• This is the same professional strength pharmaceutical grade product sold by dentists .Virtually every whitening company makes this claim but almost all whitening products sold online are “food grade” These gels are less expensive to produce and easier to obtain by anyone with a website and a credit card machine. There are only 3 manufactures that produce this quality product and are known only to dental industry insiders.
• Whether you have never whitened you teeth before or just want a refill gel without paying you dentists mark up prices we have everything you need.
• Only one hour per day treatment time needed. Our exclusive formula requires less wear time than other gels. • Choose between 22% Carbamide Peroxide and 16% Carbamide Peroxide formulas.
• Because of our pharmaceutical grade gel, one box of Ultra"
Dear Friend,
You probably came to this site because you've heard about our Teeth Whitening Systems and how they turn dull teeth into dazzling smiles. Or perhaps you're interested in cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening is just one of the many treatments that you are doing research on.
If you are just learning about this procedure, click here to discover the different teeth whitening options and costs of various treatments in our Teeth Whitening Facts and Myths section including new information on “White Strips” and Laser Teeth whitening.
If you are familiar with Teeth Whitening and just want to know why choose Ultra-White Gel? Here are just a few reasons:
• This is the same professional strength pharmaceutical grade product sold by dentists .Virtually every whitening company makes this claim but almost all whitening products sold online are “food grade” These gels are less expensive to produce and easier to obtain by anyone with a website and a credit card machine. There are only 3 manufactures that produce this quality product and are known only to dental industry insiders.
• Whether you have never whitened you teeth before or just want a refill gel without paying you dentists mark up prices we have everything you need.
• Only one hour per day treatment time needed. Our exclusive formula requires less wear time than other gels. • Choose between 22% Carbamide Peroxide and 16% Carbamide Peroxide formulas.
• Because of our pharmaceutical grade gel, one box of Ultra"
ADHA - Tooth Whitening Systems
ADHA - Tooth Whitening Systems: "Tooth Whitening Systems
Note: Before using any whitening procedure, ADHA recommends that you first be evaluated by an oral health care professional to determine which application and program are best for you.
Why do my teeth have stains and discolorations?
Most stains are caused by age, tobacco, coffee, or tea. Other types of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too much fluoride.
What treatments are used for stained teeth?
Ask your oral health care professional about tooth-whitening options. They include a number of over-the-counter whitening systems, whitening toothpastes, and the latest high-tech option--laser tooth whitening. For maximum whitening, experts agree that peroxide is usually the way to go.
Supervised bleaching procedures that are done in-office and at-home have become among the most popular treatment options. In some cases, the procedure is performed entirely in the office, using a light or heat source to speed up the bleaching process. In other cases, an oral health care professional gets the procedure started during an office visit and then gives you what you need to complete it at home. Still another popular procedure is one that you complete entirely at home.
At-home procedures, sometimes called nightguard vital bleaching, consist of placing a bleaching solution, usually a peroxide mixture, in a tray (nightguard) that has been custom fitted for your mouth by an oral health care professional. The bleaching solutions may vary in potency and may be worn for an hour, or throughout the night. Your oral health care professional can advise you on the appropriate type of application and the length of time needed to whiten your teeth, based on the severity of tooth discoloration and your specific needs.
How effective are bleaching systems"
Note: Before using any whitening procedure, ADHA recommends that you first be evaluated by an oral health care professional to determine which application and program are best for you.
Why do my teeth have stains and discolorations?
Most stains are caused by age, tobacco, coffee, or tea. Other types of stains can be caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline; or too much fluoride.
What treatments are used for stained teeth?
Ask your oral health care professional about tooth-whitening options. They include a number of over-the-counter whitening systems, whitening toothpastes, and the latest high-tech option--laser tooth whitening. For maximum whitening, experts agree that peroxide is usually the way to go.
Supervised bleaching procedures that are done in-office and at-home have become among the most popular treatment options. In some cases, the procedure is performed entirely in the office, using a light or heat source to speed up the bleaching process. In other cases, an oral health care professional gets the procedure started during an office visit and then gives you what you need to complete it at home. Still another popular procedure is one that you complete entirely at home.
At-home procedures, sometimes called nightguard vital bleaching, consist of placing a bleaching solution, usually a peroxide mixture, in a tray (nightguard) that has been custom fitted for your mouth by an oral health care professional. The bleaching solutions may vary in potency and may be worn for an hour, or throughout the night. Your oral health care professional can advise you on the appropriate type of application and the length of time needed to whiten your teeth, based on the severity of tooth discoloration and your specific needs.
How effective are bleaching systems"
ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Tooth Whitening Treatments
ADA.org: Oral Health Topics: Tooth Whitening Treatments: "Tooth Whitening Treatments
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources
Overview
Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.
Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day and the regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.
You can take several approaches to whiten your smile:
In-office bleaching;
At-home bleaching;
Whitening toothpastes "
Overview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources
Overview
Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.
Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day and the regular cleanings at your dentist’s office. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.
You can take several approaches to whiten your smile:
In-office bleaching;
At-home bleaching;
Whitening toothpastes "
British Dental Health Foundation
British Dental Health Foundation:
"Tooth whitening
What is tooth whitening?
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.
Back to top
Why would I need my teeth whitened?
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.
Back to top
What does tooth whitening involve?
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.
Back to top
After tooth whitening treatment
How long does this take?
The total treatment can usually be done within"
"Tooth whitening
What is tooth whitening?
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.
Back to top
Why would I need my teeth whitened?
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.
Back to top
What does tooth whitening involve?
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.
Back to top
After tooth whitening treatment
How long does this take?
The total treatment can usually be done within"