TEETH WHITENING
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at lightening the colour of teeth and removing stains or discolouration. It's one of the most popular aesthetic dental treatments because it can significantly enhance the appearance of a person's smile. There are various methods for whitening teeth, ranging from professional treatments by a dentist to over-the-counter products.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening typically involves the use of bleaching agents, most commonly hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These substances work by breaking down the stains on the enamel (the outer layer of the teeth), which makes the colour less concentrated and the teeth appear whiter.
Common Causes of Teeth Discolouration
Extrinsic Stains: These are surface stains caused by factors such as:
Food and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods can stain the teeth over time.
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to yellow or brown stains.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, which can cause discolouration.
Intrinsic Stains: These are deeper stains that can be caused by:
Ageing: Over time, the enamel on the teeth wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics, can cause discolouration if taken during tooth development.
Trauma: Injury to a tooth can cause it to darken.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Professional In-Practice Whitening:
Fast and Effective: This method is performed by a dentist and uses a higher concentration of the bleaching agent. The process can usually be completed in one visit, often taking about an hour.
Laser or Light-Activated Whitening: In some cases, a special light or laser is used to enhance the effectiveness of the bleaching agent. This can accelerate the whitening process and provide more dramatic results.
Results: Professional in-office whitening can make teeth several shades lighter, often in just one session.
At-Home Whitening Kits (Provided by Dentists):
Custom Trays: Dentists can provide custom-made trays that fit your teeth precisely. You'll be given a whitening gel to use with the trays, which you wear for a specified amount of time each day (usually for a few hours or overnight) over a period of weeks.
Results: This method is effective and can achieve significant whitening, although it may take longer than in-office treatments.
boutique whitening system - At-home whitening
Boutique Whitening is a whitening system founded by a dentist and utilises scientific evidence, dental experience and market knowledge to produce a professional and reliable teeth whitening system. Boutique Whitening is only distributed via dental practices by dental professionals - so you can be assured that you are in safe hands.
Boutique Whitening can help to improve the colour and overall appearance of your teeth. Here are some of its benefits:
Effective formula - 60 times stronger than non-professional products.
Results - Effective results from your first use with many patients content with stunning results within two to three weeks.
Convenient - Easy to get started with teeth whitening and most of the job is done in the comfort of your home.
Safe - Boutique whitening is only administered by dental practices by dental professionals.
Award-winning whitening - Boutique whitening has won multiple major industry awards. Click here to read more.
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No drilling of your natural teeth is required. This means no local anaesthesia, no needles, no pain.
Some patients may feel slight sensitivity when commencing their teeth whitening treatment. We recommend wearing your trays with some regular fluoride toothpaste for a couple of days to get your teeth and mouth used to the trays.
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Discolouration - Our teeth are susceptible to staining and discolouration. Certain foods or drinks such as coffee, wine, tea and habits such as smoking can contribute to this. The good thing about teeth whitening is you can keep your whitening gels on-hand and commence treatment as and when you require
Sensitivity - Some patients experience sensitivity when initially
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Some patients who are looking for a complete smile makeover may consider teeth whitening alongside their composite bonding.
We recommend completing your teeth whitening before commencing with composite bonding.
This allows our clinicians to accurately match the composite shade to your desired tooth shade, providing your with a seamless and beautiful finish.
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The results of teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on various factors. However, most people find that the effects last about 6 months to 2 years before a touch-up is needed. Here’s what influences the longevity of teeth whitening results:
Diet - Consuming stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and curry can cause the teeth to discolour more quickly after whitening.
Tobacco use - Smoking or using other tobacco products can lead to faster re-staining of the teeth.
Oral hygiene - Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can help prolong the results. Regular dental cleanings also help to keep your teeth bright.
Enamel wear - As you age, the enamel on your teeth naturally wears down, which can expose the yellowish dentin underneath. This can lead to a gradual dulling of your teeth’s whiteness over time, regardless of the whitening treatment used.
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To maintain the brightness of your teeth, periodic touch-up treatments may be recommended. This could involve using a home whitening kit for a few days every few months or having occasional in-office treatments.
Once completing your initial at-home teeth whitening with us, you can buy top up gels from our reception.