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Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?

Sometimes, over the years or due to repeated use of stain-inducing materials, the dentin, or natural colour underneath the white enamel, can begin to show signs of basic wear and tear.  When this happens, the teeth can appear yellowish, losing their nice white appearance.  The best way to combat this problem is to whiten one’s teeth.  This can be done several different ways, each differing in procedure and cost.  Here is an overview of all the options and their effects on both budget and how they look cosmetically.

Why do you need Tooth Whitening?

  • The dentin portion of the tooth becomes visible.
  • This happens from years of wear and routine activity.
  • Teeth can also be stained by two types of stains called Extrinsic and Intrinsic staining.

Possible Treatments

Below are some the possible treatments available. Each treatment has its benefits and are more suitable for certain cases over others, it is important that you come in and speak to us so we can recommend the best treatment possible for you.

  • Teeth Bleaching
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Dental Veneers

Treatment starts out with an exam of the tooth enamel.

Whitening removes unwanted stains or discolourations, but it leaves the cracks or tiny fissures, which are then subject to build up by re-mineralization from our naturally occurring saliva, or they can become filled up with other types of debris.

Depending on the type of stain, whether it is extrinsic or intrinsic, this will determine the exact course of treatment.

Extrinsic Stains

  • These appear on the surface or the exterior of the tooth.
  • Extrinsic stains are from things we do to our teeth like smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking dark coloured beverages (i.e.: coffee, tea, carbonated beverages that are dark in colour).
  • More minor stains can be removed simply by careful brushing, and regular cleanings at the dentist.
  • More major stains are removed with procedures such as teeth bleaching.
  • If extrinsic stains are ignored over a prolonged period of time, they can lead to lasting discolouration.

Intrinsic Stains
(discoloration)

  • These kinds of stains form on the inside or interior of the tooth.
  • These stains are caused by natural ageing, too much exposure to various damaging minerals, and possible fluoride ingestion.
  • Today, it is believed that intrinsic staining can be taken care of with at-home whitening kits or veneers.

Looking for more information about Tooth Whitening?

Treatment Process

There are several different options available, such as;

  • in-office whitening
  • purpose made take-home kits
  • over-the-counter pharmacy products such as Crest Whitening Strips.

In-office whitening is done with hydrogen peroxide, whereas carbamide peroxide is utilized in at-home kits.

Benefits to Teeth Whitening?

  • Cleaner, whiter and brighter teeth.
  • Increased confidence due to a new white smile.

After Effects

  • Sometimes, a sensitivity to cold, heat or pressure can result from teeth whitening. This is way more likely when you have an in-office procedure, which is also a more expensive option.
  • If you are already prone to gum recession, cracks in your teeth, or leakage, then you will be much more prone to sensitivity.
  • This lasts anywhere from a few days to a month, although a special gentle toothpaste can be used effectively.
  • Irritation of the gums may happen.
  • Normal teeth that are next to stained teeth can result in what is termed “technicolour” teeth. This means that they are over-whitened, and can appear glowing.

Did you know

Avoid cheap homemade kits for tooth whitening, these can be dangerous and cause permanent harm to your teeth

The Irish Dental Association has warned patients of the danger of many tooth whitening products saying many of them range from ‘useless to dangerous’. The Association has also expressed its concern about unsupervised tooth whitening.”

82.5 %
Percent who saw a noticeable difference from a in-clinic teeth whitening procedure.

(statisticbrain.com)

Contact us Today!

Are you looking for more information regarding Teeth Whitening, then simply fill in the form below, and we will contact you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can call us on 01 2014180