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What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening can be described as any procedure that whitens
the appearance of the teeth. The actual technique used depends on what results
the patient requires, the condition of their teeth, the age of the patient, and
their lifestyle.
What discolours teeth in the first place?
Many factors are involved, and these can be divided into external
and internal factors. External factors are primarily dietary or lifestyle in
cause i.e Tea, Coffee, Red Wine, Smoking, Chewing Tobacco.
Internal factors are the natural colour of the teeth, which can
be affected by an antibiotic called Tetracycline (only if taken before 12 years
of age),dead teeth or decay and ageing. Chalky patches (mottling) of the teeth
is caused by childhood diseases such as measles, and fluorosis. Discoloured
fillings are best thought of as ‘internal’.
Treatment Options (This is a guide ONLY)
External stains: A scale and polish will remove the vast majority
of these stains. Good quality (i.e. Sonicare or Braun 3-D Deluxe) toothbrushes
will also remove stains.
Tetracycline staining: Mild: Leave. Moderate to severe: Porcelain
Veneers.
Decay: Remove decay and restore with tooth coloured filling.
Dead teeth (usually following trauma). A root filling is
required, with or without internal bleaching or veneer or a crown.
Ageing related
discolouration: External Tooth Bleaching (see below)
Mottling: Severe:
Veneers. Mild to Moderate: Microabrasion. (see below)
External Tooth Bleaching Zoom 2 and take home kits
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We can perform
Tooth Whitening in just under one hour with the revolutionary new Zoom 2
procedure. We can give you some idea of how white your teeth could
really be! Your smile is important. It's one of the first things you
notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful - it
can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression.
For the ultimate WOW
factor ask about the very latest Zoom 2 Chairside
Advanced Power Whitening System that can make your teeth as much
as eleven shades lighter.
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Patients can also use the take home kits, these use a chemical
to break down stains beneath the surface of the tooth. The technique used here
involves taking an impression for the construction of close fitting trays into
which the patient applies the bleaching gel and then wears the trays. Very
successful for ageing related discolouration. The darker the teeth are, the
bigger difference the patient notices. If the patient has any fillings on their
front teeth, these will have to be replaced after
treatment. Usually lasts 2 years. A lifestyle heavy in external staining factors
will significantly reduce this length of time.
Microabrasion
Involves removing the surface layers of enamel by a process of
etching, micro-fine diamond burs and abrasive polishing. Only the minimum amount
of enamel is removed. Occasionally a deep penetration of mottling may require a
tooth coloured composite filling for best results.
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