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Tooth Whitening by the use of bleaching has been
in use by dentists for over a century.
In the last few years the procedure has rightly become very popular - it is a
painless, non-invasive treatment that can transform your smile.
Two types of treatment are in use: home whitening
and in-surgery whitening.
Home whitening is a popular, predictable and cost-effective
treatment.
What is involved?
After a consultation to decide if you are suitable for this treatment, your
dentist will check the colour of your teeth with a shade guide.
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He will then
take a simple mould of your teeth, which is sent to the
laboratory where a special thin translucent tooth tray,
similar to a gum shield, is purpose made to fit your
dentition. At a second visit the fit of the tray is tested,
and a supply of the whitening solution is given, together
with instructions on its use. |
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The tray is loaded with the bleaching material
and then worn over the teeth for some hours each day.
One of the advantages of the home system
is that it can be varied to suit individual circumstances.
The simplest way is to wear the loaded tray
just at night - a good result is usually obtained within
a couple of weeks. Some patients prefer to wear it in
the morning or evening - about four hours a day is ideal,
as after this length of time the bleaching material will
no longer be effective.
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At a follow-up visit your dentist will re-check
the shade of your teeth and advise on progress.
Advantages
Compared to other forms of cosmetic treatment such
as veneers or crowns, the home whitening is cost-effective.
It is easy to use, usually painless, and can achieve good results
without damage to tooth structure.
It is a flexible treatment that, in some cases,
can be used to whiten one tooth more than the rest. It can
lighten teeth by several shades - removing the ageing effects
of coffee, tea, and tobacco and bring your white smile back!
Disadvantages
In some patients the treatment can cause some sensitivity
in the teeth. This is nearly always temporary and can be mitigated
by the use of suitable toothpaste.
The effect is not permanent - the whitening effect
will gradually reverse - a top-up treatment will be required
every so often, usually not for about twelve months and often
much longer. As the treatment shields are already made this
is a far simpler and much less costly appointment.
The whitening treatment will not alter the colour
of some previously filled teeth or ones that have been crowned
sometimes causing these to be more noticeable. These may require
further treatment to match the tooth shades together.
In-surgery Whitening.
ZOOM! Professional Whitening System
This procedure is carried out in one visit at the surgery by your dentist.
After checking the suitability and colour of your teeth - in a similar way
to the home system - the gums are covered with a protective coating and a much
stronger whitening material is applied to the teeth.
The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System is a scientifically advanced tooth whitening
procedure. It’s safe, effective and fast, very fast. In just over an
hour your teeth will become dramatically whiter. The Zoom! system is ideal
for anyone looking for immediate results. The Zoom! Whitening gel is applied
and activated with a specially designed light. The light and gel work together
to gently penetrate your teeth, breaking up stains and discolouration
. The convenience of this system, in comparison to days of wearing trays, makes
it the perfect choice for the busy individual.
Useful links:
www.zoomnow.com
www.dentalhealth.org.uk
www.whiterteeth.com
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