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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
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The tray is loaded with the bleaching
material and then worn over the teeth for
short time 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 - or 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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