Teeth Whitening Preston: Common Treatments for an Uncommon Smile

Many people nowadays are concerned more and more about the aesthetic of their teeth. There are lots of newspaper articles, advertisements talking about how to achieve a bright white smile. In fact, scientific studies have shown that the colour, shape and alignment of teeth affect one's self esteem and thus to the quality of life.

With a variety of tooth whitening methods available, whitening your teeth has never been more reachable. Are you dreaming of a white smile? Before considering whitening your teeth, book an appointment for a check-up and cleaning with your dentist. Surface stains will need to be removed before whitening to achieve optimum results. Your dentist will then determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening.

One crucial factor to successfully whiten your teeth is the correct diagnosis of the causes of tooth discoloration. Basically a tooth can be stained externally or internally. External staining is caused by prolonged exposure to food that causes stains such as tea, red wine, cigarette, coffee...etc. This kind of staining can be removed by professional cleaning. 

Internal staining is usually associated with systemic problems during tooth formation, for example, low birth weight, prematurity, measles and mumps. Sometimes, the use of drugs may cause serious internal staining (e.g. antibiotics such as tetracycline).

Not everyone can use tooth whitening procedure. Circumstances that may prevent the use of tooth whitening products are:

• Teeth that have restoration, such as veneers, inlays or Onlays cannot be whitened with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These materials do not whiten past the colour they were originally made. The colours of these types of restorations were determined by the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are whitened, the restorations will stand out and look artificial. Replacing old or discoloured fillings will allow you to change their appearance.

• Teeth that have internal staining, discoloration from developmental conditions or have been root canal treated may not be affected by the typical whitening process. Internal tooth whitening or permanent restorations may be an option to consider.

• Natural tooth colours that are brown or gray in hue may not produce desired results. Typically, teeth with a yellow hue will produce the best results.

• Pregnant mothers should avoid whitening their teeth as there is not enough research to determine the safety of tooth whitening products during pregnancy or lactation.

• People with teeth hypersensivity should avoid tooth whitening, because this process may enhance the level of sensitivity they experience.

Teeth Whitening Procedure;

Enamel, the first layer of tooth surface, is actually semi-translucent, or clear. The layer underneath the enamel, known as dentin, is typically yellow, but may be gray, brown. This shade is what is seen penetrating through the enamel. In order to whiten the dentine, a peroxide solution is placed on the enamel. This process opens the pores of the enamel, allowing the solution to reach the layer of dentine. The solution will then begin to lighten the dentine, resulting in the whiter appearance of the teeth.

Several brands of tooth-whitening products are on the market that all promise one thing -- noticeable results. Professional in-surgery whitening and professional home whitening systems remain the most common ways to whiten your teeth.

It is important to have realistic expectations when evaluating your final results; it may take several treatments to achieve a whiter smile. Whitening results may not be permanent, as your teeth will naturally pick up stain from foods or drinks or from tobacco use. Remember to brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations. Tooth whitening results will vary from person to person, so chose an option that will suit your specific need and budget.

How Safe is This? 

Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professionals in Preston.

In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-surgery, treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 24 hours. as long as this procedure is supervised by an experienced cosmetic dentist).

If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it:

• If using a tray system, wear the tray for a shorter period
• Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate to help soothe tooth nerve ending
• Ask your dentist for a tooth paste with high concentration of fluoride, which helps re-mineralize your teeth. Brush-on or wear in your trays four minutes prior to and after whitening your teeth
• Stop whitening your teeth for several days to allow your teeth to adapt to the whitening process. Within 24 hours, the sensitivity will cease.