Services
Tooth whitening system (Bleaching)
How can you brighten your smile?
Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. In fact, having whiter teeth is the number one concern of our patients. The most effective and safest way to accomplish this is dentist-supervised whitening.
Is bleaching for you?
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider bleaching your teeth if they are darkened from age, coffe/tea drinking, or smoking. In general, yellow, brown, or orange discolouration respond better to bleaching than "grey" stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with thin enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.
What's involved?
First, Dr. Vaida will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what bleaching system would provide the best results. At your first appointment, Roberta will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard appliance for you. The mouthguard is custom made for your mouth and it is lightweight, and can be worn while you are awake or sleeping. The mouthguard is so thin should even be able to talk and work while wearing your mouthguard. At the second appointment you will be given your mouthguard, and your bleaching materials. You will be given detailed instructions on how to apply the gel, and for how long each day. Most bleaching systems require 10-14 days to achieve the desired result.
How long does it last?
Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such and drinking coffee and tea. With our bleaching kits, you will generally have at least one vial of bleaching gel left over from your initial course of bleaching which you can use to "touch up" your smile. If you are a heavy tea/coffee drinker, you may have to do touch ups every six months. You can continue to use your custom mouthguard, and can buy vials of bleaching gel separately as required. Re-treatment is much shorter that the original treatment, often only taking 2-3 applications to restore the desired level of whiteness.
How does it work?
The active ingredient in most of our whitening agents is carbamide peroxide (CH4N202). When water contacts this white crystal, the hydrogen peroxide lightens the teeth.
Is it safe? Any side effects?
Several studies, during the past five years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.
What are realistic expectations?
Bleaching can only provide a change in colour from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching does not change the colour of such materials as resins, silicants or porcelains. We always recommend that our patients who are having major restorative work done (implants, crowns, veneers, bridges) do a course of bleaching prior to having the work done. If the restorative work is matched to the yellow or grey teeth, there is no way to change the colour.
Sources:
Van B. Haywood, DMD, associate professor of oral rehabilitation at the Medical College Georgia, School of Dentistry, Augusta; "Effectiveness, Side Effects and Long Nightguard Vital Bleaching," JADA, September 1994; "Efficacy of Vital Home Bleaching," Journal of California Dental Association, January 1993; "Nightguard Vital Bleaching, and Products Update," Esthetic Dentistry Update, August 1991 and October 1991; "Many practices offer dentist-monitored bleaching," Dental Economics, May 1990; "Whiteners Bleaching Technique is not a Wash-out," AGD Impact, December 1992
