Are there different types of tooth whitening?
There are many methods to whiten teeth: whitening strips, whitening pen, whitening light (very often is called laser whitening, but in fact is a machine operating at a certain wavelength of light which activates quicker the whitening agent, whitening gel and home whitening methods.
Do you offer tooth whitening kits to use at home?
We use a system called Illuminé™ by Dentsply, which is a tray-based whitening system. It has been designed for patients to have the first treatment applied by a dental practitioner and thereafter apply in the comfort of their own home, over the course of approximately two weeks. A 6-9 shade change is possible using Illuminé™, offering your patients predictability and performance. In addition, the product is supplied in an attractive, consumer-friendly wash bag with simple, step-by-step application instructions.
Which is the best method for tooth whitening?
The tooth whitening method that shows the most advantages and best results is at-home whitening with whitening gel.
They are only available from your dentist, who will supervise your treatment from initial consultation through completion. Your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and will use them to make customised whitening trays that will perfectly fit your teeth. Using for tooth whitening very accurately fitting customised trays is very important as they will keep the sticky, viscous gel in better contact with teeth surfaces to be whitened and for longer and prevent migration to gums. Whitening trays will need to be worn by the patient for at least 4 hours for each treatment session and can be kept in the mouth overnight.
ADVANTAGES
- Most effective method for tooth whitening.
- Limited treatment time in surgery and as a result less expensive.
- Patient can check the teeth colour after every application and stop treatment when happy with the result.
- Very easy and cost effective to repeat the treatment if necessary in the future.
- The gel contains Potassium Fluoride (PF), which helps to improve oral health by strengthening enamel, decreasing sensitivity and offering increased cavity prevention.
DISADVANTAGES
- Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity.
- The only disadvantage compared to whitening with light is that it takes longer. At-home tooth whitening with gel can provide results after just one night, though expect to see results in about a week.
Does it last?
The effects of whitening can last for several months but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors that decrease whitening include smoking and the ingestion of dark colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine. Whitening treatment though can be repeated and especially for at-home whitening with gel, patient can buy extra whitening gel from the practice and use it with the customised whitening trays. A new prescription from the dentist is not necessary.
