Dental Services
How to Whiten Teeth? Dental Teeth Bleaching
How to whiten teeth? There are many methods of cosmetic teeth bleaching however some are more effective than others. The most effective dental teeth bleaching or cosmetic teeth whitening method is to have it done professionally by a dentist. At Proactive Dental Studio in Surrey BC we provide Vancouver teeth bleaching services for our clients.
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 or you're having your picture taken. Whatever the reason, dental teeth 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 cosmetic teeth bleaching for you?
Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider cosmetic teeth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffe/tea drinking, or smoking. In general, yellow, brown, or orange discolourations 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, we may discourage bleaching and recommend porcelain veneers.
What's involved? How to Whiten Teeth?
First, Dr. Vaida will determine whether you are a candidate for cosmetic teeth whitening and what bleaching system would provide the best results. At your first appointment, we 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 you will even be able to talk and work while wearing it. At the second appointment you will be given your mouthguard, and your dental teeth bleaching materials. You will receive detailed instructions on how to apply the gel and for how long each day you need to use it. Most bleaching systems require 10-14 days to achieve the desired result.
How long does it last?
Whiteness will last from one to five years; depending on your personal habits such as drinking coffee and tea. With our cosmetic teeth 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 or coffee drinker, you may have to do touch-ups every six months. You can continue to use your custom mouthguard and buy vials of bleaching gel separately as required. Re-treatment is much shorter than the original treatment, often only taking 2-3 applications to restore the desired level of whiteness.
How does cosmetic teeth whitening 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?
Dental teeth 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, silicats or porcelains. We always recommend that our patients who are having major restorative work done (such as 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
How to whiten teeth is a question most of our clients ask. We believe that the most effective dental teeth bleaching method is to have it done professionally. Proactive Dental Studio offices in Surrey BC provides Vancouver teeth bleaching, among other services for clients in the Greater Vancouver BC region. Call us at (604) 583-4242 for an appointment or click here to book an appointment.
