FOR BEAUTIFUL NAD HEALTHY SMILE
Tooth whitening
The mouth and teeth are among the most dominant details of the face, and are therefore often what those around us observe first. The modern media and today's ideal of beauty promote the concept of a perfect smile, and patients are increasingly seeking brilliant, white teeth. Natural tooth colour is determined by race and the colour of an individual's skin, hair and eyes, creating numerous different shares of tooth colour.
Before and after toothe whitening
Up to 8 shades of a whiter smile
Minimum Irritation
Just One Visit
Various internal or external factors can lead to changes in tooth colour, which are called endogenic (internal) and exogenic (external) discolouration. Internal factors that cause changes to tooth colour include the frequent use of tetracyclic antibiotics during pregnancy, excessive intake of fluoride during the period of tooth formation, certain liver and haematological diseases (porphyry, haemolyticanaemia, phenylketonuria, foetal erythroblastosis), development diseases of the enamel and dentin of teeth (enamel hypoplasia, amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenetic imperfecta), endodontic tooth treatment, trauma and others. External factors include the excessive consumption of coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco smoking.
Tooth whitening is a simple and effective means to alter tooth colour, and can be conducted on vital or endodontically treated teeth. Itis first important to determine the cause of tooth colouration, in order to select the optimal whitening technique and concentration of whitening material. Professional tooth whitening in a dental clinic is completely safe for patients, and does not damage the teeth. Teeth can be whitened up to several shades. The active ingredients in whitening products can be carbamide peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate, in varying concentrations. Use of a special lamp can more quickly activate the whitening compounds, and improve their efficiency. Carbamide peroxide oxidises into hydrogen peroxide and urea, while hydrogen peroxide oxidises into water and oxygen which is then bound to the pigments in the enamel and dentine (chromophobic molecules), breaking them down. In that way, the yellowish pigments on the tooth surface are changed into white pigments. Recent research has shown that the tooth whitening procedure does not cause any significant changes to the enamel or dentin or the tooth surface.
What is the procedure for whitening an endodontically treated tooth?
An individual tooth can change colour following bleeding caused by trauma, necrosis of the tooth pulp, or improper endodontic procedures (where endodontic material remains in the chamber). A single tooth that is a different colour can erode the overall appearance of teeth. In this case, it is necessary to first perform the proper endodontic treatment, and then the tooth can be whitened on the inside, by inserting sodium perborate whitening compound inside the pulp chamber. This procedure is completely painless, and can be repeated under the desired tooth shade is achieved, to more closely match the rest of the teeth.
What is the procedure for whitening vital teeth in the clinic?
When whitening vital teeth, it is necessary to first isolate the surrounding soft tissue. Then the whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and a whitening lamp is shined on the teeth to ensure faster, better results. Itis important to note that whitening does not work on crowns, fillings and veneers, as whitening can only be achieved on natural tooth materials. Other restorative materials in the mouth retain their colouration, and may need to be changed after the whitening procedure.
Can I whiten my teeth at home?
Yes, using the special moulds that we will make to custom fit your teeth. The whitening compound used for home whitening has a lower concentration of active ingredients, and the procedure takes longer, though the achieved colouration lasts longer. Itis possible to undergo one professional whitening session in the clinic, and then maintain the effects at home, using the whitening moulds. This whitening method is also suitable for people with thinned enamel, thanks to the lower concentration of active ingredients in the whitener.
Are there any side effects of tooth whitening?
Possible side effects of tooth whitening are oversensitivity of teeth and mild irritation of the gums, though these are temporary and will subside within several days. In that case, we advise you use toothpaste for sensitive teeth for several days.
How can I maintain the whiteness achieved?
For an extended effect of whitening and stabilisation of the achieved colour, it is recommended that you reduce the consumption of strongly coloured foods and beverages and smoking for at least two weeks after the procedure. In that period, your teeth will take on their final colour as the colour stabilises. Coloured beverages can be consumed with a straw in order to prevent direct contact with teeth.
Who are the candidates for tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening isan ideal solution for people with healthy, nicely shaped teeth, who want a simple way to freshen up their appearance. Itis permitted for all age groups.
Itis not recommended for children under the age of 16 years, pregnant and nursing women.
