To bleach or not to bleach?

What is tooth-whitening or bleaching?

It is a process that lightens discolorations of tooth dentine and enamel.

What causes tooth discolouration?

The most common causes include: aging, consumption of staining substances (e.g. tea, coffee, tobacco, red wines, colas) or substances containing certain colorants, trauma, nerve degeneration/damage, old and leaking restorations, consumption of tetracycline antibiotics or excessive fluoride during the formative stages of the teeth.

Is the process safe?

Research and clinical studies have shown that tooth whitening with 40% Hydrogen peroxide under a dentist’s supervision is safe and is considered by many as the safest, most conservative and cost-effective dental-cosmetic procedure available today.

How long does it take?

Depending on whether high concentration peroxide material applied by a dentist at their rooms or a lower concentration home system is used or a combination of both, results of 1-8 shade improvement can be achieved in anywhere between 1 hour and 6-10 days. Light activation of materials has been found to not make a significant difference in the final outcome.

Are there any side-effects?

With some products some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity to cold substances. Sensitivity experienced usually disappears within 1-3 days after stopping the treatment. The use of fluoride and toothpastes for sensitive teeth can help reduce symptoms. Avoid getting excess gel on the soft tissues, since it can cause an uncomfortable tissue reaction which will resolve.

How long do the results last?

As all people continue to age and most continue to consume the staining substances, ‘touch-up’ bleach for 1-2 days is recommended once or twice a year to maintain whitened results and teeth prophylaxis at your dentist rooms naturally is also advised and indicated.