Bleaching
Dental bleaching, also known as tooth whitening, is a common procedure in general dentistry. A child's deciduous teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, foodstuffs and tobacco. Certain antibiotic medications (like tetracycline) can also cause teeth stains or a reduction in the brilliance of the enamel.
Bleaching teeth is a way of rendering the appearance of a tooth, or teeth, a number of shades lighter. Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidizes interprismatic stain deposits; over a period of time, the dentin layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also bleached.
External Bleaching
Extrenal Bleaching
Before and after animation.
Before.
After.
Internal Bleaching
Note deep staining of root.
Root colour vastly improved.
Micro-Abrasion
Surface stains and enamel defects can sometimes be dealt with by surface reduction using micro-abrasion techniques.
This involves the use of an acid and an abrasvie mix to remove the surface layer of the tooth where the defects are often found.
Note disfiguring white patches on tooth surface.
Improved aesthetics as white patches are much less noticeable.
Teeth Whitening
This can be carried out internally where a tooth has been previously root filled and has undergone significant colour change, or externally, either with the application of bleach in the dental chair, Britesmile power bleaching system, which uses light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching or by means of home bleaching techniques, Nite White, that involves the use of pre-formed trays that are loaded with bleach on a daily basis for up to two weeks at a time. The latter has the benefit of having a therapeutic benefit of improving the gum health due to repeated exposure of this area to the bleach and allows a greater degree of control as to the level of bleaching desired. Professional home whitening kits also provide more permanent results over a longer time scale, whereas Britesmile whitening offers immediate results. A combination of the two provides the perfect solution to both immediate and long-term whitening needs.
What to expect
Britesmile:
The bleaching compound usually contains a high concentration of peroxide (15-30%) some form of protection has to be placed around the gums so that only the teeth are exposed to the compound. This involves covering the gums with rolls of cotton and a protective gel material that hardens once applied to the gums. A cheek retractor is used to keep the lips and cheeks away from the teeth.
It is very important that your gums and lips are isolated with a protective material in order to avoid any potential damage or burning. Home whitening kits usually have a low concentration of peroxide so that there is less chance of any damage occurring. Eye protection (goggles) is also provided to prevent any damage to the eyes from the light used or any accidental splashes of the peroxide. The whitening gel is then applied to the surface of the teeth and exposed to the light, which activates it. During this process if you feel that your lips or gums start to burn then you should let me know immediately. After approximately 20 minutes the gel is removed and the process repeated twice more. During the procedure some people may feel sensitivity in their teeth, which are described as short-lived shooting pains.
To finish the whitening gel is washed off and the gum protection removed before evaluating the final result by taking a photograph or using a shade chart. The results are usually quite dramatic and can often be up to 10 shades lighter. A kit for home whitening may also be provided with custom trays and professional whitening gel.
Many patients’ teeth are quite sensitive immediately following this procedure and it is advised to try and avoid hot or cold drinks for a while. Your home whitening kit will contain a solution to reduce tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity rarely lasts more than 48 hours, if symptoms persist for longer than this then contact me.
Home Bleaching with Nite White:
The Nite White teeth whitening gel has gone through three revisions and is now on its third version: Nite White Excel 3 ACP. The bleaching gel uses a mixture of carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. It is available in 10%, 16%, and 22% Carbamide Peroxide.
The dual barrel syringe features two chambers - one contains a powerful and stabilized Carbamide Peroxide formula; the second chamber contains an activation gel with soothers, conditioners and desensitizers added. The gel is activiated through its auto-mixing nozzle precisely at the time of use for tooth whitening. Nite White uses a tray based system, so you will need a custom fitted tray to use this product which we will provide for you.
Some users might feel sensitivity with nite whitening. The sensitivity is caused by fluxing of oxygen and bicarbonate ions through the dentinal tubules. If you are prone to sensitivity it is recommended to use a sensitivity toothpaste for a week or two before you start whitening with Nite White. The other option is to use a desensitizing gel after whitening.
Patented Calcium Phosphate is a formula that naturally bonds with the tooth surface to increase overall enamel smoothness and gloss, and reduce whitening fade-back. Its rapid absorption into the teeth also functions to reduce transient sensitivity – this is an added benefit that is quite different from typical bleaching solutions.