SMILE QUEST
What Different Techniques are there to whiten teeth?
Over the past several years teeth whitening has undergone some modifications giving way to three types of procedures:
Laser Whitening/Power Bleaching Procedure:
This Procedure is only carried out by a fully qualified teeth whitening specialist. The gel is activated by the light source, ("laser"). The light source allows the hydrogen peroxide to decompose and penetrate the enamel, a lot deeper and a lot faster, than would be the case otherwise. This procedure is carried out in 10 minute applications because after 10 mintes of exposure ot saliva, air and light, the hydrogen peroxide reduces in concentration and does not work as effectively.
The full treatment normally consists of three to four 10 minute applications, (average three ten minute applications), which can take approximately I hour to complete. The results are dramatic and clients can achieve up to 10 shades lighter.
Home Kits:
This process is self administered and not under the direct supervision of a teeth whitening specialist, its main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, which decomposes into hydrogen peroxide, the active ingredient in all teeth whitening products. The usual strength of carbamide peroxide home kits are 15% and the decomposition rate is a third. Therefore, a 15% carbamide peroxide home kit will release approx 5% hydrogen peroxide.
Trays are provided for upper and lower arches. They are then required to apply the whitening gel, which usually comes in the form of syringes, into the trays and wear these trays for the prescribed period. This period can be in the range of 20-40 minutes to weaning the trays overnight, depending on the manufacturer.
This procedure takes longer because of two main reasons - one: The strength of hydrogen peroxide is lower than what would be used by a teeth whitening specialist and - two: the gel is not exposed to a light source to speed up the decomposition rate.
U.V. Activated Kits:
Again, because this process is self admistered, the main ingredient in this product is also carbamide peroxide. The U.V. light in the sunbed allows the decomposition rate to accelerate. However, due to the short time spent on the sunbed, this procedure will only hae a brightening effect.
Does whitening work on veneers, crowns, Bridges, fillings?
The whitening products and services will not whiten crowns, veners, bridges, fillings however, they will clean them to their original colour. Nevertheless, it must be noted, that the users own teeth may become whiter then the colour of their venners, crowns, bridges, fillings and these may need raplacing.
How long will the results last?
This depends on the system that is used. The "laser" procedure will stay noticeably whiter for 18-24 months, however, periodic touch-ups,one ten minute "laser" treatment, usually every 6 - 12 months, should be performed to keep the smile at its brightest never their less each clients unique combination of age, diet, tooth structure, together with their oral hygiene, will influence the long term results.
Who Can Benefit From Teeth Whitening?
Almost anyone over the age of 16, who have their own natural teeth, wishing a more confident vibrant smile. However pregnant ladies, or nursing mothers, should contact their doctor before using any teeth whitening products.
Does Teeth whitenng Really work?
This is a common question that is asked. The surface of teeth contain millions of microscopic pores and over time, organic compounds from food, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee and tobacco etc, settle into these pores and couse discolouration of the tooth enamel.
Almost all natural teeth respond to the process. However, there are some individuals teeth that take longer than others to whiten, such as those with tetracycline antibiotic staining
How does the whitening gel actually whiten teeth?
The main ingredient in all teeth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. This hydrogen peroxide turns into water oxygen, which penetrates the enamel and almost all types of stains are lifted out of the porous enamel results of testing and measured results are indisputable.
In short, the whitening gel is activated by the moisture,(saliva), within the mouth and it is this activated state that it releases the oxygen to the teeth and the whitening process begins. The laser light speeds up the whitening process.
Will Teeth whitening damage the enamel of the teeth?
Research continues with regard to teeth whitening products and procedures. However, research data, to date, shows there is no risk to the enamel of the teeth,other than the advised 24-48 hours temporary sensitivity.
Are There any Side Effects?
A small percentage of users experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold, or minor gum irritations. These sympoms usually subside within 24-48 hours after the whitening process.