Tooth whitening

The colour of tooth enamel changes for many reasons.  These include the use of substances that stain the teeth (e.g. coffee, tea, tobacco, etc.), various dental traumas, the use of antibiotics, hereditary disposition, old age, etc.  Establishing the exact reason for the change of tooth colour is very important, since the effectiveness of the whitening process depends on this.

It is important to know that filling material does not change colour, therefore when heavily filled teeth are whitened, the fillings may remain discoloured.  Therefore it is recommended that patients considering tooth whitening should have the procedure done two weeks before the aesthetic filling.

Tooth whitening is the simplest way that everyone can improve their smile.  It is a most modern and safe procedure and it is not harmful to your teeth.

Tooth whitening can be done in 2 ways:

• Mouthguard (at home, for 10 nights while you sleep)
• Clinic (done by the dentist in one hour)

When teeth are whitened at home, the mouthguard is coated with a special whitening substance with the consistency of a gel and is put in place over the teeth for 5–6 hours, as you sleep.  The mouthguards are made from a soft, elastic material and do not cause any feeling of discomfort in the mouth.

Tests have established that whitening done under an orthodontist’s supervision using a paste containing hydrogen peroxide does not harm either the teeth or the gums.

When teeth are whitened at the clinic, a rubber cofferdam is used to isolate the mouth from impurities and to protect the teeth from moisture.  During whitening at the clinic the teeth are coated with a much stronger, special tooth whitening material, activated by a light used in orthodontics, which reaches the deepest layers of the teeth and whitens them.

During whitening at the clinic some people experience sensitivity in their teeth, others experience temporary increased sensitivity of the gums or teeth.  These symptoms usually pass after a few days.