What does tooth whitening do?

If you are unhappy with colour of your teeth, you can use tooth whitening to effectively lighten the colour of your teeth without taking off any of the tooth surface. Please note you cannot change the colour but you can lighten the existing colour!

How do you whiten teeth with zoom?

To protect the teeth during the teeth whitening Hereford process a chemical protective barrier will be applied to the patients gums. The dentist will then apply the whitening solution to the patients teeth ready to be activated using the zoom laser whitening.

When the zoom laser is turned on it will use a combination of light and heat to activate the whitening solution. After the whitening process the barrier will be removed.

How long does the teeth whitening procedure take?

Usually the whole procedure will take an hour but this can vary from patient to patient and therefore the dentist will advise you on your specific case.

Will I be happy with the teeth whitening results?

Treatment results will vary from patient to patient as each case will be different. The dentist will be able to advise on how strong the effects will be prior to treatment. The effects of the whitening can last between 1-3 years and can sometimes last even longer!

When whitening might not work?

Please note that whitening will not change the colour of your tooth but will only lighten the existing shade. If you are after a specific shade of tooth, dental veneers could be another treatment option for you. Teeth whitening will also only work on natural teeth and wont work for veneers or false teeth (crowns/dentures). If you are unhappy with the colour of your false teeth or veneers you can speak to your dentist for a clean or even
getting them replaced.

How do I care for my teeth after they have been whitened?

Maintaining a healthy oral lifestyle and practicing a good brushing/cleaning hygiene is of paramount importance to maintain your teeth after they have been whitened. Though over time you teeth will start to darken and discolour, by ensuring you brush your teeth thoroughly and regularly, you will be able to keep your teeth whiter for longer. You can also help maintain your whitening effects for longer by doing a top up of home whitening every so often (your dentist will advise)

What does tooth whitening do?

Teeth whitening can be a highly effective, yet very simple way, of lightening the colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a colour change, but lightens the existing colour.

What does the procedure involve?

In a live tooth the dentist hereford applies the whitening product using a specially made tray which fits into the mouth like a gum shield. The chemical is then activated using heat, or heat and light combined. The active ingredient in the product is normally hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. If the tooth has been root treated, the canal, which previously contained the nerve, may be reopened and the whitening product is put in. In both cases, the procedure needs to be repeated until the right shade is reached.

The soft tissues are protected from the whitening gel

How long does the procedure take?

First of all you will need 2 or 3 visits to your dentist in herefordshire. Your dentist will need to make a mouthguard and will need to take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your herefordshire dentist has started the treatment, you will have to continue the treatment at home. This will mean applying the bleach regularly over 2-4 weeks for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time. However, some newer products can be applied for up to 8 hours at a time, which means that a satisfactory result can be obtained in as little as 1 week.

The whitening gel is activated using a light

Why would my teeth need to be bleached?

Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour varies, so do our teeth. Some teeth have a yellowish tinge, some are more beige very few are actually white. Teeth also yellow with age can become stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee and blackcurrant. Calculus (tartar) can also affect the colour of the teeth. Some people may have staining inside their teeth. This can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth, which take up the stain.

Will I be happy with the results?

Treatment results may vary depending on the original shade of the teeth. Teeth will tend to darken slightly over time. The effect lasts for around 1 to 3 years, although sometimes it can last longer. Some people find that their teeth are sensitive for the first few days after treatment, but this wears off after a short while.

Severe staining before treatment

After whitening treatment

What about home kits?

Over-the-counter kits are not recommended as they contain only a small amount of hydrogen peroxide which makes the product less effective. Some also contain mild acids, while others are abrasive. Although these products are cheaper, whitening is a complicated treatment procedure and should only be carried out by a dentist hereford after a thorough examination and assessment of your teeth. It is very important to follow the instructions your dentist gives you, and to make sure that you go for any follow-up appointments recommended.

When might teeth whitening not work?

Teeth Whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. For a change to specific chosen shade veneering is another option. Whitening also works on natural teeth. It will not work on any type of false teeth. This includes dentures, crowns and veneers. If dentures are stained or discoloured, it may be worth visiting the dentist and asking him or her to clean them. Stained veneers, crowns and dentures may need replacing. Again, ask your hereford dentist.

What about whitening toothpaste?

There are now several whitening toothpastes you can buy. Although they do not affect the natural colour of the tooth, they are effective at removing staining and therefore improving the overall appearance of the tooth. Whitening toothpaste may also help to keep up the appearance, once teeth have been professionally whitened.