Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth, without removing any of the tooth surface.
There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.
At Delph Dental Practice we use a professional home whitening kit, so the whitening is a safe, gradual change controlled by you until you get the desired level of whiteness.
Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. Also, it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of 'false' teeth such as dentures, crowns, and veneers.
Through a combination of our skill and care, plus your own oral hygiene efforts at home, you can ensure your teeth and gums remain in tip-top condition for life. Instead of filling decayed teeth, we believe in investing time in improving your oral care routine. This way all our patients can maintain a healthy, happy mouth.
AIRFLOW® gently removes plaque from teeth and gums by removing the biofilm off teeth and gums which is what plaque sticks to. It also uses warm water, helping patients who suffer from tooth sensitivity. As well as this, AIRFLOW® reduces the need to use a traditional scaler, which can be uncomfortable.
AIRFLOW® works through the projection of tiny, carbonated particles and water pressure combined in a high-powered jet which gently but effectively removes stains from teeth, including hard-to-reach areas. The AIRFLOW® Teeth Cleaning system provides incredible results without any risk of damaging your teeth. The results are immediate, and the difference is noticeable as soon as the AIRFLOW® dental treatment has been completed.
Tooth whitening is a way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the current shade.
There are a number of reasons why you may wish to get your teeth whitened. Few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also get more discoloured as we age.
Your teeth can be stained by food and drinks, for example, tea, coffee, or red wine. Smoking can also stain teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.
Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment. You will need to have a set of impressions taken so you can have some bespoke whitening trays. The dentist will then show you how to use this. The ‘active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As it is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter. Before and after pictures will be taken at the practice, so you can see the changes.
Once your dentist has started the treatment, you will need to continue the treatment at home. This means regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks or even longer, for 30 minutes to one hour at a time.
The effects of whitening are thought to last up to two years. However, this will vary on the individual. The whitening is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.
Some individuals may find that their teeth become sensitive during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat, or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing. If any of these side effects continue call the front desk team who will make an appointment for you to see your dentist.
Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining. Therefore, they may improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Whitening toothpastes may also help the effect to last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.
Tooth whitening can only lighten your current tooth colour. It will not work on fillings, dentures, crowns, and veneers.
You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. Stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.