Why whiten teeth?

While everyone dreams of a Hollywood smile, very few people have naturally bright, white teeth. Your teeth change colour as you get older, and other factors like what you eat and drink can affect their colour. Coffee, red wine, curry, balsamic vinegar and dark berries are all teeth staining culprits. You may have an important event coming up, such as a wedding or holiday, that you want to look your best for. It may be that your teeth have gradually become discoloured due to certain prescribed medications or antibiotics. A build up of calculus (tartar) can also lead to yellow-looking teeth, as can habits like smoking.

Whitening treatments  

There is more than one way to whiten your teeth. In-chair laser whitening changes the natural colour of your teeth by applying a bleaching agent to the surface before subjecting it to a special light that lifts the shade of your teeth. A whitening agent is applied directly to your teeth and placed under the light. Over 15 or so minutes your teeth will get lighter, shade by shade (this is how dentists reference the exact colour of your teeth).

Your dentist will protect your gums and mouth tissue using a special gel, and protective glasses will be provided so that you are as comfortable as possible. You can even take this opportunity to listen to your choice of music. Once completed and all the whitening agents have been washed off, your whiter smile will be revealed. The results are immediate and laser treatments can make your teeth five or six shades whiter.  

Your dentist can also provide a whitening treatment to use at home. While you’ll be using the kit at home, the treatment is tailored to your unique smile. First an impression of your teeth and jaw is taken, in surgery, to custom-make a mouthguard that will be crucial to your at-home kit. Then, from the comfort of your home and when it suits your schedule, you can begin the process of whitening your teeth. It is a simple procedure that involves applying a gel to your teeth. The mouthguard makes sure that the whitening gel is evenly and safely transforming the colour of your teeth.

This is a treatment that requires multiple applications, but the ease of having the tools at home, as well as the expert advice from your local dentist, means that it is much easier to fit in and around your life.   

Your whitening consultation

Your smile is unique to you, and City Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic dentists understand that your reasons are personal too. Our dentists will expertly assess your teeth to make sure they are suitable for a whitening treatment.

Before undergoing treatment your dentist will professionally remove stains from your teeth using a high-specification air polisher. A Prophy-Jet uses water and air pressure to remove tartar, and the inclusion of baking soda gently buffs the surface of your teeth. This procedure prepares your teeth to best receive the whitening application and ensures the correct shade is achieved.   

How long will the treatment last?

How long your teeth stay whiter and brighter after treatment is down to you. Stay away from stain-culprits and keep up a good oral health routine and the effects of your whitening treatment should last up to three years.

How you can keep a whiter, brighter smile

As well as using a whitening treatment, you can keep your smile looking fresh and bright by incorporating these five simple steps into your oral care routine:

1. Avoid, or keep to a minimum, foods like curry and berries, and beverages such as coffee and red wine that are known to stain teeth.
2. Have a glass of water or rinse your mouth out within thirty minutes of eating.
3. Plaque attracts stains, so keep brushing and flossing regularly to remove any build up.
4. Use a tooth whitening toothpaste or mouthwash.
5. Visit your local hygienist for a scale and polish at least once or twice a year.  

If you’re considering a whiter smile, contact City Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic on 01962 852737 today to book a consultation.