Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental treatment available to anyone looking for a quick and relatively cost-effective way to improve their smile. Teeth whitening performed in our offices come with a few advantages. We are able to produce immediate results because of the controlled environment created by a teeth whitening hygienist. This process is also relatively quick lasting less than 2 hours.
A patient must meet a few criteria before the teeth whitening treatment can begin. Firstly the teeth whitening hygienist will inspect to ensure that you are free of gum disease and that your teeth are healthy. This is because the teeth whitening process can aggravate the gum area. Additionally, we must ensure that there are no cavities present, as the gel used for teeth whitening can seep into these cavities and cause some sensitivity. Pregnant and lactating women are also advised not to get their teeth whitened, as the chemicals used could have adverse effects on their babies.
Case by Dr. Mark Bowes
Drag circle to see before and after
There are two types of discolouration that can be treated by our teeth whitening process. Extrinsic discolouration is caused by certain products that we consume. These products include beverages like coffee, tea, and wine. Smoking cigarettes is also a leading cause of extrinsic discolouration. The second type of discolouring is intrinsic, which means that discolouration happens from within the teeth itself. Some causes of intrinsic discolouration are aging, medication, and childhood illness. When consulting your teeth whitening hygienist, the cause of your discolouration will be determined before deciding on the right teeth whitening treatment.
Doing a teeth whitening in-chair with one of our hygienists will provide much quicker and more dependable results compared to an at-home whitening kit. Teeth whitening is not considered a permanent procedure and some maintenance will be necessary post-treatment. Your newly whitened teeth should maintain their brilliance for 1 to 3 years. It is important to avoid products that cause extrinsic discolouration after your treatment is completed. Before leaving the dentist’s office make sure to ask for a full list of foods to avoid immediately post-treatment and in general. We also advise that you come for regular checkups to monitor the overall health of your gums and teeth post-treatment.
What is the procedure?
Once you are cleared by your dentist to start the teeth whitening process, your gums are protected by using various tools to ensure that the bleach does not move onto more sensitive areas and away from the teeth. A high-concentrate bleach gel is put on the teeth. This is applied either with a brush or through the use of a mold that would have previously been made by your dentist to keep the whitening solution in place. Lastly, a special light will then be shone on the teeth to activate the whitening agents until the desired level of whiteness is achieved.
How long does it take?
Depending on the type of discoloration you are experiencing and the severity, the entire teeth whitening can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Although desired results can usually be achieved in one visit, in some more severe cases a series of whitening sessions may be needed to reach your desired level of whiteness.
Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures at Enamel Clinic
At Enamel we have 3 types of whitening products to choose from. The hygienist will assess your teeth and discuss the best option for you. The choices are either Zoom In-Chair whitening system, Opalescence In-Chair whitening system or White Dental Beauty Home Whitening system. The above options come at different price ranges which will be discussed with you at your consultation appointment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will teeth whitening procedure’s whiten existing crowns, veneers etc?
Professional Teeth Whitening treatments have been successful at removing stains from crowns, veneers or bonded teeth. However, a whitening treatment in general cannot change the colour of the crowns, veneers or bonds. We recommend that you discuss your situation with our dentist to determine what you can expect.
Can I undergo teeth whitening procedures if I am pregnant?
While there are no known constraints for pregnant women, some may experience gum sensitivity. Pregnant women may wish to defer having the procedure until after pregnancy.
How do I maintain my new white teeth?
We stock various whitening products such as toothpastes and mouth rinses. Brush your teeth twice daily or after each meal. Floss daily. Visit your dentist/hygienist for regular cleanings and check-ups (recommended: every 6 months).
Is teeth whitening for everyone?
Teeth whitening is a safe, comfortable way to get a bright, white smile. Results and treatment time may vary depending on the level of staining and whiteness desired. Crowns, bridges, fillings, and veneers will not whiten. We recommend visiting our dentist / hygienist to discuss your options.
Will teeth whitening cause teeth sensitivity?
Some patients experience slight sensitivity during or after treatment. If sensitivity occurs, it is often temporary and will go away once you’ve completed the whitening process. Our products include desensitising ingredients such as potassium nitrate and fluoride to help reduce sensitivity and provide additional comfort.
Book an appointment on our new booking service with one of our oral health professionals and specialists in different fields of dentistry.
If you require urgent assistance or have a dental emergency, kindly email hello@enamel.clinic or contact our WhatsApp line +27 60 941 0291
