Want Whiter Teeth? Who doesn't?!
At Sutton Cross we are committed to offering our patients the latest and most effective teeth whitening treatments.
You may have heard of tooth whitening or seen celebrities that have undergone it, but wondered what exactly is tooth whitening, what is involved and is it suitable for me?
Q.1 How does it work?
Tooth colour is a very individual thing: it can darken as we get older and is affected by food and drinks like tea, coffee, red wine and smoking. Whitening can be a really effective way to lighten your teeth by a number of shades. This can give your teeth are healthier more youthful appearance.
There are various different treatments available and the active ingredient is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. Whitening lifts stains from the enamel but only works on natural teeth not fillings, crowns veneers or dentures. At Sutton Cross we like to offer Combination Bleaching. This means you use our gel kit at home for one hour a day for six to twelve days, then you attend the clinic for a 1hour Zoom Whitening session on the seventh day. This is the method that we (and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) recommend for the best, longest-lasting results.
Q.2 How long does it last?
How long the effect of treatment lasts varies. It won't last as long if you smoke or your teeth come into contact with staining foods and drinks.
Q.3 What are the side effects and is it safe?
Some people may experience side effects which end once the process is complete. They can include tooth sensitivity and frosty white patches on the gums which disappear within a few days. The process does not damage your teeth at all.
Q.4 Will my teeth look fake white?
No! This is a popular myth probably caused by Ross' Teeth Whitening experience on 'Friends'! Your teeth can only go a natural, healthy-looking white.
We hold our regular whitening clinics every week. Why not call us on 01 832 5609 and book a consultation?
The Dangers of Improper Whitening Techniques.
The methods we use to whiten your teeth utilise concentrations of 10% to 30% hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. This is a caustic chemical if used incorrectly. Obviously these concentrations should only be used by a dentist as if they are used by someone who doesn't understand how they interact with teeth they can cause severe damage to your teeth or oral tissues. Only a dentist can assess beforehand if your teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo the process. It is illegal for anyone other than a dentist to perform teeth whitening on your teeth for these reasons. This is also why you should resist the temptation of buying peroxides from the internet and using these chemicals on yourself without dental supervision. We have seen the unfortunate results.
Whitening kits that you may have seen in shops are very ineffective. Legally, over-the-counter products can't contain more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide which is insufficient to whiten teeth. We use products 100 to 300 times stronger. In addition, some over-the-counter products may contain an abrasive which could damage tooth enamel. Whitening toothpastes will remove stains but won't lighten the shade of your tooth colour. They may help to make your professional whitening last longer, though. Ask about our Kin Whitening Toothpaste.
Use the 'hot' button below to visit the sites with further information on specific treatments.
