Tooth Whitening

SmileScription™

If you smile needs a

chapter

pick me up – whitening

four

is often the solution.

AgePerfectingPointers To enhance your smile use a cool based (blue based) pink or red lipstick.

AgePerfectingPointers The illusion of white teeth can be as easy as a fashion accessory.

Whiten your smile

tooth whitening

Steer clear of brown / orange clothing, which can make teeth appear more yellow.

The colour of our teeth is influenced by a

There are many different systems on the

number of factors such as tea, coffee, red

market, all of which will achieve some

wine, smoking, anti-biotics and also age.

degree of whiteness, depending on

Now there are many methods of enhancing and whitening the smile for every lifestyle and budget. This ranges from inexpensive home bleaching, whitening trays to professional ‘in office’ laser treatments.

1

the concentration of bleach, how the bleach is applied, the length of time the bleach remains on the teeth, as well as on the level of care taken in maintaining the teeth after the procedure.

2

SmileScription™ S t r i p s a n d Pe n s

Not all tooth whitening i s t h e s a m e.

Teeth whitening strips and pens are the ‘over the counter’ way to whiten teeth.

H o m e r e s e r vo i r s / t rays There are various methods of home teeth bleaching but trays and bleaching gel is the most popular.

With the exception of proprietary home kits tooth whitening is a dental

The SmileScription™ pen contains 6%

Sensitivity: After all types of tooth whitening

procedure that should only be carried

Carbamide Peroxide that is simply applied

procedures teeth will be temporarily

out by a dental professional.

once or twice a day to the teeth and left.

sensitive, usually due to the teeth hydrating

Strips also typically contain 6% and are thin

then rehydrating during the process.

Many horror stories have appeared in the media about whitening procedures

flexible transparent strip that are applied

Burns: Peroxide burns. It is essential

damaging tooth enamel and soft tissue.

over the teeth for 30 minutes per day.

the soft tissues be completely protected

Always insist your dental practitioner

during the procedure, which should only

explains the type of procedure proposed

I n - s u r g e r y o r

p o we r w h i t e n i n g

be carried out by a dental professional.

and the concentration of bleach to be used

Systems such as SmileScription,

In some cases unevenness may result

Zoom and Britesmile offer accelerated

due to the properties in your tooth enamel,

The treatment normally takes two to six

whitening. Procedures normally take

therefore it is important your practitioner

weeks to achieve optimum whiteness

between 45 to 60 minutes, use stronger

examines your teeth before the procedure.

depending on the concentration of

concentrations of bleach and produce

bleach. More difficult cases are those

dramatic results in a short time.

This system uses mouth guards that fit the teeth. Carbamide Peroxide is then applied to the trays which are worn for between 90 minutes and overnight. The Carbamide Peroxide removes stains from tea and coffee.

where the persons teeth are not such stained but inherently darker, whitening can take three to six months.

Age perfecting pointer – Yes it is natural for teeth to become darker with age.

Enamel ‘the glossy part of the tooth’ becomes thinner and darker, the inner

1

Risks:

Deep bleaching Deep bleaching combines reservoirs with power whitening. The process is favoured by clients wanting whiter-than-white teeth, as results are long-lasting and maintenance is easier than with other procedures.

part of the tooth becomes yellower.

Number of visits: Varies according to

Rejuvenate a smile by whitening and

procedure chosen.

great ‘anti-ageing’ smile solution.

Anaesthetic - No

Blotchiness/whitening unevenness:

and make sure you are shown before and after case studies.

B u ye r b e w a r e I often have people come to my practice wanting ‘pearly whites’ – as seen on TV

Some teeth - especially grey-toned teeth

celebrities. It’s important you discuss

- do not take to whitening and clients

your expectations with your practitioner

with teeth of this colouring are advised

and realise that many celebrities such as

to consult their dental practitioner.

Simon Cowell, Catherine Zeta Jones and Katie Price have achieved their Hollywood smile not only through tooth whitening but also major dental work involving the fitting of crowns and veneers.

Tip: Using desensitising toothpaste after tooth whitening swiftly reduces sensitivity.

2