Teeth Whitening

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Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth.

The outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel and the inner and more yellow layer is called the dentin. The colour of natural teeth is created by the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, combined with the colour of the dentin under it.

Thinner enamel allows more of the colour of the dentin to show through and it also contains pores that can hold stains. Tooth whitening lightens teeth and also helps to remove stains and discoloration.

The most common reasons for teeth to get yellow or stained are:

Tobacco use
Drinking dark-coloured liquids such as coffee, tea and red wine
Not taking good care of your teeth
Aging also makes teeth look less white, as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker

It is also possible to have stains inside the tooth. These are called intrinsic stains and can be caused by exposure to increased amounts of fluoride, as a child, while teeth are developing. Other causes include trauma and antibiotics if taken by a mother during the second half of pregnancy or by a child who is 8 years old or younger.

Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains, called extrinsic stains.

Whitening is unlikely to cause any serious side effects, although some people’s teeth may become more sensitive for a short period of time and you may also get mild gum irritation. Women should not have their teeth whitened during their pregnancy. The effect of the whitening materials on the development of the foetus is not known and since the procedure is cosmetic, it should be postponed until after delivery.

Here, at Garvey’s Tower Dental, we will provide you with:

Trays made specifically for your teeth (we will take impressions)
4 Tubes of whitening gel
Aftercare instructions
Follow up review to compare the achieved with the previous shade

Did you know?

5 important facts that patients need to know before getting teeth whitening:

Patients need to have whitening products that contain the correct amount of peroxide to whiten their teeth. At our practice we use the latest accredited whitening gels that use the legally safe amount of peroxide gel.
It is illegal for anyone apart from registered dental professionals to sell or apply the correct peroxide whitening treatments. At our practice we are all fully trained and insured to make sure we deliver your treatment in a safe and trustworthy environment.
Poorly fitting trays not made at a dentist will result in unpredictable results. The better fitting the tray the more predictable the result.

An absence of a dental health check before treatment could result in damage to your teeth and gums. Only a qualified dentist can make sure you are not putting the health of your teeth at risk by ensuring your mouth is healthy before you start treatment.
Professional advice before you start treatment is essential to make sure you are fully aware of how the end result may look so you can plan to have teeth with fillings or crowns treated afterwards accordingly to a matching shade.