Teeth Whitening

For those especial occasions like a job interview, a special date or just to get rid of those coffee stains, we offer in-office as well as take-home-kit office whitening system.

Many people still persist with off-the-shelf systems from the local chemist or supermarket. Unfortunately, results are inconsistent with heightened tooth sensitivity and bleaching agents not staying in the right place.

Our preferred system at Aesthetic Edge® is an in-office procedure that achieves dramatic results within two hours. During this process the bleaching agent is activated by a strong light. This is a rapid and highly effective method of creating that brilliant, consistent smile you have always wanted.

What are the different types of teeth whitening available?

Most dental practices offer two types of whitening:

• Laser / in-surgery Teeth Whitening
• Professional home whitening kits

Both procedures are based on a bleaching process that uses a peroxide-based bleaching gel of varying strength (3%-30% peroxide). The higher the concentration of peroxide in the gel, the more powerful it is. While a higher concentration gel is more effective at whitening the teeth, it also has greater potential to cause side effects such as sensitivity and damage to the surrounding gum tissue and your lips.

Laser Tooth Whitening

Laser tooth whitening or in-office whitening is a procedure that takes place at the dental practice and uses a light-activated bleaching gel to whiten your teeth. The procedure usually takes approx 1 -2 hours and produces instant whitening results. Many dentists recommend that laser whitening should be followed up by professional home whitening.

The Laser Tooth Whitening procedure

Prior to carrying out the procedure you would have a consultation with your dentist to make sure that you are suitable for teeth whitening and to explain possible risks and side effects of the procedure. Most dental practices will ask you to sign a teeth whitening consent form to confirm that you have fully understood the procedure and all risks.

Before the teeth whitening process is started a dentist or a hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth, removing any surface stains and tartar. This procedure is commonly referred to as a scale and polish.

The next step will be for the dentist to make a record of the shade/colour of the teeth before the procedure. This is either recorded using a tooth coloured shade guide/chart or by taking a digital photograph of your teeth.

The area is then prepared for the procedure. The bleaching compound usually contains a high concentration of peroxide (15-30%) and so the dentist will usually place some form of protection around the gums so that only the teeth are exposed to the compound. This involves covering the gums with rolls of cotton and a protective gel material that hardens once applied to the gums. A cheek retractor is used to keep the lips and cheeks away from the teeth.

It is very important that your dentist isolates your gums and lips with a protective material in order to avoid any potential damage or burning. Home whitening kits usually have a low concentration of peroxide so that there is less chance of any damage occurring. Recently, high-strength home whitening kits purchased online and from certain stores have attracted media attention with horror stories of people with badly burnt lips and gums. It’s for this reason that teeth whitening should always be carried out under the supervision of a dentist.

Eye protection (goggles) is also provided to prevent any damage to the eyes from the laser used or any accidental splashes of the peroxide. Many cosmetic practices now offer “DVD glasses” so that the patient can watch a movie during their treatment!

The whitening gel is then applied to the surface of the teeth and exposed to a light or laser, which activates it. Some systems do not use an activating laser and many dentists argue that the laser doesn’t make any difference to the end result. During this process if you feel that your lips or gums start to burn then you should let your dentist know immediately. After approximately 15 minutes the gel is removed and the process repeated another 2 times. During the procedure some people may feel sensitivity in their teeth, which are described as short-lived shooting pains.

The dentist will finally wash off the whitening gel and remove any gum protection before evaluating the final result by taking a photograph or using a shade chart. The results are usually quite dramatic and can often be up to 10 shades lighter. A kit for home whitening may also be provided with custom trays and professional whitening gel.

Many patients’ teeth are quite sensitive immediately following this procedure and it is advised to try and avoid hot or cold drinks for a while. Some dentists offer fluoride treatment following teeth whitening to reduce this effect on sensitivity. Your home whitening kit usually contains a solution to reduce tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity rarely lasts more than 48 hours, if symptoms persist for longer than this then contact your dentist.

Once your treatment is complete your dentist will remove the gel and a shade guide will then be used to measure how much whiter your teeth have become during the procedure. The results are instant and can often be up to 10 shades lighter.

Professional home whitening kits provide more permanent results over a longer time scale, whereas laser tooth whitening offers immediate results. A combination of the two provides the perfect solution to both immediate and long-term whitening needs.

Professional home whitening kits

To make a professional home whitening kit, your dentist will take a impression (mould) of your teeth using a special dental putty. Your dentist’s technician will then use this to cast a model of your teeth from plaster and make your custom teeth whitening trays from this. Once these trays have been made (usually takes 5-10 days) you use them in combination with professional whitening gel (provided by your dentist) until you are happy with the results. Depending on the teeth whitening system, some trays need to be worn overnight while others for only 1-2 hours a day.

Introduction to ZOOM !

1. What is Zoom?
   The Zoom Chair side Whitening System is a light assisted tooth whitening procedure for use in whitening discolored teeth. It is the sole property of Phillips Oral Healthcare.
2. Do many people whiten their teeth?
   More people whiten their teeth than one would imagine. In addition to making a difference in patients’ lives, a bright sparkling smile can also make better patient who take better care of their teeth. The Zoom system makes it easier and faster than ever before.
3. How does Zoom work?
   The Zoom Whitening Gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances white, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged. The Zoom lamp aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth.
4. How long does Zoom chair side whitening take?
   After the initial recommended oral exam, the complete procedure takes one office visit. The procedure begins with a preparation about 20 minutes followed by three, 15 minute bleaching sessions to be dispensed at the discretion of the dental professional. The total office time is approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes.
5. What are the Zoom candidate qualifications?
   A consultation is recommended to ensure no underlying oral health issues. You may want to treat existing issues before using any whitening treatment.Research has not evaluated the possible effects of whitening procedures on all patient types. Phillips Oral Healthcare recommends the following whitening candidates consult a medical doctor before use:a) Pregnant and lactating mothers
   b) Those currently treated by their physician for a serious illness or disorder e.g. immune compromised, AIDS, and uncontrolled diabetes etc.
   c) Children under the age of 13
   d) Light sensitive individuals, including those on PUVA or other photo- chemotherapy
   e) Patients taking any photo reactive drugs or substances, whether over the counter prescription or homeopathicAnyone who is not eligible for Zoom chair side whitening for these reasons may be an excellent candidate for NiteWhite take home whitening systems.
6. What causes tooth discoloration?
   There are many causes of tooth discoloration. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, cola, tobacco, red wine etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics, or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.
7. Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
   Almost anyone may benefit from tooth whitening. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Yellow staining from aging, tobacco, dark cola, tea, coffee and red wine will achieve the greatest success with this procedure. Those patients with grey shading from tetracycline or other chemicals may experience less dramatic results, but should expect improvement from this procedure.For those patients with severe stains, the use of Zoom in combination with take home products will provide the greatest results in the shortest period of time. As with any other whitening product, Zoom will not lighten porcelain, composite or any other restorative material. Patients with bruxism or mal-opposed teeth are harder to bleach.

Results

1. How long do the results last?
   By following some simple post whitening care instructions, teeth that have been whitened with Zoom will always remain lighter than they would have been without whitening. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional maintenance or touchups with Zoom NiteWhite.
2. I am not getting 8 shades, what am I doing wrong?
   The Zoom procedure works best on patients with yellow or brown staining. Those patients with grey shading from tetracycline or with Fluorosis may experience less dramatic results.
3. Following a Zoom procedure what type of maintenance is recommended?
   Some patients will never need to repeat the whitening process. However, to maintain results while at home or to further enhance whitening results you can use at home whitening gel such as NiteWhite. This gel can be used with fabricated trays made specifically for you by Dr. Mankirat Gill’s staff. Additional fee may apply.
4. How often can I Zoom?
   There are no known limitations on the number of Zoom procedures a patient can undergo. However, it is recommended to wait at least 1 week between Zoom procedures. NiteWhite gel is an option for touch-ups and maintenance.

Safety

1. Is tooth whitening safe?
   Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available.

How is exposure to the Zoom light controlled
Protective eyewear is required during the procedure. The Zoom procedure requires that all soft tissue in and around the mouth to be protected. A Dental professional is recommended to monitor the procedure to insure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected