Teeth whitening involves a process that bleaches your teeth to achieve their ultimate natural whiteness and Zoom tooth whitening can achieve this in around an hour.
In surgery tooth whitening
Prior to the actual procedure we will carry out a dental check-up to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. You will be advised of any condition that may prevent us from carrying out the whitening treatment.
Your gums and lips will be protected from the bleaching agent to reduce the risk of sensitivity following the procedure. Any sensitivity that does occur usually disappears within 24 hours.
The bleaching agent is applied to each tooth and then exposed to a high intensity light which activates the bleaching process. This part of the process is repeated three times to achieve the ultimate result in whitening.
You should consider tooth whitening before you have any dental restoration work so that the colour of crowns and veneers that are visible when you smile can be matched to your natural tooth colour after bleaching.
The treatment is suitable for most people and is particularly successful in removing unsightly stains left by smoking, coffee and certain foods. The results will vary for each individual depending on the natural shading of your teeth and the level of discolouration and staining present prior to the procedure.
Take home in-tray tooth whitening
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Our dentists also offer a take home bleaching kit that can achieve similar results over a longer period of time. An impression is taken of your teeth and two custom made trays are made to contain the bleaching gel. Patients take the trays and gel home and are advised to wear the trays for prolonged periods (usually through the night) for several sessions until the bleaching process is complete.
Results using this method are comparable to Zoom however some patients find it a less convenient method of whitening their teeth.
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| For over 150 years fillings have been made out of a grey-silver material called 'amalgam’. This is strong and long lasting. However, many people find it unattractive or are concerned about possible health risks. New materials mean it is much easier to find a perfect colour match to a particular tooth. In most cases, it is impossible to see that the tooth even has a filling. White filling material can be used to cover unsightly marks on teeth, repair chipped or broken front teeth, enhance the shape of front teeth. |
White/Composite fillings are a popular alternative to amalgam fillings. A tooth-coloured material can be use to restore chipped, cracked or stained teeth, as well as fill gaps between teeth. Composite bonding is also suitable for patients who have teeth with dark stains that do not respond to bleaching.
What does the procedure involve?
The dentist will first perform an evaluation to see if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure. For old or broken fillings, they are simply removed and replaced with composite resin. For teeth which are chipped, cracked or discoloured, they will first be prepared by lightly roughening the area to be repaired. The tooth will also be cleaned before a tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to it and moulded into the proper shape. Several layers may need to be applied in order to duplicate the depth of colour of the natural teeth. After the composite resin is hardened using a special high intensity light, the dentist will further shape and polish it until it matches the patient's other natural teeth.
Crowns are used to restore teeth that have been damaged, are badly broken or heavily filled, in order to restore their appearance or strength. They in turn reduce the risk of heavily decayed teeth breaking.
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To make a crown, the existing tooth is shaped and an impression is taken. The crown is then made by a dental technician, who is responsible for matching the shade and shape to your natural tooth. Crowns are made from a variety of different materials, such as porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold. Our dentists recommend porcelain crowns for the most natural looking and pleasing result.
Bridges are units of false teeth that are fixed to remaining natural teeth to fill a gap.
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A bridge may take the place of one or more missing teeth and the results can be excellent with good function and aesthetic results. With careful maintenance a well-made bridge can last many years. The bone in the jaw surrounding the missing tooth or teeth can continue to recede.
Bridges are ideal for people who have just one or two teeth missing or who prefer not to wear dentures. A normal bridge is made by crowning the teeth on either side of the gap and attaching a false tooth in the middle.
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They are fixed the same way as crowns. Bridges are usually made of porcelain bonded to gold, or occasionally just porcelain. Adhesive bridges can also be made which do not require drilling the adjacent teeth. The false tooth is then attached to two metal wings on either side. These wings are then bonded, using a very strong resin, to the back of the adjacent teeth.
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Veneers are an ideal way of treating discoloured or unsightly teeth, closing gaps between front teeth or repairing chips and cracks. They are thin slices of porcelain that are precisely made to fit over the visible surface of front teeth, like a false fingernail would fit over a nail. To make a veneer, a very small amount of enamel is removed from your tooth. An impression is taken for the veneer to be made in the laboratory and then bonded to the tooth. They match the colour, appearance and translucence of your natural teeth.
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