Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove stains and discoloration. Whitening is among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve how your teeth look.

Why do Teeth Discolour?

The outer layer of a tooth is called the enamel. Every day, a thin coating (pellicle) forms on the enamel and picks up stains. Tooth enamel also contains pores that can hold stains.

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

• Using tobacco
• Drinking dark-coloured liquids such as coffee, cola, tea and red wine
• Not taking good care of your teeth

Ageing also makes teeth less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker.

How Is Whitening Done?

We first clean your teeth. This will remove the film of bacteria, food and other substances that build up on your teeth and contribute to the staining. Once this is done, the whitening procedure begins. The gums are covered by a protecting agent.

The dentist uses a powerful whitening gel which is activated by a specialized laser light .The procedure usually takes 30 to 90 min. The patient will need 1 to 3 appointments depending upon how severe the stains are and how white you want your teeth to be.

Risks

Whitening is unlikely to cause serious side effects, although some people’s teeth may become more sensitive for a short while.

Am I a Candidate for Tooth Whitening?

Almost anyone whose permanent teeth have come in can qualify for tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to assess your oral health and recommend the whitening method that’s best for you.