An attractive smile can take you a long way. So what happens when your pearly whites aren’t so pearly and white anymore? After years of eating, smoking, drinking coffee, wine or teas, teeth can lose their brilliance.

The bleaching gel is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide that breaks down into oxygen molecules. These molecules go into the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin, and break up the stains that block out the light. As the stains are broken into smaller and smaller pieces, more light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter. Stains that are accumulated over time that are yellow to slightly brown produce the best results. Teeth that are dark brown to blue-grey are the most difficult to bleach because the stain is deeply embedded into the tooth’s structure. These types of stains are usually caused by medications taken during the development of the teeth such as tetracycline, and can take a minimum of three weeks to see results, and as much as six months for complete results.

Depending on the bleaching gel used and the length of time it is worn, results can be seen within an hour, overnight or within three to four days. Complete results can be achieved in as little as a week or as much as several months depending on the source of the stain and the ability of the teeth or tooth to be bleached. The whitening procedure may last for up to three years -- even longer in some cases, depending on personal habits. To brighten the colour back up, a simple process of bleaching for one or two nights with a single syringe is usually sufficient.

At the first visit with our dentist, you’ll be able to talk with them about the changes you’d like to make in your appearance. The dentist will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations.

The dentist will begin with a complete medical history and examine your teeth. They may also take photos and/or x-rays and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Any large cavities may need to be addressed before bleaching can begin. Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure.

We offer two types of bleaching procedures to choose from.

For laser and power bleaching, the dentist begins by applying a protective material to your gums and lips in order to isolate the teeth. A special bleaching solution – usually containing hydrogen peroxide - is applied to the teeth. A high intensity light or laser is directed at the teeth and activates the bleaching agent, causing the gel to release the oxygen molecules. Treatments for both power and laser bleaching can take as little as 45 minutes, but usually last somewhere between one and two hours.

These techniques work great for a single discoloured tooth as well. If the tooth has become dark due to trauma but has not had a root canal, the bleaching solution is placed on the outside of the tooth. If the tooth has had a root canal, the solution can be placed on the outside as well as the inside of the tooth. Leaving a bleaching solution inside the tooth and sealing the opening is referred to as “walking bleach”. The solution inside the tooth for a walking bleach is changed about once a week. Results can take several weeks but nothing has to be worn in the mouth.

The amount of discomfort experienced varies from person to person, and depends on the method used. Most adults usually experience little if any discomfort, however, the discomfort should subside within 24 hours. If needed, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory may help. If the discomfort lasts for more than 2 – 3 days, consult your dentist for more options.

Decreasing the sensitivity may be as easy as placing a gel fluoride, under your dentist’s instruction, in your bleaching tray for an hour or so. Other materials may be used to address the sensitivity you may experience. Check with your dentist for the best options for your particular needs.

You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with the dentist in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.

The results of teeth whitening are somewhat variable, but most people are happy with the results. After any bleaching treatment, patients should avoid foods that stain, such as tobacco and red wine for about a week. Keeping teeth clean with flossing and brushing can maintain whiteness. Tooth bleaching lasts, on average, about 1-3 years. If you are not a regular tobacco user, and do not eat many foods that are known to stain teeth, bleaching may last even longer.

Decalcified spots are white spots that bacteria, not removed from the teeth frequently by brushing, affects the calcium in the enamel. These spots appear chalky white and are difficult to treat with just bleaching. The dentist may recommend a procedure called microabrasion. This procedure can be done by itself or in conjunction with bleaching. The microabrasion material is much like the paste used to clean and polish teeth. The paste consists of an abrasive combined with a hydrochloric acid used to “polish” out the white or brown spots. The procedure can be performed usually in one office visit and can be done without anaesthesia.

Are you :

• Experiencing stained and marked teeth
• Knowledgeable about the procedure
• Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
• Realistic in your expectations

Bleaching can produce side effects ranging from increased tooth sensitivity to pain and tenderness in the gums, tongue and other soft tissues. There is also a possibility of over-bleaching. The result will be a translucency that may appear grey from the shadows of the mouth. There is a very low percentage of this occurring, and only if the bleaching process is over-extended. Having a dentist supervise the process can eliminate this risk.