BLEACHING:

Ever since the invention of the mirror, people have been looking for an easy way to have whiter teeth. Nothing freshens up your appearance like a whiter, bright smile. Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Those "glorified toothpastes" at the chemist's store just can't give you the whitest possible smile. Many patients have slight discolorations on their teeth due either to aging, discolorations from the natural build-up of organic pigments over time, trauma to the teeth, coffee, tea, smoking, or extended use of medications during the development of the teeth.Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits help by removing the stains and deposits on the surface of the teeth. But for those patients who have dark, yellow,brown or other internal discolorations to their teeth,there has never been a simple solution.

If you are interested in whiter, brighter teeth, never before has there been such a variety of options available to patients as there is today. There are bleaching systems and cosmetic restorative procedures that can offer the opportunity for whiter smiles to everyone. There are a variety of procedures available today that allow just about anyone who wishes to brighten their smile, the opportunity to do so. Many people will lighten their teeth because it helps their self-esteem and gives people a little extra confidence and improve your first impression.
Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the colour of the teeth, lasting for up to five years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.

BEFORE BLEACH	AFTER BLEACH

What is involved?
Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolorations and removes stains from the enamel and dentin of the teeth. A mild solution retained in a custom filled appliance that is worn over your teeth while you sleep or during the day are used.Your Dentist can make you a clear plastic shell (tray) which fits your teeth (it is thin and barely visible). You place the bleaching agent into the tray, slip it into place and go about your business.The process takes from several days to a couple of weeks and will not harm fillings, bonding, caps, or other dental work.

How soon do you see results?
Everyone responds differently in the length of time it takes to see results. This is why it is important for you to carefully discuss in advance with your dentist what the causes of the discolorations are. For most people, with the at-home bleaching techniques, you should see results within about four to seven days. For the in-office techniques, typically, results are seen within an hour. For people with intrinsic staining (from fluorosis, tetracycline staining or tooth trauma inside the pulp), the results may take longer and it may be necessary to have a few sessions, or discuss other options for the more intense stains. Typically these are the streaks or the purplish discolorations that are harder to lighten. Patients with intense streaks in their teeth will find that the intensity fades; however, to totally remove the streaks, other treatment options should be discussed with your dentist.

How long does it last?
Lightness should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same mouthguard. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

Is it safe? Any side effects?
Several studies, during the past six years, have proven bleaching under the supervision of a dentist to be safe and effective. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.