Aesthetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening in Brighton
Is teeth whitening a good idea?
Teeth whitening is a common aesthetic procedure in general dentistry. A child's milk teeth are generally whiter than the adult teeth that follow. As a person ages the adult teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral of the teeth, as the enamel becomes less porous. Teeth can also become stained by bacterial pigments, dietary habits (such as drinking coffee, tea, red wine) and tobacco. Certain antibiotic medications (like tetracycline) can also cause teeth stains or a reduction in the brilliance of the enamel. Teeth whitening is an affordable and effective way to combat common causes of teeth discoloration, while boosting your self-confidence and improving your appearance.
How does it work?
Teeth whitening is for the great majority of patients a very effective and safe treatment. Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are used to lighten the shade of the teeth. The oxidizing agent penetrates the porosities in the rod-like crystal structure of enamel and oxidizes interprismatic stain deposits. Over a period of time, the dentine layer, lying underneath the enamel, is also whitened.
Is it safe?
Teeth whitening is considered to be a very safe treatment that does not cause any damage to teeth structure. The only reported side affect is temporary teeth sensitivity that always goes after 1 or 2 days.
Are there different types of teeth whitening?
There are many methods to whiten teeth: whitening strips, whitening pen, whitening light (very often is called laser whitening, but in fact is a machine operating at a certain wavelength of light which activates quicker the whitening agent) and whitening gel.
Which is the best method for teeth whitening?
The teeth whitening method that shows most advantages and best results is at-home whitening with whitening gel.
They are only available from your dentist, who will supervise your treatment from initial consultation through completion. Your dentist will take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and will use them to make customised whitening trays which will perfectly fit to your teeth. Using for teeth whitening very accurately fitting customised trays is very important as they will keep the sticky, viscous gel in better contact with teeth surfaces to be whitened and for longer and prevent migration to gums. Whitening trays will need to be worn by patient for at least 4 hours for each treatment session and can be kept in mouth overnight.
Advantages
- Most effective method for teeth whitening.
- Limited treatment time in surgery and as a result less expensive.
- Patient can check the teeth colour after every application and stop treatment when happy with result.
- Very easy and cost effective to repeat the treatment if necessary in the future.
- Gel contains Potassium Fluoride (PF), which helps to improve oral health by strengthening enamel, decreasing sensitivity and offering increased cavity prevention.
Disadvantages
- Some patients experience temporary teeth sensitivity.
- The only disadvantage compared to whitening with light is that it takes longer. At-home teeth whitening with gel can provide results after just one night, though expect to see results in about a week.
Does it last?
The effects of whitening can last for several months, but may vary depending on the lifestyle of the patient. Factors that decrease whitening include smoking and the ingestion of dark colored liquids like coffee, tea and red wine. Whitening treatment though can be repeated and especially for at-home whitening with gel, patient can buy extra whitening gel from the practice and use it with the customised whitening trays. A new prescription from the dentist is not necessary.
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Patient
Testimonials
The whole team are wonderful.
“I have been coming to Brighton Dental Clinic to see Dr Lynsey Crothers for a number of years. I have always found her to be calm, kind, patient, thorough and truthful. I recently had some restorative/cosmetic work and I am over the moon with it and people have commented on my teeth/smile. She is a perfectionist and very skilled - I can't believe the difference. I would 100% recommend. The whole team are wonderful.”
Rebecca Santos
25 January 2023
Amazing team, very professional!
“There are absolutely no words to describe how amazingly thankful I am to everyone at the Brighton Dental Clinic. Thank you, Dr Ilias and Dr Lynsey, for all the support and help I have received over the last few weeks. I definitely recommend the clinic.”
Mihaela Popa
16 August 2022
Simply The Best
“I have been attending this clinic since the 80's. I suffer (or did) from dentophobia. I'm more or less coming to the end of my treatment as I'm now everyone's 'gum chum' (big full denture smile) and it's given me cause to reflect on the treatment I've had over the decades mainly Feroz Jafferji in the early days and latterly Mick Fillery. Not only the dental treatment but for me the tailormade treatment considering my fear and also physical problems which all needed to be catered for before treatment even started. I felt soothed on a psychological level but a physical one too and the gentle reassuring and expert treatment then given has been second to none and if I had all my teeth again (my fault they all had to go over the years to the tooth fairy due to my neglect) I wouldn't hesitate in seeing Mick and if I knew then what I know now I would never have had a fear of going. Thanks too to all the nurses and receptionists always so helpful pleasant and kind. I guess when my treatment, for a probably final denture, is complete, I will leave with a designer smile of relief but a little cavity in my heart that can never be expertly filled.”
Shelley Phoenix
20 April 2022
