Tooth Whitening
Treatments : Tooth Whitening
Single tooth whitening is used when a tooth has been root treated and has discoloured as a result. A small hole is drilled into the back of the tooth, the root canal is sealed and the bleach is placed in the cavity. The bleach is then left in–situ for up to 1 week to allow it to whiten the discoloured tooth.
This is generally very successful however, sometimes if the desired result cannot be achieved a veneer or crown can be fitted returning the tooth to its original colour.
Home Whitening involves taking impressions of the teeth from which trays can be made. Carbamide peroxide gels are used in the trays to whiten the teeth. Your dentist will show you how to apply the gels into the trays and give you all the instructions you need before you leave so that you can carry out the whitening correctly at home. You can wear the trays at any time in the day, for 1 hr each day over a period of 2 weeks. After this time you will be asked to return to your dentist so that the shade of your teeth can be reassessed.
While it does take longer than ZOOM!® in-office whitening and requires impressions, sensitivity tends to be less and the results can be just as good.
ZOOM!® In – office tooth whitening is a procedure designed to lighten the colour of your teeth using hydrogen peroxide gel and a specially designed ultraviolet lamp in the shortest time possible.
During the procedure the gel is applied to your teeth and the teeth are exposed to the light for three (3), 15 minute sessions.
Almost all natural teeth can benefit from ZOOM!® whitening and significant whitening can be achieved in most cases. It will not however lighten artificial teeth, caps crowns, veneers or porcelain, composite or other restorative materials.
In order to maintain the excellent results you may achieve with ZOOM!® It may be necessary to have trays made for “Home Bleaching” so that top ups can be carried out when required.
ZOOM!® is a great way to achieve instant results – Great if you have wedding to go to on Saturday! It has the advantage that it can be carried out in the surgery and there is no need for the use of trays.
For more information please contact us on 0131 447 6431.
(For both full arch techniques there can be subsequent tooth sensitivity which generally only lasts 12-24hrs. Results can also vary depending on the type of staining or discolouration present. Most patients however achieve an excellent result with a brighter, fresher smile at the end of treatment.)