Westhills Dental Centre now features the exciting new whitening product:
For Zoom! product details click here Bleaching is a painless, simple method of lightening your teeth. The process involves the use of a mild solution, placed in a custom-fitted tray that is worn over your teeth. No natural tooth structure is lost, and no anesthetic is required. If you are not pleased with the color of your teeth, then you may be a good candidate for bleaching. The coloration of teeth has always been an important feature of our smile. A number of factors can contribute to tooth discolouration. Tooth color is largely a matter of inherited tendencies. Some of us are born with the tendencies for lighter or darker teeth. Internal causes can be: - tetracycline (antibiotic) discolouration
- excessive fluoride staining
- natural aging process
- pulp (nerve) degeneration
External causes can be: - injury to the teeth
- tobacco products
- coffee and tea
- cola
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Generally, there are two different types of tooth whitening systems. Active, which takes place in the dental office, or passive, which takes place at your home. Regardless of which type of system is best for you, it is important to follow your dentist's professional recommendations. Active bleaching is done in a series of appointments until the desired effect is achieved. During the visits, your dentist takes a number of steps: - A lubricant is applied to your gums.
- A protective material is placed around the necks of your teeth to shield your gums, tongue and lips.
- Your teeth are cleaned to remove excess lubrication.
- Conditioner is applied to your teeth, and then your teeth are rinsed and dried.
- The whitening solution is applied to your teeth, and left on for a period of time.
- Your teeth are then rinsed and polished.
| Passive bleaching involves wearing a custom-fitted appliance containing a mildtooth-whitening solution. This appliance will be worn for a period of days or weeks as prescribed for your situation. In many cases, night-time application alone is sufficient to achieve the results you desire. You will need to return to your dental office periodically. These appointments ensure that the whitening system is working effectively, and your teeth and gums remain healthy. |
Your teeth may require periodic touchups, requiring you to wear your appliance with the whitening solution for a few days a week. Some patient's teeth exhibit a chalky appearance for a short time due to a slightdehydration caused by the tooth-whitening solution. Occasionally, patients experience mild sensitivity to cold food and beveragesfor a day or two following the procedure. |
