Category “Teeth Whitening”

The many reasons to have teeth whitening from a City of London dentist

March 5th, 2010

There are many reasons to opt for a teeth whitening treatment from a City of London dentist. Teeth whitening is one of the safest and most dramatic cosmetic dentistry procedures that can radically alter your appearance. In the past teeth whitening has been very expensive but as more dentists offer the treatment to meet growing demand, it is now possible to have your teeth whitened even if you are on a budget.

Teeth whitening is especially useful for patients with stained or discoloured teeth. Teeth can become discoloured for many reasons. In some cases it can be due to lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking too much red wine or coffee. But in other cases it may be due to a medical condition or treatment, because of the effects of fluoride or simply because of the age. As we get older our teeth tend to lose their natural colour, which makes whitening teeth have the subconscious effect of making the patient look younger and healthier.

Whitening works by applying an active agent, usually hydrogen peroxide, to the stained surface of the tooth. The peroxide gradually seeps into the enamel that forms the outer surface of the teeth and turns any discoloured areas white. The process will be more effective the longer the peroxide is in contact with the enamel, so longer treatments tend to have more dramatic results.

There are very few safety concerns as long as patients have treatment form a trained dentist. Some over-the-counter products can be dangerous as peroxide can be damaging to soft tissue if it comes into direct contact.

West London dentist transforms discoloured teeth with teeth whitening

February 18th, 2010

Discoloured or badly stained teeth can be very embarrassing and cause the patient to be very anxious and self-conscious about their appearance. It can make people very reluctant to open their mouths or smile in public and be the underlying cause of self-esteem issues and even depression. But with modern cosmetic dentistry there is a solution to having discoloured teeth.

Teeth whitening has existed for many years but in the past has been hit and miss at best and often prohibitively expensive. But as more and more dentists offer the treatment and more patients use it the price is dropping and the treatment becoming more available. New whitening treatments are hitting the market each year, each promising new and improved whitening that takes less time and yields better results.

West London dentists offer a variety of whitening treatments to suit all budgets and time considerations. These range form short one-hour treatments in surgery to two or even three week concentrated procedures involving take home trays to be worn at night. The active ingredient in teeth whitening is hydrogen peroxide and it works by gradually penetrating the enamel and staining any discoloured areas. Any patches of enamel that have been stained or discoloured are then turned the same colour as the rest of the tooth.

Teeth whitening can be one of the most successful and dramatic cosmetic dentistry treatments, capable of completely transforming the teeth and restoring the self-confidence of the patient. If you suffer from discolouration or staining, ask your dentist about teeth whitening and really give yourself something to smile about.

Teeth whitening has become affordable says a West London dentist

February 7th, 2010

Teeth whitening is all the rage these days says a West London dentist, the methods used depend on your budget of course. Bleaching is popular as it is quite cheap compared to say veneers; and is available at most salons. The salons generally have a regular technician that calls on them to attend to the needs of clients requiring the treatment. Smokers in particular are common clients for this kind of treatment. It involves a coating or bleaching agent that is then bombarded with an ultra violet light, and this then reacts with it and impregnates the teeth with the whitening effect. The sessions are generally between 15-20 minutes and depending on the stains, the teeth may need two or more sessions. The effect can be quite startling and the shade of white is usually brighter than the teeth’s natural colour, even in good well looked after teeth. Many chemists now stock self whitening kits, these have been widely advertised and research shows that they can be just as effective. The kits contain a gum shield that is filled with the Hydroxide solution and an active agent; this is fitted over the teeth and left for a period to soak the teeth and literally bleach them white. Avoidance of staining foods and drinks is necessary for a while, but most people are happy to choose a home kit, as they are known, and do the job themselves. Whereas the technician may charge you anything from £100 to £400, a home kit can be as cheap as just £20 and the effect can be just the same in a lot of cases. This certainly seems to be a cheaper alternative to veneers, but what the long term effect of Hydroxide on the teeth may turn out to be, is anyone’s guess.

Younger looking smile with teeth whitening from West London dentist

December 11th, 2009

lTeeth whitening is one of the most effective and affordable cosmetic dentistry procedures and has been popularised recently by massive exposure of its benefits on television and in other media. We’ve all seen the makeover shows where even the most discoloured teeth are restored to a bright white colour and the dramatic effect this can have on a person’s appearance. This is almost certainly because teeth naturally discolour as we get older, so having whiter teeth is an instant way of looking younger and healthier.

There are several leading brands of teeth whitening treatment on the market, each with different treatment styles and benefits to best suit your particular condition and lifestyle. Two of the most popular systems are Zoom and Enlighten, each promising whiter teeth by up to ten shades with treatment in-surgery and with specially prepared less-concentrated take-home trays. West London dentists always recommend that you have whitening carried out by a trained dentist as many whitening kits available from the internet can cause damage to soft tissue, such as the lips and gums, if not correctly applied.

Whitening is usually effective for all patients but may take slightly longer for some people than others. This is simply because we all have an individual tooth colour and consistency and some teeth are more receptive to bleaching than others. Visible whitening results can usually be seen in all patients between a few days and a few weeks of treatment.

Whitening works by bleaching the stained enamel with an active agent, usually hydrogen peroxide. When activated, the peroxide releases oxygen into the enamel which begins to turn any discoloured patches white. Once bleached white, the enamel can stay white for up to three years helping you to have a younger looking and healthier smile.

Look ten years younger with teeth whitening from Central London dentist

November 22nd, 2009

Of all the cosmetic dentistry procedures, few have as an effective or dramatic impact as teeth whitening. This is a process that aims to make the teeth whiter by up to an incredible ten shades. It is widely offered by most dentists and is one of the most widely used and affordable of the cosmetic dentistry treatments.

Teeth can become discoloured for a number of reasons. In some cases it may be the result of a hereditary condition or medication that a patient is taking for another disease. Teeth can also become stained by certain products such as tobacco and red wine that represent lifestyle choices. More often than not however, teeth are discoloured because of the effects of aging. As we grow older, just as our hair loses its natural colour and turns grey, our teeth also begin to lose their natural colour and start to turn a yellow colour. This occurs because over time the enamel, the hard substance that coats the surface of the teeth, becomes stained by substances ingested through the mouth. Enamel staining can be kept to a minimum by effective brushing and cleaning. This is because the pellicle film that is responsible for enamel staining can be removed by brushing. However, if the enamel itself becomes stained, there is no option but to bleach the teeth white. Because teeth whitening appears to reverse the effects of time by making the teeth look whiter it can be very effective at making the patient look much younger than they are.

Whitening is offered by most dentists. It will almost certainly be carried out in the surgery for the first appointment. This is because the active ingredient in whitening gels is hydrogen peroxide. This substance can be very damaging to soft tissue such as lips and gums in high concentrations and incorrectly applied. A dentist will be able to protect these vulnerable areas while offering the maximum strength whitening for your teeth. After initial treatments, it may be possible for the dentist to prepare lower strength treatments in trays that can be used at home. Never buy or use any whitening kits from the internet as the inconsistencies in strength can be very dangerous.

Teeth whitening is offered by Central London dentists as one of the most effective and affordable treatments. If carried out by a dentist, the risks associated with some teeth whitening are significantly reduced. In fact the most discomfort that patients will feel is a slight sensitivity for a few days after treatment. Teeth whitening is immediately more effective for some people than others and may take several treatments for some people to notice results. Ask your dentist more about the benefits of teeth whitening. Call 020 7935 5332 for a free consultation.

Shining smile with teeth whitening from West London dentist

October 11th, 2009

As we get older our teeth start to lose their natural white colour. Just like hair going grey, fading whiteness in teeth is a fact of life. But just like it is possible to dye hair it is also possible to whiten teeth. There are many products on the market that can slow the rate of discolouration and even return teeth to their former bright white condition.

Our teeth lose their colour because of staining from food and drink we ingest. This happens to some people more than others and also depends on lifestyle choices we make. Certain liquids like red wine and coffee can stain teeth, and using any form of tobacco product can also result in widespread yellowing of the teeth, as well as leaving isolated brown stains.

Teeth whitening procedures involve using bleaching gels to break down stains to make the teeth appear whiter. This is a relatively simple and common cosmetic procedure that most dentists will practice in-surgery. Some dentists may offer pre-prepared take home treatments in trays that patients can wear for longer.

The bleaching ingredient in the gel is called hydrogen peroxide. The strength of the peroxide in the gel varies from three per cent to thirty per cent depending on the severity of discolouration. Take home kits are often lower strength as high strength gels can cause damage to the soft tissue, like gums and lips. It is always wise to consult a dentist before using any whitening products as certain products available for purchase from the internet can be too strong to use without professional safety equipment. Dentists will often use stronger gels when performing the whitening themselves as they have the necessary safety equipment and training.

The procedure, if carried out by a dentist, is perfectly safe but some patients do complain of suffering pain in the teeth after the treatment. This is usually similar to the pain experienced by sensitive teeth and usually fades after a few days.

Teeth whitening can have different effects on different patients. Some find that their teeth are whitened after just one session whereas other patients can have several treatments before there is any noticeable alteration. A West London dentist can talk you through the various whitening treatments available at your next six-monthly appointment.

London W1 dentists tells history of teeth whitening

September 21st, 2009

Our teeth have been fundamental to the survival of mankind. Not only are they used for biting, chewing, ripping and other eating methods, they also have an important social role to play. The display of the teeth, either by smiling or in anger, are some of the most demonstrative displays we are capable of as humans. For almost as long as there have been humans there has been a desire to protect our teeth.

One of the most primitive yet brilliantly simplistic methods of dental care involved chewing on sticks. Not only did this physically remove dirt and keep teeth clean, but certain trees contained chemicals and antibacterial agents which helped to preserve teeth.

For those who are afraid of the dentist now, consider the alternative in the middle ages. Barbers not only doubled up as surgeons but also as dentists. Fancy having a haircut, an amputation and a tooth pulled all on the same day. These barbers also mistakenly used nitric acid to whiten the teeth. Unfortunately this acid, although whitening the teeth also eroded the enamel and caused massive tooth decay.

As the age of the industrial revolution sparked a new era in technological progression so the fields of medicine and dentistry also advanced in the 19th century. Dentistry for the first time became a reputable profession in its own right and with the discovery of fluoride in Italy, the first genuinely viable alternative to the destructive nitric acid became commercially available.

As in all other fields, dentistry has been transformed by the advances in technology over the past 30 years, to the point where it is almost unrecognizable from its rather archaic and brutal past. Tooth whitening procedures have been a part of this great leap forward and you can now purchase tooth whitening pastes and kits in any pharmacy in the developed world.

However, if in the past it wasn’t wise to let someone else try and whiten your teeth, especially if he said he was a barber, today it is much wiser to leave it to the professionals. A London W1 dentist will be able to offer you the state of the art whitening procedures and there won’t be any nitric acid in sight.

Treat your teeth discolouration at a London W1 dentist

September 13th, 2009

Everybody wants healthy white teeth but there are many factors that mean that our teeth are not quite the brilliant white that we hoped for. The two real causes of tooth discolouration are due to lifestyle choices and environmental factors.

Lifestyle choices that affect the colour of your teeth are fairly wide ranging and include what things you decide to eat and drink. Drinking coffee and tea and other drinks such as wine and colas can all stain your teeth if drunk regularly. Certain starchy foods such as potatoes and apples can also cause long-term discolouration.

Fairly obviously smoking, or the use of any kind of tobacco products can cause discolouration as well as other associated dental health problems. Smoking is obviously a habit that everyone who does it could afford to cut back, but even small changes like drinking less tea could delay the effects of discolouration.

Poor dental hygiene like brushing and flossing inadequately or infrequently can lead to the build up of plaque. Plaque is a filmy substance of bacteria and other food detritus which if left untreated can turn into tartar. Tartar is a very porous substance which soaks up materials that are likely to stain, like coffee. A visit to a dental hygienist every six months should help to remove plaque and tartar. But it is important to stay on top of the cleaning process as it really is crucial in maintaining clean and healthy teeth.

Some medication and diseases can also lead to teeth losing their colour. Treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can affect the enamel and dentin on the surfaces of teeth causing some discolouration and staining.

Certain antibiotics can cause the staining of teeth in young children, especially when they are still developing. Some mouthwashes can have the same effect so it is always important to ask your London W1 dentist. Your dentist can also offer helpful advice on which products and medicines will lessen the impact of discolouration.

There are, however, some environmental factors over which you can have no control. Geographically, some regions have a higher content of fluoride in the water which can lead to discolouration of teeth. Teeth are also naturally inclined to lose their natural colour over time. So as you get older, your teeth will look less white.

Remember though, the real secret to keeping your teeth white and preventing discolouration is regular brushing, a healthy lifestyle and regular dental check-ups.

Get Laser Bleaching for Your Teeth at a West London Dental Practice

June 13th, 2009

As you may be aware, there are a number of things that can cause your teeth to become discoloured. For example, some people have naturally grey teeth. While laser bleaching won’t be of much help in these circumstances, it is ideal if you smoke, or eat foods that tend to stain tooth enamel. Today, your West London dentist can provide this service for you. Therefore, if you are tired of looking at discoloured teeth, or are planning on a smile makeover, laser bleaching should be part of your plans.

For the most part, laser whitening is a fairly simple procedure. Your dentist will apply a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, and then use a laser to whiten each tooth. Typically, this procedure requires less peroxide than more conventional methods. Depending on your diet and oral hygiene, this procedure will enable you to have white teeth for a maximum of two years.

In most cases, laser bleaching causes no damage to your gums and teeth. Typically, even if you have gum disease, you can have this type of bleaching treatment. If you have fillings, they will not be loosened or damaged by laser whitening. You will also notice that the enamel on your teeth will not become soft. Unfortunately, your teeth may be a bit more sensitive after this procedure.

Many people that want white teeth do not feel comfortable with conventional bleaching methods. Even though laser bleaching may be a bit more expensive than other procedures, you may find it worth the extra cost. At the very least, you will not need to be as concerned about using whitening agents after the initial procedure. Aside from this, if you have other oral health issues, you may find that laser bleaching is the only option available.

Let Your London W1 Dentist Give You Sparkling, White Teeth

May 9th, 2009

No one should suffer the shame of having discolored teeth. Teeth whitening or dental bleaching is now a common dental procedure, particularly in the area of cosmetic dentistry. As you age, your teeth become darker as their mineral structure changes and the porosity of the enamel lessen.
Your London W1 dentist would tell you that some food and beverages also cause stain on your teeth. Tobacco and antibiotic medications can also lessen the brilliance of your teeth.
If you want to bring back the luster of smile, you might consider teeth whitening. There are several ways to achieve a perfect, white teeth:
• Bleaching gel – this teeth whitening method involves using at-home whitening products with bleaching gel. Oxidizing products such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide can be used to whiten teeth.
• Laser bleaching – this method uses light energy to whiten teeth in a fast way
• Internal bleaching – this method addresses the discoloration caused by staining of the dentin.
If you want to maintain the whiteness of your teeth, your London W1 dentist would be able to help you achieve this goal. Some teeth whitening procedures that you should include in your daily oral hygiene are:
• Using home teeth whitening products for a specified period of time.
• Using an electric tooth brush to clean your teeth, including the back, front and underside.
• Scrub your tongue every time you brush your teeth
• Use a floss to clean in between your teeth. Floss regularly to eliminate cavities that build up in between your teeth.
• Lastly, rinse with a mouth wash every after brushing your teeth.