Teeth Whitening – In Office vs Home

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a process which lightens the discolouration of enamel and dentine. Enamel is the outermost white layer of the tooth and the dentine is the yellow structure underneath. When the enamel has worn through erosion or other means the teeth can appear more yellow. Whitening toothpastes are good for removing stubborn stains but long term use can cause the removal of the enamel layer.

 

Options?

You have the option to either have whitening done in the comfort of your own home or as a chairside appointment with the dentist. Home whitening is generally available to everyone whereas the chairside whitening is for those needing an initial boost to lift dark staining of the enamel and dentine.

 

What is in the whitening kits?  

Whitening kits are based on a peroxide gel which helps lift stains and whitens the tooth surface. Whitening can cause some sensitivity during the whitening process so some whitening kits contain desensitisers to make the teeth whitening process pain free.

Home whitening kits and chairside whitening systems can contain the following to help reduce sensitivity:

 

• ACP [Amorphous Calcium Phosphate]

• Fluoride

• Potassium Nitrate

 

What is ACP?

ACP stands for Amorphous Calcium Phosphate. ACP is a patented product found in Zoom whitening kits. ACP found in whitening kits improves the enamel surface layer of the tooth. This in turn helps to reduce sensitivity for a comfortable whitening experience. Compliance is key to a excellent versus good whitening result. The more frequent the whitening and more consistent on consecutive days yields the best results.  

 

What do we use?

At Viva Dental Studio we use Zoom! Chairside whitening due to it is consistently achieving great whitening results. We also have the Zoom Home Kit in stock which acts as the perfect compliment to the chairside whitening. Boutique whitening is our premium home whitening system which comes in a nice shiny casing. Enlighten whitening offers a B1 shade guarantee where you will most definitely get the white teeth you are looking for.

 

Phillips Zoom has been Clinical Proven to:

 

• Give teeth a lustrous, glossy sheen

• Minimise sensitivity and helps aid in the remineralisation process after whitening

• Minimise post-treatment fade back

 

How does whitening work?

Generally peroxide reacts with the oxygen in the stain molecules which stain teeth. This in turn breaks the bonds which hold them together and shifts the stain to leave a whiter tooth surface.

 

What is the procedure for Chair Side Whitening?

A dental examination will be done before any whitening procedure to make sure you are a suitable candidate. This will also ensure you are dentally fit and well.

 

Chairside:

Chairside whitening is the most popular cosmetic procedure carried out in the dental surgery. The whitening procedure is supervised by a dentist at all times making it safe. The results can be unpredictable and may need maintenance with the home whitening. The procedure involves a cheek retractor to be placed in the mouth. This helps protect the cheek and gums. The gums are isolated with a protective coating and cotton wool isolation. A peroxide based gel is applied to the tooth surface. A light is then placed over the teeth, which activates the Peroxide far more quickly and thoroughly. The gel is replaced a number of times to repeat the whitening action resulting in an accelerated whitening result in time for a big event.

 

What is the procedure for Home Whitening?

Home Kit:

An impression is taken of the arch you wish to whiten. In general the whitening should be done for both the upper and lower arch together. The impressions are used to make whitening trays which are flexible and should fit snug to your teeth. There maybe some overlap on the gums. We provide you with the whitening gels and go through the procedure of whitening from start to finish and instruct you on how to clean the tray. A peroxide gel is applied into the whitening trays and placed into the patient’s mouth. A visibly whiter smile can be achieved after just 3 days. Take home kits usually contain ACP, Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate which helps with the management of sensitivity and improved whitening. You can buy further whitening kits if you wish to whiten your teeth further.

 

Which is Better?

In office is mainly for those individuals who want an immediate whitening effect. Home whitening gives a gradual change in whitening. To assess which is best for you please book a free whitening consultation at Viva Dental Studio. Call now on 01708446447 or book online.

 

Can you use household bleach to whiten your teeth?

No! Peroxide based gels are the safest way you can whiten teeth. By using household bleach you run the risks of damaging the tooth and causing the gums to burn and recede. Household bleach is very different to that prescribed by your dentist for teeth whitening.

 

Can I whiten my teeth if I am pregnant?

Teeth should not be whitened if you are pregnant. In the UK you need to be over 18 to be able to cosmetically whiten your teeth.

 

I want more information

No problem…..At Viva Dental Studio we offer a free whitening consultation. This will go through each type of whitening we offer and will then let you decide on the best whitening for you. We will answer any questions you may have and provide you with a breakdown of what we have discussed. We can generally offer whitening appointments within 1 week of the consultation so you have white teeth in time for your big event.

 

You can download further information by clicking here.

 

Book your FREE Tooth Whitening Consultation today by calling 01708446447 or book online.

 

Find out about other cosmetic dentistry available at Viva Dental Studio, Hornchurch.