Teeth Whitening | Dental practice in Brighton

There are many contributing factors which can cause stains to teeth. Discoloration to teeth usually begins in your late 20s and early 30s, as the outer layer of the teeth, also known as tooth enamel, starts to become thinner with age. Unfortunately, discoloration can also be hereditary, meaning due to genetics, so you can be naturally prone to early yellowing or discoloration of your teeth.

The biggest contributing factor to teeth staining is lifestyle, as your diet has a large impact on your teeth. Tea, coffee, red wine as well as citrus and acidic foods can lead to teeth becoming stained.

Chemicals such as medicines or tobacco also discolour teeth. These are usually called extrinsic stains, where the enamel of the tooth becomes marked. Many extrinsic type stains are reversible and can completely disappear using teeth whitening treatments.

Teeth whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a simple, safe and effective method to creating a whiter and brighter smile. Research suggests that brightening your smile can make you look healthier, as well as younger and more attractive. There are many different methods available for teeth whitening, such as chemical whitening and abrasive brightening. At the Brighton Dental Centre, we prefer to use the most highly effective, and non-intrusive methods to achieving desired results.

Teeth whitening is an effective method in eliminating or reducing discoloration of teeth, by removing yellow and or brown extrinsic stains. Teeth can be brightened by as much as 4 or 5 shades in the first treatment alone and overall more than seven shades with ongoing treatment. You and your dentist, using a shade chart, can decide the best and most appropriate level to suit your smile.

Teeth whitening is not a permanent process and will last longer depending on lifestyle. Whitening usually lasts one to two years. After a teeth whitening treatment, you may notice an increase in sensitivity for one or two days, however this will not have any lasting affect or damage to teeth.

Teeth whitening procedures are highly effective in removing different kinds of stains. Although they may not completely eliminate some stains, it should be noted that the darker the stain, i.e. brown or black, the tougher it will be to remove. There are two different types of stains which can cause discoloration to the teeth, these are intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains are the discoloration of the outer layer of the teeth. These stains are superficial, meaning that they can be removed from teeth whitening, bleaching and or polishing.

In some cases, the tooth’s inner structure becomes discoloured, giving teeth a yellow or grey hue. The difference between extrinsic and intrinsic stains is that intrinsic stains are deep within the tooth’s structure and cannot be easily removed. Depending on the severity of the condition, some intrinsic stains can never be removed by means of bleaching or whitening. There are other treatments or procedures available for intrinsic stains, such as porcelain veneers.

Intrinsic stains can be caused by different conditions and traumas to the teeth. An example of this is the use of tetracycline, an antibiotic. This medication, when taken by children at a young age during teeth development, can cause intrinsic stains which cannot be removed through teeth whitening. Trauma to teeth, causing blood vessel or nerve damage can also cause intrinsic stains.

Fluoride is found in many foods, including all drinking water, and is used as an active ingredient in many toothpastes. This mineral has been clinically proven to strengthen tooth enamel to help build resilience against tooth decay. Overexposure to fluoride during early teeth development, however, can cause a dental condition called fluorosis. Fluorosis can be mild or severe, depending on the level of exposure. Mild fluorosis can lead to white lines, spots or streaks appearing on teeth. Teeth whitening can brighten your smile making the appearance of these marks less noticeable. In more severe cases, affected teeth may become pitted and develop grey, black or brown spots. In these cases, teeth whitening cannot treat those affected teeth and porcelain veneers may be the more appropriate option.

Oral health experts advise that professional teeth whitening will give you the most effective results in brightening your smile, compared to over-the-counter home whitening solutions.

Unlike home treatments, receiving treatment from a cosmetic dentist professional will enable you to ensure your overall oral health, as well as checking for and addressing any underlying issues which could be leading to tooth discoloration.

Receiving ‘in-house’ treatment is bespoke to you, which means all aspects of the procedure are to complement your desired results. With professional teeth whitening, patients can obtain desired results in just one treatment, as well as advice on oral hygiene practices to maintain that smile.

Some over-the-counter or home bleaching products can achieve desired results. It is advised to use products which are less abrasive, as they are safer although will prolong treatment. It should be noted that not all over-the-counter treatments are safe and some can lead to tooth damage as well as gum and soft tissue irritation. It is advisable to inform your dentist of any over-the-counter products you wish to use.

Whitening toothpastes can be effective in cleaning, as well as whitening your teeth to a limited extent. However, many whitening toothpastes use an abrasive agent on the tooth’s outer layer, revealing a ‘newer’ layer that initially appears whiter. But the long-term effect of some abrasive toothpaste can cause damage by wearing down tooth enamel, as well as damaging the gums.

Toothpaste will not give you the same results as professional teeth whitening, but it can be used in preserving results following whitening treatment. Quality whitening toothpaste can help prevent stains from adhering to teeth. Before selecting any toothpaste, consider the ingredients, as certain toothpastes are less abrasive than others. When in doubt, ask us here at Brighton Dental Centre and we'll be happy to advise you.