Tooth Whitening – see also our Resources page for a downloadable pdf with detailed information
Tooth whitening is a safe, cost effective and proven treatment used to lighten the colour of your teeth. There are different methods of tooth whitening available which all provide excellent results.
In-surgery tooth whitening is a procedure that is done in the dental chair by a dentist. A gel is applied to protect the oral tissues then a whitening agent is applied to your teeth and left for 20 minutes. The whitening agent is removed and the process is repeated another 2 or 3 times as necessary.
Home tray whitening – an impression of your teeth is taken and models are made and used to construct thin clear trays. A small amount of whitening gel is placed into the reservoir of the tray and this is worn for 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the recommendation by the dentist. This is done nightly until the desired level of lightening has been achieved – usually 10 – 14 days.
Crowns
Large fillings or extensive tooth decay can severely weaken a tooth. A tooth that has had a root canal treatment may also be weaker especially if it has a large filling. Teeth may also wear down over time or break due to a trauma such as a blow to the mouth.
Crowns are made of gold or porcelain and are extremely strong. They are fitted over an existing tooth and have the potential to extend the life of a tooth significantly. Crowns can also provide a very natural appearance to broken down or discoloured teeth.
Veneers
Veneers are made from either porcelain (indirect) or composite resin (direct – see Resin Bonding) and are bonded to the front of the tooth. They are used to cover stains or chips and can also be used to hide gaps between teeth or slightly crooked teeth.
Resin Bonding
Using tooth coloured resin filling material it is possible to bond to existing enamel. This allows our dentists to alter the shape and colour of existing teeth.
