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Aesthetic Dentistry FAQ
Aesthetic Dentistry FAQ | Aesthetic Dentistry FAQ |
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WHY DO TEETH DARKEN? Teeth can become darker for a number of reasons including:
Trauma Teeth are sometimes naturally darker than we would prefer Aging causes yellowing of teeth Coffee, tea and certain foods cause staining Smoking affects the colour of teeth
Professional tooth whitening systems involve taking very accurate impressions of the mouth. These are then used to make very thin, customised clear plastic trays for use with the bleaching product. A small amount of whitening agent is applied as directed by the dentist.
Within 3 to 4 days a noticeable improvement in the shade is achieved, and in 10 to 14 days the teeth are usually several shades lighter. ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF AT HOME BLEACHING
- You can control the degree of whiteness by yourself. Need more. Do more. - This is the most economical method.
- This procedure will require two visits to our office. - The duration of treatment will be 2-3 weeks.
If your tooth whiteness is 70% of ideal, after 10 to 14 days of whitening you will have attained ideal white which is 100%. After 2 to 3 years the whiteness may become 90-95% of ideal.
This however, can easily be topped up back to 100% ideal. Topping up can be done using the original tray and remaining bleaching material for 2 to 3 days. The bleaching material has a shelf life of approximately 4 years.
The Zoom! light activated whitening gel's active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentine, bleaching coloured substances while the tooth structure is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 33%, giving an average improvement of eight shades!
WHAT DOES A PATIENT EXPERIENCE DURING THE ZOOM!PROCEDURE?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Many actually fall asleep. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.
HOW IS EXPOSURE TO THE ZOOM! LIGHT CONTROLLED?
The Zoom procedure requires that all soft tissues in and around the mouth be protected. The clinician is required to monitor the procedure to ensure any exposed skin or tissue is isolated and protected. Protective eyewear is required during the procedure. Light sensitive individuals, including those undergoing PUVA (Psolaren+UV Radiation) or other photo-chemotherapy, or patients with melanoma, should not undergo the Zoom! procedure. Also, patients taking any light sensitive drugs or substances are not suitable for Zoom!, however they are still suitable for Zoom! home whitening systems.
The complete procedure takes just over an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed by one hour of bleaching. A five minute fluoride treatment completes the procedure. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session.)
Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate.
IS WHITENING SAFE?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain
Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size. A local anaesthetic (injection) may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, but often this is not necessary. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an ‘impression’ (mould). This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer. The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.
A veneer takes at least two visits: the first to prepare the tooth and to match the shade, and the second to fit it. Before bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.
Because the preparation of the tooth is so slight you will probably not need a temporary veneer. The tooth will look very much the same after preparation, but will feel slightly less smooth.
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