Tooth Whitening
We use the latest teeth whitening systems to provide you with excellent results. This very simple procedure can improve the colour of your smile by several shades.
What causes tooth discolouration?
Eating habits
The habitual consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges and other deeply-coloured beverages and foods causes considerable staining over the years. In addition, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar contribute to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface becomes more transparent and more of the yellow-coloured dentine shows through.
Smoking habits
Nicotine leaves brownish deposits which slowly soak into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discolouration.
Drugs/chemicals
Tetracycline usage during tooth formation produces dark grey or brown ribbon stains which are very difficult to remove. Excessive consumption of fluoride causes fluorosis and associated areas of white mottling. This type of discolouration is difficult, but not impossible to treat. It may take months or anything up to a year to achieve results with a supervised home bleaching regime.
Trauma
Falls and other injuries can produce sizable cracks in the teeth, which collect large amounts of stains and debris.
Age
There is a direct correlation between tooth colour and age. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation. Teenagers will likely experience immediate, dramatic results from whitening. In the twenties, as the teeth begin to show a yellow cast, teeth-whitening may require a little more effort. By the forties, the yellow gives way to brown and more maintenance may be called for. By the fifties, the teeth have absorbed a host of stubborn stains which can prove difficult (but not impossible) to remove.
Starting colour
We are all equipped with an inborn tooth color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey, and intensifies over time. Yellow-brown is generally more responsive to bleaching than green-grey.
Grinding
Most frequently caused by stress, teeth grinding (gnashing, bruxing, etc.) can add to micro-cracking in the teeth and can cause the biting edges to darken.
How can your teeth be whitened at Queensway?
We offer two different methods of whitening. Both rely on varying concentrations of peroxide and varying application times.
Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Whitening Kits
Many dentists are of the opinion that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best results over the long term. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use lower-concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for 30 minutes to 1 hour. The lower the peroxide percentage, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that resemble mouth guards.