‹ Questions
Questions
- What is tooth whitening?
- How long will it last?
- Is the treatment safe?
- How does tooth whitening work?
- What causes teeth to discolor?
- What is the taste?
- Are there any side effects?
- Are there any long term effects?
- What causes teeth to stain again after bleaching?
- How often do you have to get your teeth whitened?
- Is it better to get the pola treatment now or wait until my teeth are more stained?
- Are my teeth more easily stained now that they have been whitened?
- Will my crowns, veneers and fillings get whiter?
- Is it safe to whiten my teeth if I am pregnant or lactating?
- Do over-the-counter bleaching systems I can buy direct from companies work as well?
Answers
- What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening is the process by which the discolorations of the enamel are lightened. top ^ - How long will it last?
This will depend on the patient, and the patient's oral habits. Pola Paint can be used daily to brighten your teeth. top ^ - Is the treatment safe?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that bleaching under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for teeth and gums. Your dental professional will advise you on how to use the Pola Paint kit. top ^ - How does tooth whitening work?
The active ingredient (carbamide peroxide) is broken down, allowing oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin, causing the stains to be lightened.top ^ - What causes teeth to discolor?
There are many causes of tooth discoloration. Some of the most common include the consumption of highly colored foods (beetroot, candy etc) and drinks (coffee, sodas, red wine). Antibiotics consumed at an early age, natural aging, smoking and trauma can also add to discoloration.top ^ - What is the taste?
A pleasant spearmint flavour. top ^ - Are there any side effects?
For the majority of patients there are none. However, some will experience temporary sensitivity (dull or sharp) on the teeth and/or gums. This will subside after several hours of stopping the treatment. A topical desensitizing tooth paste or gel can be used. Abstain from carbonated drinks, citrus foods and beverages to avoid sensitivity for a few hours after treatment. top ^ - Are there any long term effects?
Dental professional's have been using peroxide whitening for over 50 years and there have been no known long term effects.top ^ - What causes teeth to stain again after bleaching?
The same things that made them stain in the first place, ie general aging, red wine, smoking, tea, coffee, colored foods etc. top ^ - How often do you have to get your teeth whitened?
Once your teeth are whitened it usually lasts 1-3 years, however some people prefer to have touch-ups every 6-12 months or more frequently using Pola Paint top ^ - Is it better to get the Pola treatment now or wait until my teeth are more stained?
It is better to get it done now as the stains will become worse and darker. The teeth will then require more applications of bleach as stains will be harder to remove. top ^ - Are my teeth more easily stained now that they have been whitened?
No, the chance of staining your teeth are not increased once they have been whitened, if you follow the post treatment care instructions given by your dental professional. top ^ - Will my crowns, veneers and fillings get whiter?
No, only your natural teeth will. top ^ - Is it safe to whiten my teeth if I am pregnant or lactating?
No studies have been done so we advise pregnant or lactating women not to undergo bleaching. top ^ - Do over-the-counter bleaching systems I can buy direct from companies work as well?
No, these systems do not require the expertise of your dental professional so the trays are not perfectly fitted to your teeth. At the very least, you need custom made trays from your dental professional. Sensitivity is often a problem if your trays are not properly fitted. The bleaching solution is not evenly distributed over the teeth, and saliva can seep in to dilute the solution. Many over-the-counter systems contain an acidic rinse, which can remove significant amounts of the tooth structure. These types of systems usually contain a lower amount of peroxide, hence they are not as strong as what your dental professional will prescribe.top ^
