Nobody wants their once magnificent teeth to turn yellow and stained. This month, we ask a PRD dentist to tell us all about the different options for reclaiming that bright-white gleam.
What are some of the most common reasons for tooth discoloration?
Causes of tooth discoloration are varied and complex, but are usually classified as being either intrinsic or extrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration is caused by chromogens that attach to the tooth directly, such as tobacco, tea, coffee, red wine, spices, vegetables, medicines and plaque; or by those that attach indirectly by combining with another element, such as chlorhexidine, which combines with tea to produce stains.
Intrinsic discoloration occurs when the chromogens are deposited within the bulk of tooth.
What teeth-whitening methods can you get over the counter?
Over-the-counter (OTC) products are of three basic types: bleaching strips, paint-on bleaching pastes and bleaching gels applied in stock trays. Strips have become very popular and are the most widely used OTC products, delivering 6 to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide to teeth.
What teeth-whitening methods are available at a dental clinic?
Nightguard vital bleaching is well accepted as a safe, low-cost and effective treatment. Prescribed by a doctor, it is applied at home. A custom-fitted tray is fabricated on a cast of the patient's teeth generated from an alginate impression. A low concentration of carbamide peroxide (around 10 percent) is applied overnight for two to six weeks. Results can be obtained in as few as three days or as long as six weeks, but the average treatment time is two weeks.
Many dentists use chair-side bleaching to kick start whitening, followed by nightguard vital bleaching. Chair-side bleaching is done using a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and provides a more immediate result.
Which method has proved most effective?
Nightguard vital bleaching remains the gold standard in dental bleaching.
How long will effects last?
The effectiveness of the whitening lasts for as few as six months to as long as several years.
Are there any potentially harmful effects from teeth whitening?
After a whitening session, you may find that your teeth have increased sensitivity, especially in the first few days. This varies by patient and of course the sensitivity will wear off after a few days. You should also follow up with your dentist if you find that your gums are white or sore, but this is less common than sensitivity.
// Dr. Chung Kwai Hung is a dentist at Victoria Dental, Rm 1510, Tower 3A, Excellence Century Center, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District (0755-8999 5099, www.chkm.net)
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