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Power whitening is a safe, non-invasive and pain-free tooth whitening procedure which is performed at the practice in just over an hour. Power whitening is ideal for those patients who have tea, coffee, red wine or smoking stains on their teeth or for those who simply want to lighten their teeth and be confident to smile! Many people undergo power whitening before big occasions (like their wedding day!) when they want to look their best!
This modern cosmetic dental treatment is an in-office system, which means that your teeth are whitened while you relax in the dental chair, watch a movie using our DVD glasses or even take a nap and in just over an hour, you will leave the practice with a whiter, brighter smile. Book in for your free consultation today!
The ultimate goal of power whitening is to achieve your optimum level of natural whiteness. The results will vary according to the shade of your natural teeth and what restorations you have in your mouth. The special whitening gel which is applied to your teeth during the procedure is designed to whiten natural tooth structure. Veneers, crowns and bridges will not change colour although some stains may be removed with power whitening. The dentist will discuss this with you at your free consultation.
The length of time that your teeth will stay white will depend on your lifestyle. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking do stain teeth, however by maintaining regular hygiene appointments and practicing good hygiene maintenance at home, your teeth can stay white for up to two years. The practice can also provide you with a home whitening kit to compliment your power whitening, which will enable you to ‘top-up’ your white smile.
The power whitening gel contains hydrogen peroxide which is the active ingredient in lightening your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide has been used to whiten teeth for over one hundred years, and the safety of the low dose that is required for power whitening has been tested by various Universities and independent researchers. The studies found that using the power gel does not result in any change to the tooth structure, fillings or enamel. In other words, power whitening is a safe and thoroughly tested procedure.
Power whitening is normally a painless procedure. A small percentage of patients may experience some cold sensitivity following the treatment which is usually relieved by taking an analgesic and should subside within 24 hours.
Initially, it is best for you to book in to see the dentist for a free consultation. The dentist will take your medical history, look in your mouth to check for existing restorations and any staining you may have and discuss your expectations with regards to the procedure. If you are a suitable candidate for the power whitening procedure, the receptionist will book you an appointment at a suitable time for you.
On the day, we will let you relax into the dental chair, provide you with a movie of your choice, and begin the procedure. The procedure will involve polishing your teeth with a special gritty paste to remove any superficial staining or plaque. A protective barrier crème will be applied to your gums, lips and soft tissue to protect them. The power whitening gel will then be painted onto your teeth and the activation light will be turned on. This gentle light will shine on your teeth, activating the whitening gel to lighten your teeth. At the end of the appointment, a team member will provide you with a list of foods to avoid for the next 24 hours along with a white toothpaste. And you will leave the practice with a bright and confident smile!
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, very much like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural colour composite material is used instead of porcelain.
A precise shape and shade of porcelain can be chosen to lighten the upper front teeth or to reshape them. It can make a chipped tooth look intact again - the porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth replacing the broken part.
Veneers can improve the colours, shape and position of teeth, and protect teeth from further damage caused by acid in foods and drinks or from acids in the stomach. Without the protection of a veneer the teeth can become thin and weak.
Some of the outer enamel surface of the tooth will be removed, to ensure that the veneer can be bonded to the tooth permanently. The amount of enamel to be removed is minimal and will be the thickness of the veneers to be fitted.
The tooth is prepared in two stages. The first stage will involve removing a small amount of enamel and taking an impression of the tooth. The impression is sent to the laboratory where they will reproduce a veneer to fit the tooth. We will place a temporary veneer on the tooth to protect it against sensitivity. A visit to the laboratory is essential to make sure the colour is matching the adjoining teeth and will look natural. The second stage will involve placing the veneers on the required teeth with a bonding material. A veneer can be placed in 4 days.
Veneers can last for some years but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. People who grind their teeth or clench put more stress on the teeth and the veneers and the life span will be shorter.
Some minor adjustments might be needed to make sure that your bite is correct. We would like to recall you one week after to make sure you are happy with the fit and function of the new veneer.
T: +44 (0)20 7935 3914 F: +44 (0)20 7935 2403
E: info@sanei.co.uk