Quad Dental North York Boost Your self-Assurance Adopting Cosmetic Dentis | Page 4

Cosmetic Dentistry
• Having the teeth whitened or bleached is a fairly lengthy process. This
process is performed without removing any layers or surfaces of the teeth
and is therefore less invasive. Sometimes called a 'home treatment' as you
apply the chemical at home in the evening prior to retiring. After
consultation, the dental surgeon first has a mold or protective tray made
for the upper and lower gums. This involves taking impressions of the teeth
and gums which he sends away for the plastic 'trays' to be made. This can
take up to a week or more. When the trays are ready another visit is
required to check that they indeed fit correctly and fit snugly around the
gums.
• The trays need to fit very well as the mixture or compound to be placed in
the trays becomes active when applied to the teeth. The ‘active ingredient'
to be placed in these trays is normally hydrogen peroxide or in some cases,
carbamide peroxide. A chemical reaction takes place when these trays are
worn filled with the compound. This is usually at night before you retire for
the night. You are able to remove these trays in the morning washing the
mouth thoroughly to rinse any traces of the hydrogen peroxide away. This
active compound is gradually broken down broken down in the eight to ten
hours depending on the length of you sleep or before you remove the trays
in the morning. The chemical process is fairly simple as the oxygen gets
into the actual enamel on your teeth. This action whitens or bleaches the
teeth gradually. This process must be repeated every 24 hours. The
treatment can take up to three and in some cases four weeks as the teeth
gradually become lighter, all stains being removed. This procedure can last
for up to three or four years depending if you smoke which definitely stains
the teeth or in some cases tea can stain after a period.