Cosmetic dentistry Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Harrow Dental Practice Blog

Composite Vs Porcelain Veneers – Your Comprehensive Guide

If you crooked, chipped, or permanently stained teeth, veneers are one of the most aesthetically pleasing, durable, and time-tested options. However, while searching for veneers over the internet, you might have come across terms such as “porcelain veneers” and “composite veneers”, and you might be wondering what is the difference between these two types of veneers. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of dental veneers, and to explain their different types. So. continue reading to find out everything you need to know about veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers? What Are Its Types And Benefits?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a veneer is an ultra-thin shell of porcelain or composite resins. Veneers are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth and are used for masking tooth defects or to restore structural damage in teeth. Generally, there are two main types of veneers; porcelain and composite veneers. Both types of veneers are fabricated in the dental laboratory, and each has its own merits and demerits.

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

A veneer works as a mask or covering for the teeth, and helps in hiding various cosmetic and structural tooth defects. Your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer enamel of the damaged tooth. This is done to create space for bonding the veneers. The prepared veneers are then bonded to the tooth using adhesive.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers?

Veneers are an increasingly popular procedure for treating cosmetic dental issues. Some of the pros and cons of veneers include:

Pros of Dental Veneers

1. 1. Can be used for smile makeovers
  2. Superior aesthetics than bonding
  3. More durable than composite fillings – can last for up to 15 years
  4. Boost one’s self-confidence
  5. Less expensive than crowns

Cons of Veneers

1. Require sacrificing healthy tooth structure for their attachment
2. Stains on veneers cannot be removed through professional whitening

Do Composite Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

Composite veneers are made from the same material used for cosmetic bonding. After preparing the damaged teeth, your dentist will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the laboratory. The technician will then use composite resin to prepare the veneers. Although composite veneers are less durable and stain-resistant than porcelain veneers, it is not correct to say that they can ruin one’s teeth. Composite resins are safe for use in the oral cavity, and can even be repaired if they get cracked or partially chipped.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers have the same design as composite veneers. However, the only difference is that they are prepared using high-quality, tooth-coloured dental porcelains. Compared with composite veneers, porcelain veneers are more durable and last longer.

Do Composite Veneers Look Natural?

In short, yes. Both porcelain and composite veneers are prepared from tooth-coloured materials. Dental technicians can precisely match the shade and colour of the composite veneers to that of your natural teeth. As a result, composite veneers blend in perfectly with the natural teeth and become virtually indistinguishable, giving a natural look. Composite veneers appear even more realistic than direct composite fillings.

How Long Do Veneers Last Before They Need To Be Replaced?

The service life of veneers depends on various factors, such as their type and oral hygiene status. While composite veneers may last around 5 years, porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable. With proper oral hygiene care, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last for up to 15 years, even longer. To extend the service life of your veneers, you should avoid eating hard and sticky foods, as they may crack or dislodge them.

How Are Veneers Made And Applied To Teeth?

The fabrication and attachment of veneers are usually carried out in 2 sittings. In the first appointment, your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer tooth enamel to create room for the attachment of the veneers. This is known as tooth preparation. Don’t worry; tooth preparation will not make your teeth sensitive, as an ultra-thin layer of the natural tooth structure will be removed. After preparing the teeth, your dentist will make their impression and send it to the dental laboratory for fabrication. Your dentist will first try your prepared veneers on your teeth at the next appointment without bonding them. If the fit and aesthetics are found acceptable, they will bond the veneers to your teeth using an adhesive. Congratulations! You are now the owner of a brand-new, charming smile.

What Should You Know Before Getting Veneers?

Dental veneers are an excellent option for treating cosmetic dental problems. However, it is always better to prefer porcelain veneers over composite-based veneers, as they are aesthetically more pleasing, durable, and more stain-resistant. At the same time, porcelain veneers are not suitable for individuals having a deep bite or those who have a habit of grinding teeth excessively. This is because porcelain is very hard, and when it contacts the opposing tooth, it may cause it to wear quickly – leading to complications such as teeth sensitivity and tooth decay. Your dentist will recommend a suitable veneer material after a careful clinical examination.

Dental veneers are an excellent option if looking for a complete smile makeover. If you have cosmetic defects that prevent you from smiling or speaking in public, Harrow Dental Practice is the solution to your problems. Our experienced and qualified dentists can help you get rid of your cosmetic tooth defects, and enjoy a beautiful smile that you have always dreamed of. So, request a free virtual appointment today and take your first step towards a confident and charming smile.

What To Expect With Teeth Whitening Services?

Pearly white teeth are essential for having an attractive and graceful smile. If years of heavy coffee, tea, or alcohol intake have led to staining of your teeth, there is no need to worry; cosmetic dentistry can help you get rid of your unaesthetic teeth stains, allowing you to get back your charming smile. So, what is teeth whitening, and how does it work? Read on to find out.

Does Teeth Whitening Really Work?

Teeth whitening is a procedure in which a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth to chemically dissolve the surface stains. If you’re wondering whether teeth whitening works, then the answer is yes. However, the effectiveness of the teeth whitening procedure depends on the chemical formula of the bleaching agent. Dentists who perform professional teeth whitening use very potent yet safe bleaching agents that give excellent results in just one sitting. On the other hand, at-home whitening formulas contain mild bleaching agents. Therefore, they are not as effective in removing teeth stains as the professional ones.

How Much Should A Teeth Whitening Procedure Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening depends on who performs the procedure. At-home whiting kits and gels are generally less expensive than professional whitening. However, at the same time, they are not as effective. On the other hand, it may cost you anywhere between £200-£450. But you can rest assured that the aesthetic outcome of your professional whitening will be worth the higher cost of treatment.

Why Is Professional Teeth Whitening Important?

Professional teeth whitening is essential as it allows one to maintain a beautiful smile by getting rid of their teeth stains. Besides, professional teeth whitening is performed by qualified and experienced dentists who have undergone training to perform this procedure. Therefore, tooth bleaching performed by a dentist is always safer and more effective than those performed by themselves using at-home whitening kits.

Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?

A single sitting of the teeth whitening procedure by a dentist can give remarkable results in terms of the elimination of teeth stains. Unfortunately, the results of teeth whitening are not permanent. With time, your teeth may get stained again, especially if you drink tea, coffee, or red wine. However, you can make sure that the teeth whitening procedure results last longer by ensuring optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing. When you brush and floss regularly, food particles will not remain adhered to your teeth and hence, will not cause tooth staining. Besides, you can also prevent staining of your teeth by avoiding strong-coloured foods and drinks.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening procedure performed by a skilled dentist is entirely safe. This is because despite applying high-potency bleaching agents on your teeth, dentists are trained to prevent damage to your teeth, gums, cheeks, and lips. Besides, dentists also use protective agents like cocoa butter or Vaseline to prevent the accidental bleaching or burning of the oral soft tissues. Unfortunately, not all at-home whitening products are safe. This is because some whitening gels or whitening toothpaste manufacturers add very high concentrations of bleaching agents in the whitening formula, which can cause various complications like:

Tooth sensitivity
Tooth decay
Gum bleaching

How Do I Whiten My Teeth In 2 Months?

If you have a job interview or a wedding party coming up in two months, you have plenty of time to get back your pearly whites. If you are looking for quick teeth whitening results, professional teeth whitening may be the fastest and safest option. In most cases, patients feel a remarkable reduction in colour and shade after just one sitting. So, consult your dentist today to get your teeth whitened in less than two months.

How Do I Get Zoom Whitening Services For My Teeth?

Zoom teeth whitening is a commercial whitening system that offers rapid results. This whitening system is provided in two types: at-home whitening and in-office whitening. The manufacturers of this whitening system claim a visible reduction in your tooth shade in just seven days when using their at-home formula. On the other hand, you can make your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in just 45 minutes with their in-office whitening procedure. To get your teeth whitened with Zoom, you can ask your nearby dentist to get a customised teeth whiting plan based on your individual preferences.

Is Laser Teeth Whitening The Same As Bleaching Your Teeth?

Technically, both procedures are characterised as teeth whitening. However, the so-called laser whitening involves using light to activate the bleaching agent in the whitening formula, usually carbamide peroxide. When activated, carbamide peroxide breaks into hydrogen peroxide which penetrates beneath the tooth surface and chemically removes the teeth stains. Light-activated or laser whitening generally offers superior aesthetic results in a shorter duration.

Will Smoking After Teeth Whitening Stain Teeth?

Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the common causes of tooth staining. That is why dentists advise against smoking or drinking alcohol after getting your teeth whitened, as it will only accelerate the staining process.

Teeth whitening done by a skilled cosmetic dentist can do wonders to your smile and personality! So, if you’re looking for a high-class cosmetic dental practice in Hornchurch, look no more! Harrow Dental Practice Essex provides all cosmetic and general dental services at affordable rates under one roof. So, book an appointment today and take your first step towards a sparkling and bright smile.

How to Get a Perfect Smile

Do you often stand in front of the mirror and wish there was something you could do to improve your smile? The British orthodontic society is reporting that the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK has risen recently by about 75%.

A beautiful smile is an invaluable social asset. It not only makes you look younger but also boosts your self-esteem and makes you look more attractive. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that a staggering 99.7% of the respondents believed that a beautiful smile is a priceless social asset. But while some are born with a Rockstar smile, others are not that lucky. But the good news is that no matter how flawed a smile is, you can still get a picture-perfect, naturally beautiful smile. How? Continue reading to find out.

How can I improve my smile?

Here are some tips that can help you in getting your dream smile:

Oral Hygiene Maintenance

A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. You cannot enjoy a charming and attractive smile without meticulous oral hygiene. Dentists worldwide recommend that you must brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day for having those pearly white, perfect teeth! For best results, the British Dental Association recommends that you should use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride-containing toothpaste for either adults or children (be sure to purchase the correct one).

Regular Dental Check-ups

No matter how meticulous you are in brushing and flossing, your oral hygiene routine is incomplete without regular checkups. Your dentist can diagnose dental problems well before they are even visible to the naked eye, not only saving you from huge expenditures on treatment but also ensuring that you retain a beautiful smile throughout life.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Whether it is about restoring chipped or crooked teeth, restoring the balance between your upper lips and the size of your teeth, teeth whitening, or replacing missing natural teeth, cosmetic dentistry has the solution to all your aesthetic problems.

Veneers – a veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is bonded the front teeth surfaces to restore tooth shape, function and aesthetics. Dental veneers are useful for the correction of the following cosmetic problems:
- Chipped or fractured teeth.
- Teeth with permanent stains
- Cosmetic correction of excessive teeth gaps
- Correction of mild tooth misalignment
Crowns – porcelain crowns are often referred to as a ‘cap’- they are shaped structures that are placed over the entire visible structure of a tooth. They are not only used for restoring tooth aesthetics but are also used reinforcing weakened teeth, owing to their excellent strength and durability. You can benefit from porcelain crowns in the following situations:
- Grossly damaged teeth that cannot be restored with fillings
- To mask permanent teeth stains
- To restore the structure of chipped or fractured teeth
- If you are not satisfied with the shape or size of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will give you crowns to cosmetically reshape them and restore your smile.
- To reinforce weakened teeth
- To reinforce teeth that become brittle following a root canal procedure.
Dental Implants – Dental implants are by far the most aesthetically pleasing, functionally efficient and durable option for replacing missing natural teeth. An implant is a screw-shaped metallic fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, and it serves as the replacement root. Once the implant has become completely embedded within the bone, a suitable prosthesis such as a porcelain crown, bridge or a removable denture is then placed over it to restore the artificial tooth. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. If you shy away for smiling in public because of your missing teeth, then dental implants may be the best option for restoring your facial aesthetics and smile.

Perfect teeth alignment

Do you want to get rid of your misaligned and crooked teeth, but the thought of wearing those ugly metal braces is a deal-breaker for you? Don’t worry; you can still get a set of perfectly aligned teeth with Invisalign removable aligners. Invisalign is an orthodontic system based on the use of removable aligners. The aligners are designed from a special transparent acrylic material that makes them virtually invisible. Also, the Invisalign aligners are more comfortable and convenient in comparison to the conventional metal braces as they allow you to eat all your favorite foods and maintain optimal oral hygiene.

A beautiful smile not only makes you look gorgeous, but it can also bring joy and smiles to so many other faces! So, what’s stopping you? Book an appointment your cosmetic dentist today and impress your loved ones with your brand-new smile.

How much does a perfect smile cost?

The cost will always vary depending on exactly what treatment is required, So it’s very difficult to say exactly. Here are a few examples:

Teeth whitening – to get perfect white teeth £395
Composite bonding – to restore broken down teeth or reshaped teeth, from £250
Orthodontic treatment with 6 month smiles – from £3600

Many dental practices offer interest-free finance making treatments affordable and a monthly basis.

How long do veneers last?

So you’re thinking about getting dental veneers? Or perhaps you have just had dental veneers and want to know useful information about how long they are going to last?

We will answer a series of questions that people commonly ask about dental veneers, each of them taking a different viewpoint on the overall question of how long do veneers last.

Is it a bad idea to veneer healthy teeth?

This is a good place to start our journey into looking at dental veneers, should you have them in the first place and should they be used over healthy teeth?

There is always a balance in dentistry, balancing the health of your teeth and gums with how you look. Ideally most dentists would want to maintain as much natural healthy tooth structure as possible, however in some circumstances teeth can be very dark (such as with tetracycline staining), and ugly shape or broken down.

Generally speaking dental veneers require 0.5 mm of reduction of 2 separate in order to accept the new custom-made veneer. This is a very small amount but if your natural teeth have already begun to wear this may go all the way through the enamel and into the softer dentine underneath.

A veneer will have a border all the way around the edge where it meets the natural tooth and it is often this border which causes any problems. If any small amount of bacteria gets in underneath the veneer then they can cause decay in the underlying tooth.

Dental veneers may also fracture, if this happens the veneer will need to be completely removed and manufactured again.

For these reasons it is best to err on the side of caution and leave natural teeth as they are… Unless they cause you concern due to the way they look.

This is when the balance tips the other way, if the benefits of having a new, bright and fresh smile outweigh any of the downsides of having natural tooth surface removed.

Veneers are then absolutely the right thing to do.

Can you get veneers with gum disease

Gum disease typically means that the oral health isn’t quite as good as it could be. If the oral health isn’t as good as it could be for veneers, then it is indicative that it will not be as good after veneers, and veneers need to be looked after as well as natural teeth do.

Gum disease can include swollen, puffy and bleeding gums, this can make the process of having veneers difficult in the first place, plus the margin between the veneer and the tooth could irritate these already irritated gums and therefore make the gum disease worse.

Prior to getting veneers any dentist will want to ensure that the oral health is in good condition, with a good oral health care routine with daily brushing. Then, and only then should veneers be considered.

Are veneers permanent

Because veneers are a thin layer which is applied over the surface of the natural teeth many people consider them to be temporary. However, your tooth is likely to have been trimmed down slightly by the dentist to accept a veneer, for this reason, dental veneers should always be considered a permanent treatment.

In some circumstances a dentist may be able to apply a thin layer of composite resin to the surface of the tooth without reducing the tooth. If this is what the dentist does then it may be possible to remove the raising and therefore remove the veneer.

What is life like with veneers?

living with dental veneers should be virtually the same as living with natural teeth. Daily cleaning with a brush, floss and mouthwash is still advised and is in some ways more important with restorations.

One of the biggest problems with veneers they can chip and crack, particularly porcelain veneers. The highest incidence of these happens when people accidentally banged their teeth on a glass or mug, this porcelain on porcelain contact often can chip the veneers.

All that is required for living with dental veneers is to remember that dental veneers are fitted, be careful with the foods that are eaten to ensure that the front teeth on used an extremely hard foods… And be careful with those drinks!

How long does tooth bonding last?

Tooth bonding is the process of applying a thin layer of composite resin the outer layer of the, often known as composite veneers or immediate veneers. the advantage of this type of veneer is that they are quick to do, often being done in a single appointment with no injection. They do however have a tendency to pick up stains including red wine, coffee and tea.

A typical tooth bonding veneer will last between 5 and 7 years before it needs replacing. This time can be dramatically reduced is particularly strong coloured foods are ingested and/or the veneers are put under too much stress and they break.

How long do veneers last?

It depends on which type of veneer you have, with proper care and attention:

composite bonding veneers typically last 5-7 years
porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years

Veneers may last slightly less time if you grind your teeth, although this will be spotted by your dentist prior to having veneers in the 1st place.

Summary

Taking the average lifespan of the dental veneer to be around 10 years puts the typical cost of a porcelain veneer to about £85 per year, if you care for your veneers with good quality dental care than they could last even longer.

If you follow the dental procedures outlined above and take good care of your teeth then your veneers should give you long and excellent service.

More information can be found here.

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Common Questions and Answers about Dental Veneers

Dental veneers have been around for many years now and still a common treatment option for a variety of cosmetic dental problems. In this blog post we take a detailed look at some of the common questions and answers about this popular treatment choice.

What are teeth veneers?

Teeth or dental veneers are usually made of one of 2 materials, either composite resin or ceramic. They are an extremely thin layer which sits over the front surface of your natural tooth and is custom designed to fit your tooth perfectly.

Veneers can be used to straighten, whiten and correct problems such as chips and pits in teeth . They can also be used to change the shape of teeth which is a common reason for using a veneer. The best veneers shape will be discussed with you prior to treatment so that you can be sure to have the results you are looking for.

Sometimes the natural tooth needs to be trimmed down slightly to accept the new veneer although this is not always necessary, depending upon your clinical situation.

Even though veneers look extremely natural you still need to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure your new veneers last as long as possible.

Do veneers make teeth look bigger?

Veneers do not necessarily make teeth look bigger. Sometimes veneers are used because teeth are too small in this case a big are looking to is desirable.

If veneers are used to fill spaces between teeth then they can also make the teeth look slightly bigger but this should be taken into account during the diagnostic phase of your treatment, so it should not come as any surprise.

if a veneer is going to be used to change the shape, colour or position of the tooth and it is dealt that it might make your teeth look to make them very often a small amount of natural tooth will be removed. This then allows the dental technician and dentist to rebuild this tooth in the correct alignment, position or colour without making the tooth look too big.

One area that many people overlook is their face shape. Your face shape whether it be round, square or triangular will be reflected in the shape of your teeth and it’s important to make sure that your teeth fit with your overall features.

Can a teeth gap be hidden by veneers?

Yes. Spaces between teeth can easily be closed with dental veneers, sometimes these veneers are manufactured by a dental technician and other times will be instant veneers placed directly by your dentist.

Should I get dental veneers or dental bonding?

Sometimes dental bonding is thought of as a less permanent option than dental veneers, if the dental bonding is additive only, by that we mean no natural tooth has been removed and the composite has been added to the surface of the tooth exclusively then you may be able to have the composite bonding removed. However you should not rely on this and you should always consider any form of veneer to be a permanent restoration.

One of the advantages of bonding is its immediate results, your dentist will apply the bonding composite directly to your tooth surface whilst you are in the dental chair, this will be to the correct colour and tooth shape that you require. Ceramic veneers on the other hand can take up to 2 weeks to be made by a dental technician.

The advantage of ceramic veneers is that they are far more hard wearing and won’t collect stain as can sometimes happen with composite bonding.

What are porcelain veneers? What are their pros and cons?
What options are available to change the shape of teeth?

Is it a bad idea to veneer healthy teeth?

The mantra of a good dentist will always be to maintain as much natural and healthy tooth structure as possible and to keep your teeth as fit and healthy as we can. However this guiding principle needs to be balanced with the desire to have a confident smile, your perfect smile is not always something you’re born with..

Your dentist will always look for as many alternatives is possible to achieve your cosmetic result with out damaging the teeth in any way, however if extensive cosmetic alterations to your smile, such as crooked teeth or dark teeth are required then it is inevitable that the teeth may require some trimming down in order to accept the new dental veneer.

Is there any way to remove the veneers from my teeth?

Veneers can be removed however it is an extremely difficult and time-consuming procedure to undertake. The question then also needs to be asked, what will go on in their place?

If the veneers were only added onto the surface of your natural teeth without any reduction of trimming of the underlying teeth then it may be possible to remove them, however if the underlying tooth has had enamel removed, as is normal, then it will not be possible to remove the veneers as you will need a permanent covering over the surface of the teeth.

How to get rid of ugly yellow teeth?

There are a few options to get rid of ugly teeth:

Teeth whitening. Even if you have a single yellow tooth then teeth whitening can still be undertaken on that tooth alone. Teeth whitening can also whiten all of your teeth if they are all too yellow.
Dental bonding. Sometimes teeth whitening is not able to whiten teeth enough on its own and additional treatments such as bonding are required. Dental bonding will then use a lighter coloured bonding material which is placed on the outside of your teeth to cover up the ugly yellow tooth underneath.
Dental veneers. In the event of exceptionally dark yellow teeth and dental and maybe the only option. It is possible to make ceramic dental veneers with a small amount of opacity to them which will cover up the ugly yellow teeth underneath.

How much do dental veneers cost?

The cost of dental veneers varies enormously depending on:

the type of veneer you have
the skills and experience of the dentist

It takes many years to train to understand all the nuances of being a cosmetic dentist and to have the necessary experience to be able to provide natural dental veneers which last many years. It’s also worth noting that you will be using your new dental veneers all of the time and are therefore a definite investment in yourself.

Many people will happily pay many thousands of pounds for a new car and yet that car begins to devalue immediately and will probably only last a few years. Dental veneers will last considerably longer, up to 20 years and are often much cheaper than a car!

Porcelain veneers are available for around £850 per tooth wear as composite bonding is available from around £250 per tooth.

For the front 6 teeth you are therefore looking at just over £5000 for the top 6 teeth to be redesigned with dental veneers. Compare this to the price of a car and how long that car will last and veneers suddenly are far more affordable.

Many practices also offer interest-free finance or interest-bearing finance, in this example above dental veneers would cost £107.11 per month over 60 months. *

Certainly a much more affordable way of having a brighter and more attractive smile.

Subject to status. Conditions apply. Representative example. Cash price of goods/amount of credit £5100; 60 monthly payments of £107.11; Total amount repayable £6426.57; Representative 9.9% APR variable.

How to Get the Best Teeth Whitening and Fast Results

When you pay for teeth whitening you, of course, want to get the best result teeth whitening and fast results. This blog post identifies some of the best ways you can achieve this in a safe and effective way.

We’re going to go through a few different areas of teeth whitening, starting with cleaning your teeth and then going through some facts & myths.

Cleaning your teeth to get the best teeth whitening result

Very simple way to help your teeth look brighter and whiter is to ensure they are as clean as possible.

Each day a thin layer of biofilm builds up over the surface of your teeth, this is a thin sticky layer which, if not cleaned off will harden into tartar. This tartar can then attract surface stains which look dark. This is particularly true if you smoke or drink lots of tea, coffee or red wine.

Electric toothbrushes

Using an electric toothbrush can be a really effective way to brush your teeth and keep your pearly whites as bright as possible.

Which is the best toothbrush for uneven teeth?

It can be rather difficult cleaning around uneven or crooked teeth, this is one of the reason that straighter teeth can be beneficial. However, if you have uneven teeth then an electric toothbrush will probably be better.

If you use a conventional manual toothbrush to clean your teeth then not only do you have to be sure to hold it at the correct angle whilst moving it around every single tooth, you also have to manually pulsate it in order to clean properly. With an electric brush you simply focus on the exact area you wish to clean and new electric toothbrush will pulsate or rotate in exactly the right way to clean your teeth most effectively.

Can brushing alone whiten teeth?

It depends upon the reason for the teeth being darker in the first place. If it is due to staining then yes, brushing alone may be able to whiten your teeth slightly. You may also see a slight improvement if you use a whitening toothpaste.

However, because toothpaste is not especially designed to remove stains you will find the best result comes when you use professional teeth whitening from your dentist.

Teeth whitening , Fact or Myth?

Teeth whitening with oil pulling

How does coconut oil whiten teeth?

Coconut oil pulling requires you to take a small amount of edible oil, typically a teaspoon and often coconut oil, this is then swished around the mouth to care for teeth. Some people claim that this offers various benefits like whitening teeth. There is however no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Another problem is that people may be tempted to use this technique instead of using conventional toothpaste, this could actually result in damage to your teeth. Conventional toothpaste will contain fluoride which helps the teeth re-mineralise and stay hard and resistant to acid attack. Without this fluoride your teeth will be more prone to attack and you will stand a higher chance of getting tooth decay.

Is it true that the usage of coconut oil makes whiter teeth?

There is no scientific evidence that we are aware of which demonstrates that coconut all makes teeth whiter. In order to make teeth whiter the substance used needs to either:

Remove surface stains by abrasion.
Bleach the surface of the tooth.

Coconut oil does not have the ability to do either of these.

Teeth whitening with charcoal

It has been claimed that charcoal can help whiten teeth. Activated charcoal has many tiny holes in its surface, this allows it to absorb a wide range of chemicals making it highly suitable for use in filters etc. The reality is that the dental community doesn’t know enough about activated charcoal at the moment.

It’s not clear whether the activated charcoal actually absorbs chemicals and cleans teeth better making them look whiter or whether it is just because it is an abrasive substance which abrades your tooth enamel and makes it look whiter.

In either case there are a few things to look out for:

Using activated charcoal clean your teeth could wear away the teeth and damage the gums if the charcoal is abrasive.
Using activated charcoal alone to clean your teeth may mean that you are not using conventional toothpaste which contains fluoride. The result could be that your teeth are more susceptible to decay as they don’t have the re-mineralisation assistance from the fluoride.

LED Teeth whitening

Does teeth whitening with a LED work?

The LED whitening lights which are commonly available for home use may, in some circumstances very slightly increase the effectiveness of the whitening. Some dental practices also use a high-intensity LED lights for 30 minutes.

However, in our opinion the best teeth whitening treatment with fast results can be attained by home teeth whitening. This is using researched, tried and tested techniques of a custom fitted tray with a bleaching agent and a whitening tray, similar to mouth guards. You wear this tray overnight for approximately 14 nights.

This also is very effective for people with sensitive teeth. If you find your teeth get overly sensitive you can simply stop the treatment immediately. Your teeth although the cover over the course of the day.

Using home teeth whitening like this means you can control how wide your teeth go to achieve the optimum result.

On the whole we don’t recommend over-the-counter teeth whitening products such as teeth whitening strips. In order to have the adequate strength in order to whitening your teeth they will need to be provided on prescription by dentist, commonly purchased products typically don’t have a strong enough active agent to make a large difference.