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An effective and pain –free way to dramatically brighten
your smile.
Vital
night-guard bleaching is a simple effective method of bleaching
your teeth in order to enhance your smile. Compared with other techniques
for cosmetic improvement of your teeth it is inexpensive and does
little damage to the tooth structure.**
The
technique is largely pain-free although some patients experience
an increase in sensitivity of their teeth during the treatment.
The sensetivity fades away when the treatment is complete.
The
night-guards used for the treatment are made by the dentist and
are similar to a sports gum shield. These are worn during the night
while sleeping with the bleaching gel placed inside so that it works
for about six to eight hours in every twenty four.
Can all teeth be bleached?
All
natural teeth can be bleached but tooth coloured fillings, crowns,
veneers, bridges and dentures do not change colour during the process.
If you have some fillings or a crown which is the same colour as
the teeth at the start, you will need to consider changing them
at the end of the treatment. This additional work will require an
additional fee to be paid.
Teeth
which are dark because of the effects of childhood antibiotics (particularly
oxytetracycline) will take longer to lighten and in some cases the
effect may only be minimal.
What
teeth respond best to the treatment?
Teeth
with experience – the natural darkening of teeth that occurs
with age responds very well to this treatment. Teeth darkened because
of tea, coffee and red wine drinking in addition to those darkened
by the use of vegetable fats in stir frying.
How
long does it take?
Sufficient
tooth whitening is normally achieved in 14 nights of use and occasionally
less.
Is
it safe?
The
gel – 10% carbamide peroxide - is completely neutralised when
it comes into contact with saliva and is therefore no problem if
swallowed.
Are
Instant in-surgery bleaching systems not better?
Apparently
not; the amount of change of colour of teeth using in-surgery “instant”
systems is usually not as great and certainly not as stable as that
achieved by the night-guard system. One manufacturer accepts the
need to perform the treatment again in about six months and most
have a back-up system using the night-guard system anyway. These
systems are more costly to undertake and hence more expensive for
the patient, about double, in fact.
How
long does the effect last?
Research
shows that about two thirds of patients are still satisfied with
the improvement after eighteen months and about half after two years.
The process can be repeated at any time and as long as there have
been no dramatic changes to the mouth your night guards should still
fit and you will simply need to purchase more gel from your dentist.
How
much does it cost?
£320
for upper and lower night guards with sufficient gel for two weeks.
The fee includes the initial consultation and final assessment.
The fee for one arch (upper or lower) is £180.
How
can I get this treatment?
You
can contact the practice for an initial consultation with Nick O’Hare
to assess you suitability for the treatment. Impressions can than
be taken so that the nightguards can be made. You will benefit from
a visit with our hygienist so that any surface staining can be removed
prior to the bleaching process. (Additional fee payable)
**
The amount of erosion to the surface of treated teeth over the period
of one course of treatment (14 nights) is the approximate equivalent
of that caused by drinking one can of Coca-Cola.
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