These are the main questions I am asked everyday from the hundreds of people who visit our website each days, www.crestwhitestrips.co.uk - “How white can i get my teeth”? “Will they look fake”? “Can i get rid of brown dirty tooth stains”? What results can I expect?
The answer is simple – you should be able to get back to your natural tooth shade – whatever that was.
These are the facts…
You are born with a shade of tooth, thats it you’ve got that shade for life, unlucky or of course lucky for some unless you can afford veneers!
So what happens is that during our life our teeth discolour through a variety of reasons, this could be anything from antibiotics taken as a child, fizzy drinks (which are terrible for tooth stains), tea & coffee, red wine, curries, smoking, drugs and general diet etc. However here is the good news - in the main, by using a home teeth whitening kit you can remove these stains.
The strength and length of tooth bleaching required for each person is different, and it is up to the individual to analyse what has caused the tooth discolouration and then determine the strength and type of treatment that will be required, indeed talk to your dentist for further advice. The obvious statement here is that, the more yellow or discoloured your teeth are the stronger and longer a teeth whitening treatment you will require. I will also add at this point that ‘dull’ teeth can sometimes be more difficult to whiten and often two whitening treatments maybe required.
As you start the teeth whitening process the stains are gradually ‘bleached’ treatment by treatment, they will get slowly whiter and brighter. We would always recommend taking a before and after picture for your own personal records. You keep whitening until you reach a plateau, which in theory will be close to your natural shade, not fake.
The important thing then is to maintain that shade by regular brushing with an electric toothbrush, a whitening toothpaste and don’t forget flossing.
All tooth stains can be bleached, whitened and lightened – and the process is harmless although some people do get tooth sensitivity. This can range from a mild tingling sensation to in the worst cases severe stabbing pains and acute sensitivity. In the latter case stop use immediately and consult your dentist. The sensitivity is a temporary experience and it is not permanent. Precautions can be taken such as using a sensitive toothpaste, like Sensodyne, or using a de-sensitising gel prior to and during use. Tooth whitening will not damage your tooth enamel, it will not erode your enamel, however it will whiten your teeth.
Thats about as basic as i can explain it, if you have any concerns or you would like to discuss your personal situation in more detail then please contact me directly via email: stephen@themccannagency.co.uk. In the meantime, remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes, floss four or five times per week and of course polish and whiten your teeth on a regular basis.
Happy Whitening
Steve Douglas
