FAQs on Teeth Whitening in Leeds
Q What does tooth whitening do?

A Tooth whitening can be a highly effective, yet very simple way, of lightening the colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a colour change, but lightens the existing colour.

Q What does the procedure involve?

A The dentist applies a chemical barrier to the gums, which will protect them during the whitening process. The whitening solution is then applied to the teeth and the chemical is then activated using heat, or heat and light combined.
Once the whitening process is finished the barrier will be easily removed in one piece. If the tooth has been root treated, the canal, which previously contained the nerve, may be reopened and the whitening product is put in.

Q How long does the procedure take?

A The process would normally take over an hour but your dentist will advise you on your specific requirements.

Q Will I be happy with the results?

A Treatment results may vary depending on the original shade of the teeth. Teeth will tend to darken slightly over time. The effect lasts for around 1 to 3 years, although sometimes it can last longer.

Q When might whitening not work?

A Whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. For a change to specific chosen shade veneering is another option. Whitening also works on natural teeth. It will not work on any type of 'false’ teeth. This includes dentures, crowns and veneers. If dentures are stained or discoloured, it may be worth visiting the dentist and asking him or her to clean them. Stained veneers, crowns and dentures may need replacing. Again, ask your dentist.

Q How do I care for my teeth after whitening?

A Talk to your dentist about maintaining the colour of your teeth, and the products that are available for keeping the effect. Each individual’s lifestyle needs to be assessed but good oral hygiene and regular visits to the hygienist will help to maintain the effect for longer. Some people find that their teeth are sensitive for the first few days after treatment, but this wears off after a short while. Your dentist will advise you of the products you can use to counteract this.

FAQs Tray Whitening in Leeds

Q What does tooth whitening do?

A Tooth whitening can be a highly effective, yet very simple way, of lightening the colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a colour change, but lightens the existing colour.

Q What does the procedure involve?

A In a live tooth the dentist applies the whitening product using a specially made tray which fits into the mouth like a gum shield. The chemical is then activated using heat, or heat and light combined. The active ingredient in the product is normally hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

If the tooth has been root treated, the canal, which previously contained the nerve, may be reopened and the whitening product is put in.

In both cases, the procedure needs to be repeated until the right shade is reached.

Q How long does the procedure take?

A First of all you will need 2 or 3 visits to your dentist. Your dentist will need to make a mouthguard and will need to take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your dentist has started the treatment, you will have to continue the treatment at home. This will mean applying the bleach regularly over 2-4 weeks for 30 minutes to 1 hour at a time.
However, some newer products can be applied for up to 8 hours at a time, which means that a satisfactory result can be obtained in as little as 1 week.

Q Why would my teeth need to be bleached?

A Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour varies, so do our teeth. Some teeth have a yellowish tinge, some are more beige – very few are actually ‘white’. Teeth also yellow with age can become stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee and blackcurrant. Calculus (tartar) can also affect the colour of the teeth. Some people may have staining inside their teeth. This can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth, which take up the stain.
Q Will I be happy with the results?

A Treatment results may vary depending on the original shade of the teeth. Teeth will tend to darken slightly over time. The effect lasts for around 1 to 3 years, although sometimes it can last longer. Some people find that their teeth are sensitive for the first few days after treatment, but this wears off after a short while.

Q What about home kits?

A Over-the-counter kits are not recommended as they contain only a small amount of hydrogen peroxide which makes the product less effective. Some also contain mild acids, while others are abrasive. Although these products are cheaper, whitening is a complicated treatment procedure and should only be carried out by a dentist after a thorough examination and assessment of your teeth. It is very important to follow the instructions your dentist gives you, and to make sure that you go for any follow-up appointments recommended

Q When might whitening not work?

A Whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. For a change to specific chosen shade veneering is another option. Whitening also works on natural teeth. It will not work on any type of 'false’ teeth. This includes dentures, crowns and veneers. If dentures are stained or discoloured, it may be worth visiting the dentist and asking him or her to clean them. Stained veneers, crowns and dentures may need replacing. Again, ask your dentist.

Q What about whitening toothpaste?

A There are now several whitening toothpastes you can buy. Although they do not affect the natural colour of the tooth, they are effective at removing staining and therefore improving the overall appearance of the tooth. Whitening toothpaste may also help to keep up the appearance, once teeth have been professionally whitened.

FAQs About Porcelain Veneers in Leeds

Q            What is a veneer?

A            A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail.  Sometimes a natural colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain.
Q            What are the advantages of veneers?

A            Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is needed.
Q            When would I need a veneer?

A            Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth.  A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally.  A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again.  The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part.  Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.  If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

Q            What about alternatives?

A            A natural-coloured filling material can be used for minor repairs to front teeth.  This is excellent where the tooth supports the filling, but may not work so well for broken tooth corners.  There will always be a join between the tooth and the filling material.

Crowns are used for teeth that need to be strengthened – either because they have broken, have been weakened by a very large filling, or have had root canal treatment.
Q            How long will a veneer last?

A            Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can.  Your dentist will tell you how long each individual veneer should last.  Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.
Q            How are teeth prepared for a veneer?

A            Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later.  The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer  to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size.  A local anaesthetic (injection) may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, but often this is not necessary.  Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an ‘impression’.  This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer.  The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.
Q            How long will it take?

A            A veneer takes at least two visits; the first to prepare the tooth and to match the shade, and the second to fit it.  Before bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it.  Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.

Q            Will I need a temporary veneer between visits?

A            Because the preparation of the tooth is so slight you will probably not need a temporary veneer.  The tooth will look very much the same after preparation, but will feel slightly less smooth.
Q            What happens after the veneer is fitted?

A            Only minor adjustments can be made to the veneer after it is fitted.  It is usually best to wait a little while to get used to it before any changes are made.  Your dentist will probably want to check and polish it a week or so after it is fitted, and to make sure that you are happy with it.
Q            How much will it cost?

A            You can have veneers on the NHS.  However, many dentists prefer to provide cosmetic treatment privately.  It is important to discuss charges and treatment options with your dentist before starting treatment.

FAQs About White Fillings in Leeds

Q            Why should I consider white fillings?

A            Most people have fillings of one sort or another in their mouths. Nowadays fillings are not only functional, but can be natural looking as well.  Many people don’t want silver fillings that show when they laugh or smile because they are more conscious about the way they look.

Q            Can I get them on the NHS?

A            The National Health Service will not usually allow white fillings on the biting surfaces of back teeth.  However, this does not apply to the sides of back teeth or to any front teeth.

There is a slight chance that some people may be sensitive to the metals used in silver amalgam fillings.  If this sensitivity is proven, it may be best to replace the amalgam fillings with another type.  (In very exceptional cases these replacements may be available on the NHS, if a consultant decides that a patient is extremely sensitive to these materials and asks for them to be replaced.)
Q            Are they expensive?

A            Because many white fillings are only available privately, costs can vary quite a lot from dentist to dentist.  Costs usually depend on the size and type of white filling used and the time it takes to complete the treatment.  Costs may also vary from region to region.  As a guide, white fillings start from around £40 each, but your dentist will be able to give you an idea of the cost before you agree to treatment.
Q            Are they as good as silver amalgam fillings?

A            White fillings have always been considered less long lasting than
silver amalgam fillings.  But there are now new materials available with properties comparable to silver amalgam, and these are proving to be very successful.  The life expectancy of a white filling can depend greatly on where it is in your mouth and how heavily your teeth come together when you bite.  Your dentist can advise you on the life expectancy of your fillings.  However, any fillings provided on the NHS are automatically guaranteed for one year.
Q            Is it worth replacing my amalgam fillings with white ones?

A            It is usually best to change fillings only when your dentist decides that an old filling needs replacing.  If so you can ask to have it replaced in a tooth-coloured material.

Some dentists prefer not to put white fillings in back teeth, as they are not always successful.  One way around this would be to use crowns or inlays, but this can mean removing more of the tooth and can be more expensive.

Q              What are tooth-coloured fillings made of?

A              This can vary, but they are mainly made of glass particles, synthetic resin and a setting ingredient.  Your dentist should be able to give you more information about the particular material that they use.
Q             Where can I get them done?

A              Most dental practices offer white fillings as a normal part of the treatment they give you.  However, white fillings are classed as a ‘cosmetic’ treatment, and you can therefore only have them if you pay for them.

Q              Are there any alternatives to fillings?

A              Adhesive dentistry is another form of this treatment.  This involves bonding the filling to the tooth.  The dentist has to remove less of the tooth, which is obviously better.

As we have already said, there are alternatives such as crowns and inlays although they can cost a lot more.  Veneers can be used on front teeth instead of crowns or fillings.