Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete color change, but it may lighten the existing shade.

What is a filling?

A dental filling repairs the damage caused by tooth decay or fracture. It restores the natural appearance of a decayed or previously filled tooth. Dental fillings today are tooth-coloured, which blend very well to tooth enamel and are able to bond to the remaining tooth structure.

Types of fillings?

bullet Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are the most popular fillings today. They are natural-looking and made from composite resin. Composite fillings begin soft and they are hand-shaped during the filling process. A blue light is then used to cure the composite to harden it. Composite fillings are very durable and bond well to tooth enamel.

Fissure Seals

Sometimes our molar teeth have deep pits and fissures making it hard for the bristles of our toothbrush to clean, resulting in a breeding ground for bacteria to cause decay or cavities. Fissure seals are dental sealants used to fill the pits and fissures to act as a barrier against plaque, bacteria, and food particles.

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings, or more commonly known as silver fillings, were the most popular fillings many years ago. However they have fallen out of favour in recent years. Amalgam fillings are a mix of metal alloys, can contain traces of mercury and are dark in colour, which has been viewed unfavourably. Many people tend to replace these silver fillings with tooth-coloured filling.

Why would I need my teeth whitened?

     There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin color vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discolored as we get older.
     Your teeth can also be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.
      ‘Calculus' or tartar can also affect the color of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains any treatment.

How long will my teeth stay whiter?

      The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dental team for their opinion before you start the treatment.