Archive for July, 2008
In “Brand New You” – July 2008
July 20th, 2008All your questions on oral beauty answered. This month, top teeth cover-ups and soothing balms.
Question: Years of smoking and red wine consumption have left teeth without any shine. I’d like to have them whitened. Would you recommend laser whitening or bleaching?
Answer: A number of foods and drinks can cause superficial staining on the teeth. Tooth whitening can be carried our “at home”, or in the “surgery”. Surgery whitening is usually carried out by application of a light and whitening gel and rarely with a “laser” (although this is available). With all types of tooth whitening there may be a gradual return to the original shade which can be prevented by having a “top-up”, in the surgery or by using a home bleaching kit for a day or two every 6 to 12 months rather than a complete 2 or 3 week course. With “over-the-counter” products you need to buy the paste from a reputable company to ensure that the pH (which is often not stated) is not too acidic.
