Making a positive change
At Sandown Dental, we are a dentist in East Belfast who believes that each patient’s smile is beautiful in its own, unique way. Whilst we may feel this way, there are others who are perhaps more self-conscious or embarrassed about how their smile looks. This is far more common than you may have thought, as most people – if asked – would probably change one aspect about their smile, if they were given the chance. Nowadays, more than ever, young people and older patients are visiting our dentist in East Belfast to receive cosmetic dentistry solutions to concerns or issues that they may have with their teeth on a cosmetic, visual basis. One of the most widely requested cosmetic dental procedures with which we supply our patients here at Sandown Dental is cosmetic teeth whitening – which can have a huge and lasting positive impact on the self-confidence of patients who seek it.
What exactly is cosmetic dental whitening?
At Sandown, we approach every new patient as an individual, and understand that, for some, a visit to the dentist can be the cause of anxiety and stress. As such, everything we do, we do to the pace of each of our patients. Nothing is rushed, and we make sure that they feel included and clued-up throughout every step of the way. Cosmetic dental whitening, which is one of the most popular reasons for seeking out our dentist in East Belfast, is a process which aims to visibly brighten up the appearance of a patient’s tooth colour and cleanliness.
Why might I need whitening?
There are many reasons as to why patients may seek out dental whitening. Many do so as they are unhappy with the shade of their enamel – the outermost layer of a tooth – and wish to make them whiter. Enamel can become stained and discoloured over time as a natural by-product of age, and this can also be exacerbated through certain lifestyle factors such as smoking or chewing tobacco, or eating highly acidic foods. Drinks such as wines, and black teas or coffees can also cause some people’s enamel to stain, and may steer them towards seeking out our aid here at Sandown Dental.
What is the treatment process?
Typically, dental whitening treatment begins with a friendly, informal conversation between the patient and one of our cosmetic dentistry specialists here at Sandown Dental clinic. This helps the patient to fully understand the procedure, and the results that they can expect. This initial consultation also lets the expert whitening specialists take an impression of the patient’s unique dental shape and structure. These impressions are then used to create a retainer set which is entirely specific to the patient, and which fits perfectly over their teeth. Following this, the patient will then be given a peroxide-based whitening gel to place within the retainer. Finally, one of our friendly cosmetic dentistry specialists will detail to the patient how to properly use their home-whitening kit. If the patient then follows the instructions correctly, and takes their retainer home and wears it for roughly two hours a day for two weeks, they will gradually see the shade of their teeth brighten until they are the shade the patient desires.