Start the New Year With a Whiter Smile

If your teeth are looking a little dull, why not consider getting a professional teeth whitening treatment? Giving your smile a little star treatment is the perfect way to get 2020 started! With new year just around the corner and you’re worried that you don’t have time to brighten your smile just in time for celebrations, check out the teeth whitening options that we offer here at Shenzhen AKJ Dental Clinic!

For extrinsic stains which are those only on the surface of the teeth which are a results of smoking, drinking, tea and consuming dark colored foods then a scale and polish will need to be done first and after the dentist will be able to see whether whitening treatment is required. For some patients who only want to remove surface stains then whitening treatment is not required but for patients who want to enhance the whiteness of their teeth then whitening treatment is required.  

For a whiter smile there is quite a few options. Depending on the situation of the teeth the following treatments can be considered:

1. Cold-light Whitening: 30 – 60 Minutes

Cold-light whitening is suitable for teeth that are slightly discolored and for teeth that are not damaged. This method uses whitening agent which is activated by light and is the quickest option for clients that are strapped for time.

2. Veneers: 7 – 14 Days

Veneers are thin shells of material fitted to the surface of your natural teeth and requires at least 2 appointments to make molds for the veneers to be made. The whole process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Veneers are suitable for clients who have damaged teeth which are discolored and not to severe.

3. Dental Crowns: 7 – 14 Days

Dental crowns are similar to veneers which cover your natural teeth, a dental crown covers your entire natural tooth so your natural tooth will have enamel removed for the dental crown to fit. This method can be completed in the same amount of time like veneers and is suitable for clients who have severely damaged teeth and discolored teeth. 

Tobacco & Tea Stains: How to Remove Them

Smoking and drinking tea both stain the teeth and over time the teeth will become yellow and if left untreated it can even turn black. So what options are available?

Why do teeth turn yellow with smoking and drinking tea?

Long-term smokers will find that their teeth are stained and often yellow and sometimes even develop black stains this is a normal symptom. Apart from drinking tea even consuming dark colored foods can also affect the color of teeth. However, there is no need to worry, in most cases the pigmentation and discoloration is only on the surface on the teeth and can be removed with a dental cleaning and dental sandblasting.

Most people know that even after the stains have been removed the teeth can only be restored to its original shade of yellow. For individuals who want to improve the overall shade of their teeth then whitening treatment is required. At Shenzhen AKJ Dental Clinic we highly recommend our cold-light whitening treatment where patients can see at least a 5 shade improvement after treatment.

How is cold-light whitening treatment done?  

Whitening agent is applied to the teeth and a LED light is used to speeds up the reaction of the whitening agent. It's a fast, easy way to whiten your teeth with the whole treatment complete in 1 hour. It’s a great option for individuals who need a quick fix.

How long does cold-light whitening results last?

Cold-light whitening results can last between 1 to 2 years but will depend on how patients look after their teeth after the treatment. For the results to last smoking, drinking tea and coffee should be avoided or should be cut back. Also limiting the amount of dark colored food consumed is also important. However, getting cold-light whitening treatment again after a 1 to 2 year period is also safe and does not harm the teeth as it’s a non-invasive procedure.