Teeth Whitening: Are You a Good Candidate? Find Out Now

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Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can enhance your smile and boost your confidence. However, not everyone may be a good candidate for this treatment. This guide will help you determine if you’re a suitable candidate, outline what to consider before starting treatment, and explain how whitening can fit into a broader cosmetic treatment plan.

At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we specialise in cosmetic dentistry, including professional whitening. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques to provide safe and effective results, ensuring you achieve the brightest smile possible.

Assessing if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening treatments at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Find out if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening

Understanding Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth bleaching involves using special agents to lighten the color of your teeth. There are various methods available, including in-office procedures and at-home kits. Each option has its benefits and considerations, and it’s essential to understand these before deciding which method is best for you.

In-Office Whitening

Choosing an in-office whitening treatment can provide you with several advantages:

  • Professional Supervision: Performed by dental professionals ensuring safety and effectiveness.
  • Stronger Agents: Utilises stronger bleaching agents for quicker, more noticeable results.
  • Immediate Results: Significant improvement in a single visit.

At-Home Whitening Kits

At-home whitening kits offer convenience and affordability. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Convenience: Can be done at home at your convenience.
  • Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than in-office treatments.
  • Gradual Results: Achieve whitening over a period of weeks.

Key Factors to Determine Candidacy 

Several factors influence whether you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. Here’s what you need to consider before starting treatment.

  • Dental Health: Healthy gums and teeth are essential, as candidates should have no active cavities or gum disease.
  • Types of Discolouration: Extrinsic stains respond well to whitening, while intrinsic stains may require more intensive treatment.

Integrating Teeth Whitening into Your Cosmetic Plan

If you’re considering other cosmetic dental treatments, plan your whitening accordingly. Whitening should be done first to ensure any subsequent treatments match your new shade.

  • Cosmetic Bonding and Veneers: Match shades with any new dental work.
  • Orthodontic Treatments: Consider whitening after removing braces or aligners.

Teeth Whitening Techniques at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, we use a technique Dr. Huson discovered in London’s Harley Street district. This consists of a two-stage “laser” procedure, commonly called “Deep Bleaching.”

  • Initial Consultation: Impressions of your teeth are taken, and a cleaning is advised.
  • Bleaching Trays: Fitted trays with UK-imported gels worn for 14 nights.
  • Laser Whitening: The final step to ensure lasting brightness.

We have been using this technique for over 15 years with great success, often resulting in teeth that are 4-5 shades whiter.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is an effective way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. However, it’s essential to determine if you’re a good candidate and to choose the right treatment plan tailored to your needs. At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process and ensure you achieve the best possible results.

If you’re considering teeth whitening and want to learn more about your options, contact us today for a professional consultation. Let us help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you desire.

FAQs About Teeth Whitening Eligibility

Q: Can anyone get their teeth whitened?
A: Most people can, but it’s essential to consult with a dentist to ensure you’re a suitable candidate.

Q: How long does teeth whitening last?
A: Results can last from several months to a few years, depending on your oral care habits.

Q: Is teeth whitening safe for sensitive teeth?
A: It can be, but it’s important to use products designed for sensitive teeth or consult a dentist for professional advice.

Q: Can teeth whitening remove all types of stains?
A: It’s most effective on extrinsic stains; intrinsic stains may require additional treatments.

Q: How often can I whiten my teeth?
A: It’s recommended to wait at least six months between whitening treatments to avoid damage to your teeth and gums.

Digital VS Traditional Impressions

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In the 21st century with so many new advancements in dental technology, we can truly say that digitally taken impressions have made the biggest difference for many dentists and dental practices. This gives patients a more relaxed and less time consuming treatment at the dentist.

 

The traditional approach

For many patients having dental impressions done can be very unpleasant. Patients with a strong gag reflex struggle with the entire procedure. There’s nothing worse than those three to six painful minutes waiting for the “alginate rubber material” (gooey substances) to set. For many decades traditional impressions were needed for crowns, bridges, veneers, bleaching trays, and not forgetting night guards.traditional impression

Digital impressions using an IOS scanner

Digital impressions are taken with an intraoral scanner (IOS) using optical light technology as its source to scan the soft and hard tissue within the mouth.  The IOS scanner digitally captures clear and highly accurate impressions within seconds. With a digital scanner, patients will not feel uncomfortable and have a gagging reflex or throw up when impressions are being taken.

digital impressions

Benefits of digital impressions

  • Digital impressions avoid the discomfort these traditional impression materials can cause patients, such has gagging or even throwing up.
  • No more awful taste left in your mouth after having impressions taken.
  • Patients save time in chair with their dentist as they do not need to wait for the alginate substance to take form or set.
  • While scanning we can immediately find errors or missed areas.
  • Digital impressions can be stored electronically which contributes to our recordkeeping and the POPI act.
  • Much more accurate than conventional impressions
  • Easy to send to dentists (Specialists around the world)
  • Forms part of a fully digitally integrated dental clinic such as Silver Oaks Dental
  • Integrates fully and immediately into the DSD protocol.

Dental loans by MediFin

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In South Africa, many individuals cannot afford private healthcare treatments. Be it a lifesaving operation that is needed or a long-awaited cosmetic procedure, private healthcare is not affordable for everyone.

Paying for healthcare is not easy, especially to low or average-income households. The good news is that Medifin offers medical finance options to patients who require financial aid. Some patients are not able to pay for their treatment due to financial constraints and/or medical aid not covering some of their required and desired cosmetic treatments. MediFin finance offers affordable loans with easy repayment options that are suitable for you as an individual.

How do I apply?

  • Patients will be required to attend an initial consult with a dentist that is accredited to MediFin. This consult will have to be paid by the patient to the dental practice.
  • The dentist will provide you with a quotation for your treatment plan.
  • You, as the patient, are required to submit your quote to Medi fin online https://medifin.co.za/apply-now/ or call them on 086 100 0808 for further assistance.
  • The patient will have to wait for the approval of your loan. Once your application has been accepted by MediFin, they will make payment directly to your dentist within 24 hours.
  • Once payment has been made; your dentists’ dental team will contact you to set up your appointments.

What treatments are covered:

Requirements:

  • A Copy of Your ID
  • Proof of Income
  • 3 Months Bank Statement
  • Proof of Residence
  • A Treatment Quotation from Your Dentist

contact us on 031 202 6584 | silveroaksdentalclinic@gmail.com to book you consult with us and we can assist you with getting MediFin finance to assist with your dental treatment payment.

Is it safe to whiten your teeth at the beauty salon?

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The Dangers Of Teeth Whitening At A Beauty Salon

In recent years, beauty salons have been offering teeth whitening in the form of cosmetic dental treatments. However, there are many reasons why you should NOT have teeth whitening done at a beauty establishment. They often show little regard for the laws surrounding the procedure, and therefore often neglect to offer patients a safe and effective service.

  1. It is illegal to whiten your teeth unless it is performed by a registered dental practitioner.
  2. Because beauty salons aren‘t subject to the same regulatory oversight that dentist‘s offices are, it’s difficult to ensure their treatments are sanitary and safe.
  3. In the event that dental bleaching agents leak onto your gums and into your mouth, this could result in severe burns, blistering, and sensitivity.

The Professional Opinion

There’s no way that our practice endorses teeth whitening outside of a dental office. Providing teeth whitening treatments without a dental professional is illegal. A teeth whitening procedure performed by someone who is not qualified can cause serious damage to your mouth and gums. Here are three reasons you should only be treated by a dentist for teeth whitening.

  1. Often, hydrogen peroxide is used to whiten teeth. For this substance to be safe for oral consumption, it must be controlled and monitored. Dentists are well trained in adjusting hydrogen peroxide levels to meet your whitening needs. The levels can be adjusted safely without causing any damage to your gums or teeth.
  2. In dental practices, whitening treatments are guaranteed to be safe, effective, and FDA-approved. There are thorough licensing and inspection procedures in the dental industry. Each country has its own dental regulatory board, ours is SADA.
  3.   You can benefit from the experience and expertise of a dentist. Their expertise in examining, understanding, and diagnosing the structure of the mouth provides them with the ability to detect issues, diseases, and infections immediately. Your dentist will be able to advise you on whether teeth whitening is right for you.
  4.   Dental professionals only use dental-grade products (bleach or whitener). To ensure their quality and effectiveness, these products need to be stored according to strict safety protocols. This is done to maintain their potency and their safety. This is why using counterfeit or non-FAD-approved products could result in greater damage to your teeth. Dental-grade whitening products will not be available to non-dental professionals.

Here at Silver Oaks Dental, we use only the best, tried, and tested! POLAR day and night whitening system. Our chairside whitening treatment can go up to 9 shades whiter. This treatment includes a 14-night home kit and laser chair session. For more information about teeth whitening solutions, or to schedule your appointment with us call us on 031 202 6584 or contact@silveroaksdentalclinic.co.za

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

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Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Is Teeth Whitening Good?

Many people would like their teeth whitened but are afraid of the side effects. So the question we ask is teeth whitening safe? Does teeth bleaching damage enamel?

The results are guaranteed if done by a qualified dentist. According to the American Dental Association, the bleaching ingredient carbamide peroxide is approved according to American standards and is both safe and effective. It won’t damage the enamel of your teeth neither is it cancer causing.

Keep in mind that there are minor side effects. This all depends on the concentration of carbamide peroxide used. If used at 15% at home every night for 14 nights then you should have very little irritation and sensitivity. The in office bleaching on the chair with a laser will cause a little more sensitivity and irritation as a dentist uses higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide which is at 35%. That is why our treatment is a 14-day treatment at 15% carbamide peroxide followed by 35% carbamide peroxide in office bleach.

Teeth Whitening

A common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. That is why we use 15% so that you will get less sensitivity. We find that rubbing some Colgate pro-sensitive or Sensodyne pro-repair on the teeth will help the sensitivity and also if you take a pain killer. This sensitivity usually doesn’t last very long and should subside in one or two day’s time. Another wise thing to ask your dentist if you have very sensitive teeth to give you a high concentration of fluoride several days before starting the teeth bleaching.

The best place to whiten your teeth is at a dentist’s. It is both safe and effective and you can go up to 9 shades whiter. It is the most effective treatment as compared to any other dental treatment. It is not good to get your teeth whitened at spas, cruise ships, and salons. It is only safe at a dentist’s office due to the dentist conducting an exam before or prescribing a teeth whitening treatment. A dentist will make sure there are no broken or decayed teeth.

There are patients that get worried if the teeth whitening bleach will affect their dental amalgam or silver fillings. We have chosen to discontinue dental amalgam and silver fillings as we offer the latest technology. The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) assures that it is not a real health issue. Not only is dental amalgam benign in its mercury content, but the bleach will not destroy other dental restorations like crowns and implants. It will also not have any effect on white colour fillings; it might slightly whiten the fillings.

There are many blogs and natural ways to whiten teeth online but through research, you should know that putting strawberry, coconut or lemon paste on your teeth will damage the enamel in the long term. Fruit acid wears away the top enamel making your teeth look whiter underneath in the short term. When enamel is worn away by acid, teeth begin to look worn, old, and discolored.

Call us now to book a dental implant appointment.

3 Quick Ways to Improve Your Smile

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This article offers 3 quick ways to improve your smile permanently. Cosmetic dentistry can correct your smile quickly and permanently.

If you want to reduce the gaps between your teeth or replace your missing teeth then read on more.

Dental Implants replace missing teeth 

3 Quick Ways to Improve Your Smile 2

 

Dental Implants are the closest you can get to healthy teeth. They replace missing teeth permanently.

Dental implants act as a natural tooth (root being the implant) the tooth being the crown. In addition,you can laugh, smile, eat, chew and talk again.  Dental implants act like artificial tooth roots.

When dental implants are placed in your jawbone they bond with your natural bone. They are the strongest devices to replace missing teeth. They allow these teeth to feel, look and function like your natural teeth.

Implants are highly recommended by many dental associations as they keep the bone in your jaw healthy. Dental implants are one of the 3 quick ways to improve your smile.

Dental Veneers improve the appearance of your teeth

3 Quick Ways to Improve Your Smile

Veneers are thin covers placed over your teeth. They integrate naturally with your real teeth and therefore are a popular choice as dental veneers improve the appearance of your teeth.

If you have the following problems with your teeth then dental veneers might be an option:

  1. teeth that are stained and can’t be whitened by bleaching.
  2. chipped or worn teeth.
  3. crooked or misshapen teeth.
  4. uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth.

You can straighten and whiten your teeth quickly with veneers. It is quicker than having braces. It is also a more cost effective option.

Dental veneers are either made from porcelain or composite resin. Your dentist is the best person to decide on the material that will work for you.

Each type of veneer has its own benefits. For example, Porcelain veneers are strong and long lasting. They are more natural looking, and they do not stain easily. Composite veneers cost less. They are not as natural looking as porcelain veneers. Dental veneers are one of the 3 quick ways to improve your smile.

Teeth Whitening improves first impressions 

teeth whitening improves first impressions

Teeth whitening is the most basic cosmetic procedure that almost everyone is doing today.

It is quick and easy and provides a more hygienic, precise look. Teeth whitening is usually done if you have badly stained teeth.

Stains could be caused for several reasons such as antibiotic use or eating teeth staining foods such as red wine, curry etc. A dental cleaning must be carried out first in order to remove debris, plaque etc and then the dental cleaning allows the teeth to take and adhere to your natural teeth.

Your teeth can be whitened up to 8 or 9 shades by a dentist because he is the only person who can do a safe and effective job when it comes to teeth whitening.

 

Top 3 Oral Hygiene Tips This Valentine’s Day

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These top 3 oral hygiene tips this valentine’s day will make you kiss ready. You always want to make sure that you look your best for Valentines Day.

A person can look great and have a fantastic personality but if that person has bad breath or an unhygienic appearance with regards to their teeth this could be preventing them from finding a spouse or allowing them for their date to say yes to a second date all together.

top 3 oral hygiene tips this valentines day 3

 

Top tips for date night include the following:

  1. Start by brushing your teeth before you leave the house. Brush thoroughly including your tongue as it harbours the most number of germs. Use a tongue scraper if need be. Floss your teeth and use a mouth rinse.
  2.  Visit your dentist to fix any broken chipped, decayed or missing teeth weeks before valentines or any date night for that matter. You can also whiten your teeth giving it a more clean and youthful appearance.
  3. On date night remember that eating certain foods can cause bad breath such as garlic, onions and other spices. Remember to think twice what you eat during date night especially if you want to leave a positive impression with your date. Snack on apples and other healthy fruit and veggies and eat food containing mint and parsley which help bad breath and probiotic foods.

Other date night tips

  • Use an oxygenated mouthwash
  • Avoid eating alot of candy. Keep it moderate.
  • Stay hydrated
  • Chew on fresh mint leaves or parsley
  • Remember to keep cow’s milk (if you not lactose intolerant) a part of your nutrition diet intake in order to keep your teeth white.
  • Have some red in your outfit – makes a women more attractive.
  • Make sure you groom yourself well. Which includes washed hair and some light makeup to accentuate your features as a women.
  • Gift ideas for a man include a Cologne or great electric shaver. For women a day at the spa is a real treat.

We have given you tips for Valentine’s Day but honestly these teeth tips can be used as part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Your teeth and gums depend on being consistent and brushing and flossing twice a day and going for regular cleanings to your dentist. Also fixing any problems with your teeth. Straighter teeth harbour less bacteria keeping your teeth clean and lasting you a lifetime.

Call us now to learn more to get your teeth cleaned by a oral hygienist

5 Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Quickly

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This article discusses 5 ways to whiten your teeth backed up by science so that you do not damage your teeth. There are several misleading articles written by people who are not professional dentists.

There are many non professionals who have NOT spent years studying and understanding the science behind whitening a person’s smile. Several articles about oil pulling, turmeric, baking powder and apple cider vinegar are false and misleading. They can erode your enamel which will damage your teeth in the long term.

By following the 5 ways to whiten and brighten your teeth you will not only save time but it will also save you money in the long term. Below we discuss the 5 ways to whiten your teeth quickly.

*Do Not Eat Teeth Staining Foods

The first tip to maintain a healthy white smile is to not eat food that stains your teeth such as curry, red wine, coffee/tea and cigarettes. Prevention is better than cure.

*Brush, Mouth Rinse and Floss Your Teeth Twice A Day

We are all about preventive dentistry. Maintaining a healthy smile in the long term is extremely important as it can save you a lot of time and money. Brush and floss daily and visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning. Mouth rinsing is also very important to do daily. Use a non-alcoholic mouthwash such as Colgate or Listerine’s non- alcoholic mouthwash.

*Eat Foods That Are Good For Your Teeth

Milk, yoghurt and cheese can help you maintain a healthy smile due to the calcium and vitamin D properties. It is important to eat such dairy. Chat to your dentist should you be lactose intolerant and he can advise further.

You know what they say an apple a day keeps the dentist away. Apples are like a toothbrush, chewing and biting into an apple can reduce cavity causing bacteria and increase saliva flow. Apples can gently remove plaque trapped between teeth. This is one of the most important of the 5 ways to whiten your teeth quickly.

*Use Carbamide Peroxide ( A Whitening Agent)

Carbamide is both safe and effective to use rather than hydrogen peroxide. It lessens teeth sensitivity and is safe and will not erode your enamel. Speak to your dentist about designing a teeth whitening package that will achieve a bright smile for you. Whitening agent’s if used under the supervision of the dentist will not only brighten your smile but drastically improve your confidence and quality of life.

*Visit Your Dentist Twice Yearly

The dentist is your teeth’s best friend. I mean that literally!!! Getting your teeth checked and cleaned twice yearly can make your teeth brighter. Any concerns can be addressed before decay sets in. You will end up spending a lot more if your teeth are not maintained.

Lastly, it is wise to note that most of us are not born with perfect teeth. There are many modern cosmetic dental procedures in 2021 that can enhance and brighten your smile. This is the quickest way to whiten your teeth quickly.

Chat to your dentist and he might be able to straighten your teeth quickly without braces or replace missing teeth permanently with dental implants.

Below is a recent patient that underwent a cosmetic dental procedure to whiten and brighten her smile.

5 ways to whiten your teeth quickly

Tuscany approached Silver Oaks Dental Clinic after researching for several months over the internet on smile makeover options. She decided to get a smile makeover to improve her confidence as she spoke face to face with many customers on a daily basis.

Dr Huson’s solution for her teeth included a combination of our famous teeth whitening treatment, crown lengthening and dental veneers.

In order to show a more prominent smile Tuscany had crown lengthening done. Teeth whitening and dental veneers removed her stained teeth and brightened up her beautiful smile.

Tuscany was extremely happy with the outcome. Her treatment gave her a more trendy, youthful appearance similar to celebrities like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. We are so grateful to have been a part of her journey and feel honoured to be helping people change their lives and improve their quality of life.

Dental veneers start from R12 605

Call us now or click here to learn more about teeth whitening procedures

Overseas Dental Packages

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Wear your winning smile with confidence

Overseas Dental Packages are much cheaper than dental packages in countries such as the US, Europe and Australia. You are able to go on safari and get your dental treatment done simultaneously if you choose South Africa as a destination.

Cosmetic dental packages are no longer thought of as an indulgence but something that’s almost a necessity.

Science has shown that when you can’t be all smiles, this severely impedes your confidence. It inhibits your ability to socialise – whether at work or at home – and can affect your very sense of well-being and belonging. Need to whiten your stained teeth, fill your gaps with implants or fix those chipped edges with veneers but worried about the cost?

Not only do we have a range of payment options that may suit your pocket and mitigate against forking out a one-off outlay, medical financing is also available. Many of our local patients go this route to cover the medical aid shortfall.

If you’re an overseas client though, our leading practice is ideal – we offer cutting-edge, money-back guaranteed overseas dental packages. Get the latest in global dentistry and dental technology at the hands of an incredibly experienced team at a fraction of the cost. The rand-dollar and rand-pound exchange is likely to put you in a position to afford treatment, even if you’d never considered going overseas for top dental treatments as an option before. Why continue to suffer in silence? Speak to us about our popular overseas dental packages.

World Renowned Expert 

overseas dental packages

We pride ourselves on being a leading destination of choice for overseas dental packages. To this end, we use only the safest, best practice world-leading technology and procedures at our practice. Our leading dental surgeons have successfully performed hundreds of implants, veneer and teeth-whitening procedures.

Principal dentist Dr Roy Richard Huson earned his advanced dental stripes in a practice in Cambridge in the UK in 1996, after having graduated with a Bachelor’s in Dental Science from the University of Stellenbosch, a top-rated South African University. His academic endeavours didn’t end there though – subsequently he has gone on to attain post-graduate qualifications in specialised cosmetic dentistry in London. This is part of the reason we can say with confidence that our Silver Oaks practice represents one of the top overseas dental packages money can buy in terms of expertise, convenience and experience.

By 2008, thanks to the high regard for this work in Cambridge, Dr  Roy Richard Huson was invited to join one of the top cosmetic dental practices in the Harley Street area of London. It is this same practice which was home to popular BBC programme 10 Years Younger. Dr Roy Richard Huson returned to South Africa in 2010, where he now leads local innovation at his Silver Oaks practice.

We’re proud that our Silver Oaks practice is one of the few locally to offer advanced technological techniques such as digital dental imagery. Book your overseas dental packages knowing that we can show you the results of an elective treatment without so much as having to touch your mouth and gums, for added peace of mind. We are able to digitally scan in and project to you how your mouth, smile and jawline would look post-procedure.

Other advanced digital technologies used in our practice include CAD-CAM, a CEREC 3D laser scanner and an MXCL milling unit to create same-day smiles and crowns. Doctor Richard Huson  are members of various local and international dental councils, bodies, advisory boards and organisations.

Veneers Overseas

Overseas dental packages 6These are artificial ‘teeth’ which we make to resemble each patient’s natural teeth. If you’re looking for overseas dental packages for veneers, please consult us. Veneers are a realistic looking and marvelous solution for chipped, cracked, crooked or damage teeth, or if you’re looking to close a gap between your teeth. We’ve done hundreds of these procedures. A dental adhesive is used to apply the new layer of tooth to the front and back of your original teeth.

Inlays and Onlays Overseas

Inlays and Onlays are another dental procedure to consider when exploring overseas dental packages. These are a great alternative to fillings. Inlays, or inner ‘fillings’, are used when there is enough of the teeth cusp intact. If not, onlays are applied to the entire external surface of the tooth. Together, inlays and onlays prevent your teeth from any further damage. They are applied using an advanced dental ‘glue’.

Composite bonding Overseas

If you’re looking for overseas dental packages, this is one of the least expensive aesthetic procedures you can have done to your teeth to help with discolouration or damage. The decay and discolouration is removed from your teeth and in its place we fit the bonding, which resembles tooth enamel. We’ll then sculpt it into place and use light technology to whiten this new ‘enamel’.

Dental implants Overseas

overseas dental packages 7We have literally done hundreds of successful tooth implants, so if you’re looking for overseas dental packages that include implants, you needn’t look any further, or be concerned. Much like hair implants, tooth implants replace gaps in your mouth with new ‘real’ teeth.

We do this by first putting a structure in place in the jaw which will function as the ‘root’ to anchor your new ‘tooth’. Almost all patients find that not only do implants function better than dentures, they also restore confidence to a much higher degree.

Teeth whitening Overseas

Tooth bleaching is one of the less invasive aesthetic dentistry procedures, but the impact can be huge. Don’t overlook this procedure when booking your overseas dental packages. As always at our clinic we use only the finest in safe and tested first-rate procedures and technology to make sure our valued patients leave all smiles! For your safety and for best results, we recommend coming in for teeth cleaning before embarking on teeth whitening. This ensures greater accuracy during the whitening procedure, and helps to procure a longer lasting effect.

Call us now or click here to learn more about our dental implant packages.

Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked

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In this blog we are going to be debunking certain myths that surround teeth whitening.  This discussion will save you a lot of money and prevent your teeth from getting damaged.

teeth whitening debunked

Misinformation About Teeth Whitening

I cannot tell you how much of misinformation there is on the web especially on Youtube with tutorials teaching you ‘how to whiten your teeth’ ‘naturally’ or at home recipes using baking soda, coconut oil or strawberries. There are also a lot of scams out there.

These are strongly discouraged by a dentist as this will erode your teeth in the long term and damage your gum tissue. A lot of patients have come running to our offices with eroded teeth and gums that are damaged due to these so called ‘natural procedures’.

Other Teeth Whitening Myths Debunked

• It is recommended that you whiten your teeth if you are 20 years or older. We don’t recommend teeth whitening for younger individuals as their enamel is still forming.

•The most effective teeth whitening procedure is getting it professionally done by a dentist. It is also the safest procedure. At home teeth whitening kits or alternatives such as baking soda, swishing your mouth in coconut oil, brushing with crushed strawberries are dangerous for your teeth and leads to erosion of your enamel. These methods can also damage your gums.

• Whilst teeth whitening toothpaste and whitening gum has some whitening chemicals in them they are far too weak to have an effect in the long term.

•Do NOT mouth rinse with hydrogen peroxide. This is extremely dangerous and can cause free radicals. The same radicals that age tissue.

•The strongest whitening gel is NOT the most effective method. If you whiten your teeth in one session you will increase the sensitivity and experience severe pain in your teeth. That is why we use lower doses of carbamide over a longer period of time. It is the most effective in the long term as it keeps your teeth white.

To main a healthy, brighter, clean smile in the long term it is important to get your teeth cleaned by an oral hygienist every 6 months.

Avoid Foods That Discolour Your Teeth

Even after whitening your teeth it is best to avoid foods that discolour your teeth such as curry, red wine and coffee. The best method is to drink cool drinks and other stain enhancing foods via a straw

Fillings, crowns and veneers cannot be whitened. Only your natural teeth can.

Once whitened, teeth will not stay white forever. The colour change is permanent but the aging process still continues that is why touch up’s are needed in order to maintain white teeth. That is another reason we use the custom tray method. It is the most effective method in the long term and the most affordable method.

You will not need to repeat the entire procedure again which will cost you more money in the long term. You just need the top up gels.

Medical aid will not pay for any teeth whitening procedure. It is seen as a cosmetic procedure. 

Whitening Your Teeth Is Associated with Good Oral Hygiene

Many people are looking to whiten their teeth as white teeth is associated with good oral hygiene and research has shown that straight, white teeth can make you look years younger. Bright, white teeth are no longer only for Hollywood celebrities. It is now affordable for the average population.

They say first impressions last and whitening your teeth increases your confidence and can make you look amazing on your wedding day, increase your business sales and can even get you your dream job.

teeth whitening myths debunked

Teeth Whitening Procedures At Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

Professional Teeth whitening is a process to lighten the colour of your teeth from yellow or grey to a whiter and brighter shade. There are two types of teeth whitening procedures at our offices – Tray based teeth whitening and LED/Laser teeth whitening. We use a combination of tray and laser based in order to safely and effectively whiten your teeth.

You can lighten your teeth up to 9 shades whiter with our teeth whitening system called Polar Night.

Call us now or click here to learn more about our teeth whitening procedure.

 

Cost of teeth Whitening in Durban

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The cost of teeth whitening at our offices in Durban are both cost effective and of the highest quality. Your teeth will be whitened properly.

cost of teeth whitening durban

A Good Oral Hygiene Procedure Is Important

Brushing, flossing and mouth rinsing is extremely important when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene. Even if you follow that regime consistently you will find with age that you teeth start to discolour and become more yellow. This could also be due to cigarette smoking, drinking wine, eating a lot of curry or eating/drinking other teeth staining foods.

By now if you have decided to whiten your teeth you would have researched online and discovered that dental bleaching at a dentist office is the safest and most effective option. The cost of teeth whitening at our offices are very reasonable when compared to other home teeth whitening kits. The teeth whitening treatment is usually 100% more effective than home whitening kits and much more safer.

You can whiten your teeth on average up to 9 shades lighter with our teeth whitening system. The results are much faster than any other home teeth whitening kits. Unlike at home teeth whitening kits, professional dental teeth whitening procedures are carefully monitored and contain a higher concentration of carbamide. We use stronger bleaching agents that are more effective and safe at our offices.

Teeth Whitening Is Safer at a Dentist Office

Unlike other professional teeth whitening procedures we use lower doses of carbamide over a longer period of time (14 days) followed by a 1 hour laser session. This helps to decrease the tooth sensitivity and so that you have a painless treatment. Another huge advantage of using our teeth whitening system is that you never have to repeat the entire system.

Most dentist office teeth whitening systems cost a fortune as you will need to repeat the entire process. With our system we already created a mouth guard to fit your teeth. You will only need to buy the teeth whitening gel which costs R135 each and you need up to two or three after the teeth bleaching process is completed 6 – 12 months later. This all depends on how much of teeth staining foods you eat.

Cost of Teeth Whitening at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic

The cost for teeth whitening at Silver Oaks Dental Clinic in Durban is R5 300. This includes the 14-day treatment followed by a 30 minute laser session. It is much cheaper than any other system on the market and of the highest quality.

We offer the highest quality in dentistry. Dr Richard Huson has over 20 years of experience in the UK and worked under celebrity dentist Dr Joe Oliver in the Harley Street Region of London (where celebrities get their dental treatments). You are guaranteed work of the highest quality . All our products meet European Standards.

Call us now or click here to learn more about our teeth whitening procedure.

Is Teeth Whitening Bad For Your Teeth?

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Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is only good for your teeth if it is done by a dentist.

Almost universally, teeth will get darker with age. For most older people, their teeth will turn kind of a brownish yellow—not necessarily from smoking, from coffee, or wine. Our hair turns white, and our teeth turn yellow. I wish it were the other way around. Other teeth turn out to be grayish. There’s a whole spectrum of what is normal.

Is teeth whitening bad for you

Whatever the cause, are over-the-counter teeth whitening products effective?

There are two types of discoloration: intrinsic, the one that develops with time and is the natural color. Then there’s extrinsic color due to deposits on the teeth from smoking or coffee or other materials or due to medication taken by the patient—or by the mother when the patient was in utero. We also have patients who just don’t take good care of their teeth.

Bleach will not work with a stain from major deposits caused because a patient has not brushed their teeth. If we’re not taking care of our teeth, we’re not going to get a very effective whitening from any type of product. The teeth have to be in a healthy condition; if a patient hasn’t been to the dentist for a while and if there are any cavities or decay going on and the whitening material gets within that cavity, it can cause excruciating pain

So we have to start with teeth, gums, a patient who is healthy. Then, over-the-counter whitening agents can work effectively. But because it’s not dentist-monitored, many of them don’t do anything. For instance, a mouthwash containing a whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide probably is not going to be very effective. There are some products that use a light that we flash on our teeth to accelerate whitening. Even the whitening lights that we use in the dental office are no more effective than other ways of whitening teeth.

If you want white teeth, dentists have tried-and-true methods. Some allow us just to paint on a whitening solution to sit on the teeth a half hour, 45 minutes in the dental office. Totally different from the material you buy in the drugstore. It’s highly concentrated; the gums actually have to be protected from this material. These teeth whitening systems are NOT bad for your teeth as they are closing monitored by a qualified dentist or oral hygienist.

Are there any over-the-counter teeth whitening products that you would recommend?

Crest Whitestrips work. There are trays which are purchased in the pharmacy, put into water and heated, and placed into the mouth to mold the tray to the patient’s mouth. Then whitening agent is put in. Those work. I said mouthwashes wouldn’t whiten your teeth, but if you’re going to be rinsing six to nine times a day and holding it in your mouth for a couple of minutes, and you’re going to do this for two or three months, we’d probably see a whitening occur. Look at the label—they’ll have some type of peroxide.

But there is no guidance by a dentist to monitor all this. Are the gums becoming irritated? Is the patient overdoing it? Are there cavities that are going to get sensitive because of this material? Will the teeth become as white as what is done in the dental office? Probably not as rapidly. It might take two or three months with over-the-counter products, whereas when we use products that can only be purchased in a dental office, those are going to work within three or four days to a week or so.

Does dental insurance cover teeth whitening?

Mostly not. That’s a cosmetic procedure.

How often should a person whiten his or her teeth?

I can speak to the products we use in the office: when we whiten, usually it will last about two years. I generally recommend patients touch up that bleaching every time they have a cleaning on a six-month basis.
The recommended procedure, and least expensive, is a home bleaching procedure. This is the best teeth whitening system for you. The dentist takes an impression of the patient’s mouth and from that impression makes a whitening tray. It fits in the patient’s mouth like a mouth guard. Whitening material can be placed inside in a gel form. Some people wear them overnight, while they’re sleeping; other patients wear them during the day because they’re virtually invisible. This is meant to be worn for an hour or two, once a day.

I think any over-the-counter product can be harmful, because it can be easily misused or overused. As a matter of fact, whitening materials in the dental office, over a prolonged period of time, could probably do harm. We don’t know for certain. We have had patients come in who had a burn mark on their gums because they’ve overdone it. This is all reversible harm, but we’ve had patients for whom we have gone through the home bleaching, they did the right thing, and they called a day or two later in excruciating pain. They were sensitive to the material. They could still bleach; we had to adjust the concentration and how the tray was fitted to their mouth.

If you want to whiten, you should consult your dentist first.

Whitening in general can have problems. It’s very rare. But this is what dentist-monitored whitening is about, to make sure that you’re doing it effectively.

Click here to learn more about our teeth whitening procedure.

Dentist in Kloof

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Just 20 minutes away from Kloof lies a world class dental office. The Silver Oaks Dental Clinic truly offers the best in dentistry today, along with outstanding patient service. This option for a dentist in Kloof offers everything from basic dental fillings to advanced cosmetic dentistry options such as Dental Implants and Veneers. The following details are what you can expect from the Silver Oaks as an option for a dentist in Kloof. Dr Richard Huson spent over 20 years in the Harley Street Region of London and has become the go to dentist when it comes to dental implants and dental veneers. He has placed in excess 500 implants and 1000 veneers all with excellent results. Click here to view our smile gallery

General Dentistry

Choosing Silver Oaks for your choice as a dentist in Kloof will provide you access to the highest quality in dentistry using only the best materials that are of European standards. You won’t have any reworking on your teeth in the long term. Furthermore, we endeavour to make our patient’s experience as seamless, comfortable and painless as possible. To do this, we offer a choice of anesthetic options from nitrous oxide happy gas to conscious sedation or full-out general anesthesia. We will discuss during your consult, which option would best suit you.

Cosmetic Dentistry – changing the look of your teeth

If you have generally healthy teeth and just need to perfect your teeth and improve your confidence then our option for a dentist in Kloof is just the right fit for you. Payment plans can be arranged for various cosmetic dentistry treatments. It must be noted that cosmetic improvements to the teeth are not covered by dental plans. The most basic lift you can do for your smile would be to whiten your teeth. This gives the added bonus of youth and good hygiene. Our approach to teeth whitening is a blend of at home bleaching with an in office laser treatment. During the treatment, patients will be given custom fit trays which can be used later on to maintain this newly found brightness.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are another way to change up the look of your teeth. It allows you to straighten and whiten your teeth in one go. Unlike braces that take over 2 years. Veneers can straighten and whiten your teeth in just 2 or 3 appointments over a two week period. Essentially, veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the front of your tooth. They improve the appearance because they can be shaped and coloured to give the desired outcome. With dental veneers, gaps and discoloured teeth among other issues can be instantly solved. Porcelain veneers do not stain, so with regard to discoloured teeth, the colouring will remain for its lifespan. It takes just 2 visits to the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Kloof to fit the veneers, with a follow up visit for a check-up. Click here to learn more about veneers

Clear Aligners & Adult Orthodontics

The first solution for fixing problematic teeth at our dentist in Kloof would be the Inman Aligner braces. They are clear when worn and removable so that you can attend that important event or meeting without anything on your teeth.  They are used for cases where teeth are not overly in need of orthodontic intervention. The Inman Aligner/Clear Aligner is patented and has a case history of straightening teeth between 10 to 16 weeks depending on the severity of the case. The second solution for fixing problematic teeth from the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Kloof are dental crowns.

Now whereas veneers are placed over the front of the tooth, crowns are placed around the tooth. Dental Crowns are turned to when a patient has lost much of their tooth. This could be due to decay or trauma. The role of the dental crown is to fill up this space and give structure back to the tooth. They do add an aesthetic improvement but they do serve a functional value as well. Dental crowns are milled in-office at Silver Oaks. This means that you could leave with your newly fitted crown in a single visit. Overseas visitors taking advantage of the affordable dental rates at our practice are well suited to our one-day cosmetic dentistry services. The third solution does not relate to problematic teeth but when there is no tooth or teeth at all. If you have lost one or all teeth, then all hope is not lost.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are your saviour at the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Kloof. Dr Richard Huson is a specialist when it comes to Implantology. Besides his medical degree from the University of Stellenbosch, he has a certificate in Implantology from the University of Cambridge. Dental implants give you back a permanent tooth, negating the need for ill-fitting dentures, but also serves to keep your facial features intact. The earlier they are fitted once the loss of teeth has occurred results in lesser loss of bone since the implant helps with the jaw bone not shrinking further. Dental implants are the most extreme dental treatment one can have done. Not everybody will qualify and our dentist will have to do a thorough evaluation to ensure that you meet the criteria. If the go ahead has been given, then your treatment plan and quote will be laid out to you. Implants take the course of several months to complete. A damaged tooth may have to be removed and the area healed before the implant can be inserted. The dental implant is surgically inserted into the jaw bone. It takes a couple of months for the implant to become a firm fixture in the bone. Since the implant is well into the bone, an abutment (which is just an extender piece to the implant), will then be attached. The replacement ‘tooth’ is then attached to the abutment. The replacement is simply a dental crown that is manufactured according to detailed instructions at our clinic. It is a long process to get implants but much of the time is for healing. As with all cosmetic dental procedures, but more especially with the permanence of this treatment, you must ensure to choose a dentist with the relevant training and experience for the best possible outcome which is what you should expect to receive at the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Kloof.

Click here to view more details about dental implants

Protecting your teeth

Using the Silver Oaks option for dentists in Kloof allows you access to getting Max mouth guards. We sponsor the South African Rugby team and the Sharks Rugby team with Mouth Guards. Mouthguards are essential in any contact sport to protect your teeth along with lessening facial trauma. Unfortunately, this is only achieved with a guard that has a proper fit over the teeth. This is what the Max mouth guard serves to do. Silver Oaks is one of the few dentists that offer fitting for the Max mouthguard. The design allows for a custom fit and layers of protection with virtually no interference to your breathing or speech.

Dentist in Hillcrest

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Silver Oaks Dental Clinic offers the highest quality in dentistry with the latest technology in order to perfect your smile.

We are based in Musgrave, Durban, with offerings of general and well as cosmetic dentistry. We are a 20 minute drive from Hillcrest. The Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Hillcrest serves to cater to the entire family. Let’s take a further look at the services provided by Silver Oaks as an option for a dentist in Hillcrest.

General Dentistry Information – all of the materials used at our practice are sourced and imported according to the highest quality and meet European standards.

Dr Richard Huson has over 20 years of experience and worked in the UK in the Harley Street Region of London. He currently lives in Hillcrest. Our dentist in Hillcrest is always on par with the latest advancements in dental technology.
We have many options for nervous patients and patients who want a pain free, relaxing procedure. This includes Nitrous Oxide Sedation (happy gas), Intravenous Sedation, or General Anaesthetic. We use the “Wand” (pain-free injections) and have a host of other techniques which will make your experience as pleasant as possible. We are not contracted to medical aid but we do give you a code so that you can claim back from your medical aid.dental veneers pros and cons

Digital Dentistry – has revolutionized dentistry and in particular, the cosmetic side. Digital x-rays are offered at Silver Oaks, with the benefit of much less radiation exposure than from traditional x-ray machines. Digital dentistry also encompasses cosmetic imaging which allows our dentist to show you the various outcomes of our services before it can be performed on you. You can have a say on which you like best and the course of action can then be plotted.

Dental Implants – permanent loss of teeth is no longer something that can only be fixed with those nasty dentures. They are not very comfortable to wear and only worsen with time as the jaw bone shrinks due to lack of support. Dental implants provide permanent relief from this along with a host of other issues. Essentially, they are little pieces of titanium screws that are surgically inserted into the jaw bone. This can be done under conscious sedation or general anaesthesia. Majority of people are candidates for implants but if a case such as weak bone density presents itself, then implants are not an option. Our option for a dentist in Hillcrest, will fully assess the situation during a consult and let you know of a treatment plan should you qualify. At this juncture, we should note that dental implants are the longest and most expensive dentistry procedure. It takes over 3 months for the implant to become bonded into the bone. Once this has happened, the dentist will attach an abutment device to it. This is what the dental crown will then be attached to, and voila, you have a brand new tooth.

Dental Veneers – as far as dental treatments go for cosmetic options, veneers are among the more conservative. It is not too hectic of a process to have them fitted, not much tooth structure is removed and they are cheaper than many other options. These super thin pieces of porcelain material can do wonders once they are placed on the tooth. The shape, size and colour of a tooth can be changed with a veneer. Problems such as stained, crooked or gapped teeth can therefore be fixed with veneers at the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Hillcrest.

Dental Crowns – are used to fix up a tooth that has lost much of its structure. Cases in which they help include decay which has made its way deep into a tooth. In such an instance when removal of the decayed portion leaves a huge deduction of tooth material, crowns serves to bring back this lost structure. At the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Hillcrest we are able to do this restoration within a day. Our onsite laboratory allows us to work closely to ensure that measurements are precise and perfectly in line with our design. With dental crowns as well as veneers, the dentist needs to be an artist of sorts. You want that perfect smile but it also needs to look natural and complement the rest of your facial features. It is a pretty bold move putting all this into the hands of a dentist. At the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Hillcrest, in addition to having a professional who has worked at the famed Harley Street in London, there is also the security of liaising with him and having input in the design of your dental crown through digital imaging. This is software that allows the dentist to show you the various outcomes of what crowns or even veneers can achieve for your smile. This will then be relayed into your treatment plan.

Teeth Whitening – Teeth whitening is the most basic cosmetic improvement one can do for their smile. In addition to looking physically pleasant, they also bring the advantage of looking younger (since teeth do discolour as one ages) and having good hygiene. Teeth whitening is achieved over 3 visits to the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Hillcrest. These include a combination of bleaching trays to use at home and a laser at the clinic. The combination is done for the ongoing maintenance of the attained colour for a longer time.

Clear  Aligners and Orthodontics – for the milder cases of teeth straightening, the Silver Oaks option for a dentist in Hillcrest, offers the Inman Aligner. Straighter teeth is just 10 to 14 weeks away with this patented teeth straightening system. The length of time would depend on each patient’s circumstance. The course has proven very effective and safe within the short span of time in which it takes to work, offering great value for money. It is not a permanent attachment and can be removed if need be.

Mouthguards – are a service provided by your friendly Silver Oaks dentist in Hillcrest option. Custom made guards from the Max brand are available here. They are custom fitted so they fit perfectly over the teeth and offer better protection all while allowing for speech and breathing.Oral Hygienist in Durban