Teeth Whitening

We offer Dental Care, not just dental treatments.

What is Tooth Whitening?

An effective way of lightening the natural color of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. Does not completely change the color of tooth, but it may lighten the existing shade.

Why would I need my Teeth Whitened?

• Few people have brilliant-white teeth.
• Teeth can also become more discolored as we get older.
• Teeth get stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant.
• Smoking stains the teeth.
• ‘Calculus’ or tartar can also affect the color of your teeth

What does Tooth Whitening involve?

Your dentist can bleach your teeth at his or her office, or you can do it yourself with a kit your dentist gives you or with a kit you buy over the counter (OTC). Professional Bleaching (Whitening) is the most usual method of tooth whitening. Your dental team will suggest if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. First the dental team will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a mouth guard.

The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth color is made lighter.

How long does this take?

In-home whitening can usually be done within three to four weeks. Your dental team will take an impression to make mouth guard like trays at the first appointment. Then you will need to continue the treatment at home. You will apply the whitening product over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes to one hour at a time.

In-office Whitening

This procedure will be done by your dental team in the dental office. During this procedure a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and the color change can be achieved more quickly. This procedure usually may take from 30 minutes to one hour. Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.

How long will my teeth stay whiter?

The effects of whitening may last up to three years. 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.

What are the side effects?

Some patients may feel slight sensitivity in teeth to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are generally temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing. If any of these side effects continue please see your dental team.

How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?

• Reduce quantity of food and drinks that can stain teeth.
• Stop smoking if you smoke.
• Brush your teeth two times a day
• Reduce consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
• Visit your dental team regularly.