Whitening Advice
Most people would like whiter teeth to give them a beautiful smile and more confidence. Teeth whitening is a safe, effective way to whiten your teeth. Many people don't realise how teeth whitening works and how to ensure you get the best results from your treatment.
Whitening your teeth involves having custom made bleaching trays made by a dental laboratory. This trays should be a tight fit in your mouth. Bleaching gel is then applied to the inside of the bleaching trays and positioned so the gel is against the outer tooth surfaces. Many people think you need bucket loads of bleach to get the desired effect but in reality only a tiny amount of bleach is required
You should see the effects within a few days and treatment should continue for at least 2 weeks until you are happy with the results. Avoiding tea, coffee, red wine and foods such as curries that stain teeth is very important as this will reduce the effectiveness of the teeth. Before bleaching your teeth you should have your teeth cleaned to remove any staining or calculus present to ensure your teeth are clean before you start.
People worry about side effects of bleaching but if you follow your dentist's instructions correctly and have good oral hygiene, bleaching should be very comfortable and safe.
Teeth whitening is a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface.
Is the process safe?
- Yes. Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with carbamide peroxide and/or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums.
How long will my teeth stay whiter?
- The effects of whitening normally last for many years, although this will vary from person to person. Inevitably with time the teeth will start to darken again due to drinks and food (and more rapidly if you are a smoker). Most people like to maintain their whitening effect by using the gel for one or two nights every three to six months.
Is teeth whitening OK for everyone?
- Teeth whitening can only lighten the existing colour of your natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false’ teeth such as crowns, veneers or dentures. These may need replacing if they are stained or are the wrong colour. If you have white fillings, these will not change and may also need to be replaced to match your whitened teeth.
Are there any side effects?
- Some people find that their teeth become sensitive during the treatment. Just contact the surgery if you have any concerns and we will give you advice of preventing this. If you have natural white flecks in your enamel these will become more apparent during treatment but will fade following treatment.