Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades.

Over time a number of lifestyle and dietary factors take their toll on the colour of teeth, causing them to yellow and stain. Teeth whitening can remove these stains, increase teeth brightness and restore their natural colour. The goal is to produce a natural bright smile by making the teeth a few shades lighter. There are a number of methods to whiten teeth, including chemical whitening, abrasive teeth brightening and the latest laser techniques. Treatment can be administered either in the dental surgery or at home with products provided by your dentist. Whitening the teeth is a simple and relatively non-invasive procedure that can provide a substantial cosmetic Dentistry.

If you have your teeth whitened you’ll first need to make 2 to 3 visits to the dental surgery.
The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and tell you how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using your mouthguard at home, you regularly apply the gel for a specified period of time over a few weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours at a time, which can shorten the treatment period.
Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than at-home kits. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the whitening process.

Some home kits don’t contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn’t doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal.

Don’t be afraid to ask simple questions about the types of whitening treatment available, what results you can expect and how long they are likely to last.
You may also want to ask them whether there are any risks involved – for example, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth.
Try to talk to other people who’ve had the same treatment or visit another dentist for a second opinion until you feel confident. Always ask for a written treatment plan and price estimate before going ahead.

Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person.
The whitening effect won’t last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth.

Teeth whitening doesn’t work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.