Tooth whitening
The most common tooth whitening method is home bleaching .
What treatment will I need?
Before you start your whitening treatment, we recommend a dental examination, a thorough cleaning and a set of dental x-rays to check for leaky fillings, sensitive teeth, or other problems that could cause irritation.
The first step in the whitening procedure is to make a dental tray that fits the contours of your teeth. This should be ready for you to use within a few days.
When the tray is ready, the rest is down to you. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly. Then place the gel in the tooth compartments and fit the tray to your teeth. Be careful not to overload the tray and wipe off any excess with a wet finger. For best results, wear the tray overnight for 5 to 10 nights .
After 10-14 days we'll arrange a review appointment to see how well the treatment has worked.
Does it hurt?
Some tooth sensitivity is common so it's useful to have some sensitive formula mouthwash and toothpaste to hand while you're bleaching your teeth. If you experience severe discomfort or sensitivity stop using the bleach immediately and contact the practice.
How long will it last?
Bleaching your teeth is permanent and a minor touch up every year or two should keep your teeth white and bright. Repeating the treatment is easy and inexpensive - you only need to buy the bleach.
Is home bleaching the right treatment for me?
Bleaching isn't the only option available if you want to whiten and brighten your smile. The alternatives include porcelain veneers or bonding.
Advantages:
- More comfortable
- Less expensive
- Nothing artificial is bonded or attached to your teeth
- Your smile becomes permanently lighter
- The procedure usually whitens quite noticeably
- You can continue to whiten as much as you like by simply purchasing gel refills
Disadvantages:
- More difficult to predict the end results
- Results depend on your own efforts
- Not suitable for tetracycline-stained teeth
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