Tooth Whitening
Studies show that our smile is one of the most noticed and remembered features when we meet someone new. In this era of social media and constant celebrity selfies it’s easy to understand why! Luckily, modern dentistry means that a bright and confident smile is now an accessible and affordable luxury for everyone.
With a range of easy, comfortable and convenient treatments available don’t feel the need to hide your teeth- smile confidently and give them something to remember!
Tooth whitening is a quick and safe way to refresh and transform your smile- resulting in a healthy and more youthful appearance.
Treatment is pain-free and convenient and results can be seen from the first application.
Why do our teeth discolour?
Over time, our teeth naturally start to discolour- unfortunately this is a part of the ageing process- and it happens to everyone.
There are a number of reasons for this- often it is simply down to lifestyle and the effects of consuming dark food and drink items (coffee, tea, red wine and berries) over long periods of time.
Activities such as smoking stain the teeth from white to more of a yellow or grey. Darkening of the teeth can also be caused by damage to a tooth or the long-term use of certain medications.
No matter how well you look after your teeth it is impossible to stop this colour change- because stains build on the inside, as well as on the outside, of the teeth. Therefore, no amount of brushing or scaling and polishing by the hygienist will stop it.
How can my teeth be whitened?
There are a variety of products available- some are provided in surgery, while others can be supplied as handy ‘home-use’ kits.
Chairside whitening systems are generally more powerful and will give more intense and noticeable results in a quicker time. Before treatment, your gums will be protected with a special gel or specially designed cover, bleach is then applied directly to your teeth and a UV light applied to quickly lighten the tooth colour. The process will take around one hour. Results should be instant- but may require more than one treatment depending on the shade you are aiming for.
Home whitening kits can be supplied to you for use at your convenience. In order to do this, impressions of your teeth will be taken and a special tray will be made. You will be instructed on how to use a bleaching gel in the tooth tray and will need to wear it regularly for 30-60 minutes periods over several weeks.
Is tooth whitening suitable for me?
Tooth whitening is safe and suitable for use on the majority of people. It is normally possible to remove stains from most teeth- even those that are considered dead due to root damage.
Teeth with particularly bad staining as a result of tetracycline or fluorosis may not respond to treatment- or may require several doses.
Prosthetic devices such as crowns, fillings, dentures and bridges can’t be whitened. However, they can be replaced to match your new teeth, at an additional charge.
Treatment should be pain-free although you may notice a slight increase in sensitivity of the teeth and gums which should improve once treatment is finished.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, when performed by a qualified dental health professional tooth whitening is safe. You should avoid the use of home kits which can be bought easily online. Also, you should never have your teeth whitened in beauty salons or hairdressing salons. Such treatments are unregulated and could result in long-term damage to your teeth and gums.
