Tooth whitening
Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. Teeth whitening cannot make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades.
First the dentist will need to check all your teeth and gums are healthy before carrying out whitening. You will need to have impressions taken of both top and bottom teeth to make your custom fit bleaching trays. You will be given another appointment in 2 weeks to fit the trays and give you the whitening gel. The dentist will demonstrate correct use and give written instructions. Photographs will be taken and review appointment booked. You will then carry out home whitening using your trays and gel for a period of 2-4 weeks.
A few common questions:
Is teeth whitening permanent?
No, teeth whitening isn’t permanent. The effect can last six months to one year. If in the future you need to have your teeth whitened again you do not need to pay the full price again. You can come to the surgery and buy a top of syringe and use your existing trays, hence maintenance of teeth whitening is not expensive.
Will teeth whitening work on restorations or false teeth?
No. Teeth whitening won’t work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
What are the risks of teeth whitening?
There is risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation if the whitening is done incorrectly. We will spend enough time to educate you well on how to carry out whitening to ensure that the risk of sensitivity or gum irritation is minimal.
