Why Consider Teeth Whitening?
Having clean and white teeth looks good, feels good and improves self-confidence giving you freedom to smile more often.
Teeth naturally discolour over time. The enamel on your teeth contain small pores which slowly absorb what we put in our mouth. Drinking red wine, coffee, tea and smoking can lead to a discolouring of teeth.
Do Whitening Toothpastes Work?
Toothpastes and mouth rinses are limited and only remove stains on the surface enamel of your teeth (known as extrinsic stains). This is usually due to the abrasive nature of whitening toothpastes, prolonged use can cause sensitivity and erode health enamel. To remove stains within cracks of your enamel and underneath teeth (intrinsic stains) requires more sophisticated teeth whitening agents.
What About Over-The-Counter Products?
Many non-dental professionals provide whitening alternatives, however, only a dentist can provide a professional and safe environment to whiten your teeth with clinically tested products. Professional teeth whitening products prescribed by dentists can lighten your teeth by up to 10 shades.
Your Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatment
We prescribe a take-home teeth whitening treatment not available over the counter. This uses personalised, reusable bleaching trays (both upper and lower teeth) and includes whitening gel which is applied at home.
First appointment
Bleaching tray measurement
We will measure you for your bleaching trays during your first appointment. This involves taking an impression of your teeth. You then return to the clinic to pick up the trays and whitening gel.
Second appointment
Application of bleaching gel
The bleaching trays and gel are applied at home using our easy to follow instructions. Usually this involves two 30-minute sessions per day. Some of the lower concentrated gel can be used overnight.
The great thing about this treatment is that the trays can be reused again, so when you need to complete another treatment, only the gel needs to be purchased.
Does Teeth Whitening Cause Any Sensitivity Or Pain?
Teeth whitening can make teeth more sensitive during the whitening process however this generally subsides once the treatment ends.