Teeth Whitening / Bleaching (Home / Office)
Your smile is an essential and central part of your appearance.
"Whitening your smile is simple, safe and effective"
It influences your own level of self esteem, and it may be a factor in how other people assess you. Just as your hairstyle and your clothes influence people, so too does your smile.
Whitening your smile is simple, safe and effective and is a technique used by millions of people across the world every year.
With 20 years experience in teeth whitening techniques we have refined our ability to get the best result we can and can advise you how.
- Whether you simply wish to cheer up the colour of your teeth because you can,
- Or you have a special occasion coming up you wish to look your best for,
- As part of a STOP SMOKING campaign – an incentive to prevent relapse.
- Or you want to make this part of a long term self improvement programme,
The decision is yours and we will try and help you achieve your ambition.
Below we have outlined some points for you to consider before you book your appointment with us. If you have further questions we would be delighted to see you at the practice and do our best to help.
Considerations Prior to Bleaching Treatment
- You must be over 18 to give informed consent, younger patients would also experience more sensitivity and we do not advise this procedure until the recommended age
- You must have healthy gums. Gum disease is often quite straightforward to control and if required we will recommend appropriate therapy prior to whitening.
- You must have clean teeth – a hygienist visit may be recommended. This may have to be done on a separate visit.
- Existing fillings and crowns will not change colour and may need replacing. We will discuss this with you and advise you appropriately.
- If you are hoping to have new fillings and crowns, whitening must be completed first.
- The vitality and health of teeth will be assessed by your dentist before, and monitored after whitening.
- Photographs and spectrometer ( colour analysis ) before and after allow us to compare results and refer back to these at a later date.
- “Masking” of any sensitive areas - e.g. if the gums have receded, exposed root surfaces may need to be protected.
We and you want to achieve the best results possible. You must be aware that individual responses vary. However continued use of the maintenance trays can be used to enhance the result further.
Your First Visit (45 minutes)
- Assessment for suitability for bleaching technique.
- This is not a full dental examination which can be done at a later date.
- Discussion of expectations.
- X-rays may be required if there are any teeth your dentist is concerned about.
- Photographs are taken to record the smile.
- Spectrometer readings are taken to assess the colour prior to treatment.
- Dental impressions will need to be taken to make stone models of your upper and lower teeth.
- Custom made vacuum formed maintenance trays can then be made for use after your procedure.
- A hygienist appointment will be recommended if necessary.
Post Operative Instructions
1. No coloured foods or drinks for 24 hours
2. Be aware of possible sensitivity for 24 - 48 hours, analgesics can be used if required.
3. Use sensitivity gel supplied, placed in the maintenance trays to bathe the teeth initially.
Maintenance options
Teeth will age with time the same before bleaching as after. Your teeth would naturally be a darker colour when you are 30 compared to when you are 20. So to reduce the effect of time on the teeth after you have had bleaching we supply you with a maintenance tray
Use the Maintenance Trays provided.
These close fitting trays can be worn 2 hours at a time to maintain the colour change achieved.
x 3 in the first week.
x 2 in the 2nd week
x 1 per month thereafter, or as you feel necessary
For Enhanced Long Term Results
- For a greater effect more frequent use of maintenance trays, will continue to lighten the teeth as desired.
- Option of gel concentrations 8% 15% 20% can be used, subject to patient sensitivity. Alternate use of sensitivity gel can control this problem.
- Regular hygienist visits to remove any surface stains.
- Be aware that some foods and drinks, and smoking will discolour your teeth quicker.
Consider “Dentist” Intervention Options to Teeth
- The Shape of your Teeth can be altered with Composites, Veneers, and Porcelain Crowns.
- Missing teeth can be replaced with Bridges and Titanium Dental Implants
- An Improvement programme can be initiated to upgrade old amalgam fillings or compromised restorations.
Positioning and Alignment of teeth can be corrected with orthodontics. This is now more popular than ever with adult patients.