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Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a safe procedure that gradually lightens the colour of your natural teeth. An assessment appointment, usually 15 minutes, is necessary to check whether you are suitable for the treatment and the results you can expect.
If you have crowns, veneers or visible fillings they will not whiten with your natural teeth. We have used the ZOOM whitening systems for 20 years and it is the only system that we feel provides the best and most consistent results.
The degree of whitening depends on the initial colour of the teeth which can vary from yellow to grey. The more grey the teeth are, the longer they will take to whiten. Your dentist can advise on the best treatment choice for you.
We offer two options for teeth whitening. Both systems can achieve the same overall results, they differ in the time it takes to get the end result.
Before
After
In-Surgery Whitening
This option provides a more immediate result and is delivered in surgery under the care and supervision of your dentist or hygienist.
Treatment takes around 2 hours and requires the use of an LED light technique along with a whitening gel and PH booster.
The At-Home whitening is also included in the price of the surgery whitening. Moulds of your teeth will be taken during this appointment to make your whitening trays. This means you can top up your whitening at home and maintain your desired shade. Additional tubes of whitening gel can be purchased at the practice.
Before
After
At-Home Whitening
Moulds of your teeth will be taken during this appointment to make your whitening trays. Once the tray is ready, your dentist will provide you with the whitening gel and important advice on how to use it. Your teeth may achieve the desired colour within a couple of days, but it may take up to three weeks.
Off-the-shelf home whitening kits are not advisable as the trays are not custom made to exactly fit. This can allow the bleaching gel to come into contact with your gums and may cause irritation. There have also been reports that the bleaching gels in such kits may not achieve the desired results.
Both teeth whitening treatments are only suitable for healthy teeth and gums, so your dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine your mouth before treatment begins.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Will the solution damage my teeth
A. No. Whitening solutions now incorporate potassium nitrate and fluoride which help rebuild tooth enamel during whitening.
Q. Will I get sensitive teeth?
A. Temporary sensitivity can occur but this is relatively uncommon now because whitening solutions have improved. Teeth usually settle within two days. Fruit acids and diet drinks increase sensitivity and should be avoided during the treatment.
Q. How long does the effect last?
A. the whitening effect is not usually permanent and overtime your teeth will gradually fade back to their original shade if you do not use the whitening trays and gel provided to keep the shade maintained. We recommend using top-up solutions every 3-4 months for 2 days.