What can tooth whitening do for me?
It is highly effective, yet simple method to lighten the colour of your natural teeth, it can also help remove staining. It does not change the colour of artificial dental work such as fillings, crowns, veneers, bridgework, implants etc … and won’t remove calcified deposits (tartar).

 

What does the procedure involve?
Usually two visits to your dentist, then continue the treatment at home.

  • Firstly, you will need to visit your dentist to ensure your mouth is healthy and suitable for this treatment.
  • If so, moulds will be taken of your teeth to fabricate custom made whitening trays that fit your mouth similar to a sports gum shield, but a lot thinner, more discrete and comfortable.
  • Upon collecting your whitening trays, you will be given a demonstration on how to use them and have an opportunity to ask any questions.
  • You then continue the treatment regularly at home according to your individual instructions.
  • Whitening gel (containing a bleaching agent) is squirted inside the tooth indents within the tray and inserted in your mouth.
  • This is typically worn between 30 minutes to an hour each day, for usually 1 to 2 weeks, but your dentist will advise on the best protocol for you.

 

Does tooth whitening harm my teeth or gums?

No. Safety studies have shown that whitening teeth using the dentist prescribed home technique is perfectly safe. It has been stated that more damage occurs by drinking a single can of fizzy soda!

 

However, there are two main short term side effects that often occur:

  • Tooth sensitivity/Tingling – This is to be expected during your treatment, but an over-the-counter pain killer often helps settle the symptoms. Alternatively, you could use a desensitizing toothpaste immediately after you’ve used the whitening gel. If the sensitivity is too bad, then stop whitening and call your dentist.
  • Gum irritation – The whitening gel can occasionally irritate the gum leaving white marks upon them. These marks may be a bit sore but are totally harmless and usually disappear in 7-lO days after you’ve finished using the whitening gels causing no long term damage. In fact, tooth whitening was discovered while similar gels were being used to treat diseases of the gum. If you have any concerns, then contact your dentist.

 

Will I be happy with the result?
We hope so, but it is important to stress that not every patient responds the same. We hope the final result meets your expectations, but unfortunately it is unpredictable. Most people get a positive result, but a small minority don’t notice much difference. It is important to note that each tooth is not of a uniform colour, so the area closer to the gum will often be the darkest part of the tooth and take longer to lighten than the biting edge.

 

Will I need to whiten my teeth again?
Teeth naturally darken as we get older. This will vary from person to person and is less likely to last as long if you smoke or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth, such as tea and coffee. Some people reuse their whitening trays using freshly bought gels when they feel their teeth have dulled.

 

Is there any other options to make my teeth whiter?

  • Whitening toothpastes – They do not affect the natural colour of your teeth but can be effective at removing stains.
  • Professional stain removal – You could visit your dental practice for stain removal, but this, like whitening toothpastes won’t affect the natural colour of your teeth, and only remove the surface stains.
  • Artificial coverings – You could place coverings over your teeth, such as ceramic or plastic veneers. With this procedure you can often pick the colour you want, and at the same time, improve the shape and give the illusion that your teeth are straight. However, this is a much more complex procedure than whitening, so if this interests you then ask your dentist for more details.

 

Directions for use:

 

 

Advice

  • Brush your teeth as normal before using your whitening
  • Wear your whitening trays for 1.5 hours each day
  • Once finished whitening, remove trays brush your teeth again to ensure there is no whitening gel left on teeth or in mouth
  • Wash your whitening trays under cold water to remove any whitening gel
  • Do not overfill your custom tray. It has been designed to fit snugly against your teeth and if too much gel is put into your tray, it may be pushed out and increase the chances of gum irritation.
  • Some patients experience sensitivity while bleaching. If this happens bleaching should be stopped for a day or two and then be recommenced. Using a sensitive toothpaste will also help. We recommend Colgate Sensitive Instant Relief Multi Protection, this has fluoride in which helps remineralise any vulnerable areas in your mouth from sugars and acids in diet. This is also fine to use when whitening.

Eating and Drinking

  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while wearing your trays
  • It is normal to see dark colours in the tray where you have metal fillings
  • Avoid deep coloured food and drink during treatment, your teeth are more prone to stains while you are whitening them. Examples of food to avoid are tea, coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces…

Suitability for treatment

Your dentist will advise if you are suitable for dental whitening. In addition to oral health, No adverse reactions have been known, the long-term facts are uncertain, we advise not to whiten teeth if you are pregnant or lactating mother.

Storing your gels

Store your gels between 15 and 25 (degree centigrade) in the fridge. Storage temperature above 25 degrees centigrade will result in a reduced shelf life. Keep gels away from young children.

First aid

  • When whitening your teeth, it should not burn/ sting, if it does remove your whitening trays immediately and clean mouth of gel and call practice for further advice
  • If gel gets in eyes; hold eyelids apart and flush the eye continuously with cool running water for at least 15 minutes, then consult a medical doctor.
  • If gel contacts skin or hair; Flush the area continuously with cool running water for at least 15 minutes, then consult a medical doctor.
  • If gel is swallowed; You may swallow some small quantities of gel during the treatment, but if by accident large quantities of gel is swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek advice from a doctor.
  • If you seek medical advice, then take the syringe for them to know its active ingredient.

And most importantly

If you have any questions or concerns before, during or after whitening, then simply call us on 0191 2596506.