Teeth whitening treatment might appeal to different people for different reasons. what remains the same is a brighter smile always give off the right impression.

Your teeth can be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.

‘Calculus’ or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.

Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. Your dental team will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. First the dental team will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a mouth guard. The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.

The total duration of teeth whitening treatment depends on how many shade you want to go whiter by. Two to three visits is the standard but teeth whitening treatment.

During your first appointment, dental team will need to make a mouth guard and will take impressions. On your second and third visit if requited, your dentist will place a gum guard and teeth whitening product.

For lasting results, we will give you a whitening product to use with your mouth guard at home over a few weeks.

There is now laser whitening or ‘power whitening’. During this procedure, a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and the colour change can be achieved more quickly. Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.

Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. Also, it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false’ teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers. Speak to our dental team about the options that would give you the best results.  

You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.

We recommend the following tips to take care of your teeth:

• brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste

• cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks

• visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

The effects of whitening are thought to last years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dental team for their opinion before you start the treatment.

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing. If any of these side effects continue you should go to your dentist.

Teeth whitening costs will depends how white you want your teeth, the practice you visit and the region of the UK your in. During your teeth whitening consultation we will give breakdown of costs. Check out our pricelists here.

There are many home whitening kits available, including paint-on whiteners and strips.
The effectiveness of these products can be questionable or even worse have undesirable side effects. Having a dentist perform teeth whitening give you the reassurance your getting your teeth whitening done properly with expert care.
You can also ask our dental team for advice before trying to whiten your teeth at home.

There are several whitening toothpastes on the market which brighten teeth by removing staining. But keep in mind in practice teeth whitening treatment would give you better results in shorter time period.  
Whitening toothpastes may also keep your teeth whiter for longer after they have been professionally whitened.