Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening

Thinking of whitening your teeth to brighten your smile? Here is some information to help you make an informed decision 

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. Teeth whitening can’t make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades. There are two types of teeth whitening. Home whitening, where you whiten the teeth at home with custom made bleaching tray and gel. In office whitening, where your teeth are whitened in the surgery by the dentist. Our most popular package is in office with at home whitening.

Who can perform teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be performed by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist.

Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there’s no dental professional present, and it may put your oral health at risk. 

What happens during teeth whitening at the dentist?

First the dentist will need to check all your teeth and gums are healthy before carrying out whitening. 

If you opt for home whitening, you will need to have impressions taken of both top and bottom teeth to make your custom fit bleaching trays. You will be given another appointment in 2 weeks to fit the trays and give you the whitening gel. The dentist will demonstrate correct use and give written instructions. Photographs will be taken and review appointment booked. You will then carry out home whitening using your trays and gel for a period of 2-4 weeks.

In office whitening is carried out in the surgery by the dentist. It often involves applying a stronger bleach to the teeth several times which can be activated by a light or laser. This provides you with an instant whiter smile. In office whitening takes about an hour.

For best results, we recommended combining in office and at home whitening.

Can any dentist whiten teeth?

Yes, all registered dentists can provide tooth whitening. Dentist at Shades Group have had post graduate training in the field of whitening and many years of experience to ensure you get the best results. There have been many cases where whitening has been carried out by an unqualified person and this has left patient with severe problems that needed further treatment. 

Is teeth whitening permanent?

No, teeth whitening isn’t permanent. The effect can last up to six months to one year. If in the future you need to have your teeth whitened again you do not need to pay the full price again. You can come to the surgery and buy a top of syringe and use your existing trays, hence maintenance of teeth whitening is not expensive. 

Will teeth whitening work on false teeth?

No. Teeth whitening won’t work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

There is risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation if the whitening is done incorrectly. We will spend enough time to educate you well on how to carry out whitening to ensure that the risk of sensitivity or gum irritation is minimal. Call us and speak to our friendly receptionist if you like to have more information. 

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