If you are interested in having whiter teeth, because of staining, discolouration or you’d simply like a brighter smile, then tooth whitening may well be for you.
How long will my tooth whitening take?
This will vary dependent on the extent to which you’d like your teeth whitened. It also depends on the original colour of your teeth. Typically, you can expect to see results in one to two weeks.
What are the main steps?
During your initial visit to your dentist a mould will be taken of your teeth from which a thin bespoke plastic tray will be made. After returning for one further visit to ensure that the trays fit correctly and that you are happy with how to use them, you will then continue the treatment at home. Whitening your teeth is a simple procedure. You apply the whitening gel into the trays which you then wear, usually at night, over one to four weeks. You can also use the trays during the day if you prefer.
Will it work on my fillings?
Because of the nature of the bleaching agents used, tooth whitening will not work on any fillings (either metal or tooth coloured), veneers, dentures or crowns you may have. Depending on their appearance, you may wish to replace any discoloured fillings, crowns etc after whitening.
How long will it last?
Tooth whitening isn’t permanent. The effects can last from a few months to several years. It varies from person to person depending on your lifestyle and dietary habits. Smoking, drinking lots of tea, coffee or red wine will definitely reduce its effectiveness.
Please note that tooth whitening is defined as a dental procedure by law. As such it should only be carried out by qualified dental professionals. There are a vast array of potentially harmful unlicensed products available online and we can’t stress enough how important it is to whiten your teeth safely. At Coppice View Dental Care we ensure that only safe and licensed products are used. Correctly fitting bespoke trays give you a predictable result. Your dentist will assess whether it’s safe for your mouth, or if any problems might arise as a result of whitening. If you have sensitive teeth or gums your dentist will discuss the best ways to minimise this when whitening.
We occasionally run offers on Tooth Whitening. Keep checking our facebook and twitter sites for the latest details.
