Teeth Whitening.

Tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface.

There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Very few people have brilliant white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.

Your teeth can also 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 tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.

How teeth whitening works

Teeth whitening or bleaching is the process of whitening the teeth. Before a whitening treatment we will examine your teeth and gums and advise you if you are able to carry out a whitening process.

We offer options ranging from our custom-made take-home kits to in-practice procedures.

Take-home teeth whitening

For take-home whitening treatment you will need to book a teeth whitening appointment with us. We will fit you with a custom-made tray. Your whitening kit will contain two new custom-made trays, syringes of whitening gel and easy-to-follow instructions.

At home, you apply a small amount of gel inside each tray, placed on your teeth.

After your whitening session, remove and rinse your trays, and then brush your teeth. Repeat this over the next week or two until you achieve the level of whitening you desire. 

In-practice teeth whitening

In-practice teeth whitening done in the dental chair. It's the fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth. In-practice whitening is the best option if you want almost 'instant' results.

The dentist or hygienist will first apply a protective gel to your lips and gums, followed by the application of the whitening gel to the teeth. The gel (which contains hydrogen peroxide) is then activated by a special LED light. The process varies in length, depending on the depth of the stain and the goal level of whiteness. The upside is that there is usually only one treatment required. Deep staining may require additional treatments.

You need to see a dentist or hygienist for a pre-whitening consultation to check your suitability for the whitening treatment. During the consultation your dentist or hygienist will examine you and may identify any treatment that needs to be done before going ahead with whitening treatment. Any treatment required is chargeable to you.

How many teeth whitening sessions do you need?

Appointments

  • Usually 1 to 2 appointments

  • At the first consultation visit the dentist will check if teeth whitening is suitable for you. If it is suitable the whitening may be done in the same appointment

  • If you're getting a take-home whitening kit you will be fitted with a custom-made tray

How long it takes

  • The teeth whitening consultation will usually take around 10 to 15 minutes

  • Treatment will usually only take around 45 to 90 minutes.

Is teeth whitening painful?

Teeth whitening treatments don't usually cause pain, but if you have sensitive teeth, you may feel discomfort when bleaching agents are applied to their surface. Your dentist can discuss options to reduce this discomfort, or they may recommend an alternative treatment.

Teeth whitening costs

The price of teeth whitening will depend on whether you get in-practice whitening or a take-home whitening kit.