Teeth whitening

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, and having your teeth professionally whitened is an easy way to a brighter, more pleasing smile. 

The procedure is safe, simple and affordable; in fact, it’s probably the most cost-effective and straightforward cosmetic improvement you’re ever likely to choose.

And the difference it makes can be remarkable – hardly surprising, then, that tooth whitening has become so popular in recent years.

So if you’re unhappy with the colour of your teeth, read on to learn more about the tooth whitening procedure we use, and how we will work closely with you to ensure that you come away with an enhanced yet natural-looking smile.

Why would I want my teeth whitened?

There are a number of reasons. Some people just have darker teeth to begin with, whilst for others it’s their lifestyle choices - smoking, for example, or drinking a lot of coffee, tea, cola or red wine - that have led to staining the teeth. A build-up of calculus or tartar can also affect the colour, as can the general ageing process.

Whatever the reason, a whiter, brighter smile can be created very effectively, giving a real boost to how you look, and giving extra confidence in how you feel.

What should I expect during my lightening treatment?

We take impressions of your teeth, and custom-made trays are then produced to your personal measurements. The trays are made from a very thin, clear plastic, barely visible in everyday use. A small amount of gel (carbamide peroxide) is added to the trays, which are then worn over the teeth - normally at night - for a period of 5-8 days. And the good news is that you can wear the trays to fit your own schedule.

We will monitor the improvement in tooth colour with you, and help you decide when the required level of lightening has been reached. The darker your teeth are to begin with, the longer the process may take – we will advise on the approach that will create the best results for you.

How long does the whitening last?

As a general guide, the whitening will last for 3-5 years. Some patients will want a ‘top up’ during that time - a very easy process as the trays have already been made.

Will bleaching harm my teeth or gums?

Safety studies have shown that whitening your teeth using the dentist-prescribed technique is perfectly safe, and there are very rarely any adverse side effects.

We always stress, however, that it is possible to over-lighten teeth by over-using the process – which our supervision will prevent.

Anything else I need to know?

It’s worth noting that the procedure only works on natural teeth and has no effect on any type of 'false' teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers. This does not normally affect the end result of overall lightening, but we will discuss this as part of your initial consultation, in case old veneers or crowns may need replacing in order to blend better with your newly-lightened teeth.

Because the lightening process takes place over several days, you are in control at all times and can therefore avoid your teeth becoming too light.  We keep records in the surgery of the initial shade and will work with you to monitor the colour change.

Why not use a 'do-it-yourself' kit off the internet?

'Off-the-shelf’ kits are not recommended for several reasons. Either they can contain insufficient bleaching agent (the legal non dental limit in the UK is 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide, and to be effective bleaching products need to have about 3.6%), or they employ acids which can damage your teeth and gums.

Furthermore, the custom-made trays that we create for you allow precise placement of the gel so that you get maximum benefit from the procedure. ‘DIY’ trays simply can not offer this.