Tooth Whitening
All you need to know…
Thinking Of Having Tooth Whitening?
Consultation, Exam, Bespoke trays, Starter kit of 4 gels for ONLY £295
How We Do It
Teeth Whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment and can only legally and safely be carried out in the UK by registered dental professionals who are registered with the GDC. For more information, see here.
The main side-effect of teeth whitening is sensitivity. Up to 70% of people who have teeth whitening will experience some form of sensitivity, from mild discomfort to great discomfort. This is temporary and will resolve, given a little time, after stopping or finishing your treatment.
Tooth whitening is a very safe procedure WHEN PERFORMED CORRECTLY.
Whitening can only be performed in a healthy mouth. We need to assess your mouth to ensure it is healthy before commencing. This is why we need a copy of your most recent x-rays.
Your teeth will take approximately take 2 weeks to whiten, however you may wish to whiten your teeth for longer if your desired results are not achieved within this time period.
We will supply you with approx. 2 weeks worth of bleach and bleaching trays. If your desired results are not achieved you will have to purchase additional bleach, at an additional cost to you, from the practice.
Tooth Whitening will only lighten your natural teeth – it will not lighten any existing dental work.
(There is a possibility that if you whiten your natural teeth, that you will need to replace old crowns, veneers or fillings, the cost of which is not included in the whitening)
Dental X-Rays
To be able to proceed to the stage where you can have your impressions taken, we also need to have a copy of your latest ‘BITEWING’ X-Rays.
This is so that our Dentist can safely ensure that you’re a great candidate to have it done safely.
If you have had X-Rays taken in the last 2 years, you can obtain a copy of them from the Dental practice you are registered with. This will save you the time and cost of having new ones taken.
If you haven’y had any in the last 2 years, unfortunately, you’ll need to have these taken prior to booking in with us, as this is essential. We are unable to take any X-Rays here at the present time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it damage the tooth?
Not if its done correctly. Our Dentist needs to be able to complete a full dental check up, to ensure that you have no issues with decay. Its a very safe procedure when its perfomed via a GDC registered Clinician. However, you can get burned gums and actual tooth loss if you choose to buy DIY products elsewhere. Always chat to your Dental Professional first.
Will I get sensitivity?
Sometimes, yes. This is only temporary, and everyone experiences varying degrees of it. Some don’t have any at all, whereas some people report quite severe sensitivity for a day or two afterwrads.
How long does it last?
To be perfectly honest, it varies from person to person. The effects are permanent because it bleaches a structure inside your teeth which is why most toothpastes do not work. But its all about personal preference. Some people prefer a bright white ‘Hollywood’ shade, and so bleach more often to achieve this look, and some people prefer a more naturally brighter look. The good thing about it, is it is customisable to each person.
Does it use a light, or a laser?
No. The tray system we use achieves a much more long-lasting effect than a light can.
I've got crowns and bridges and veneers, will these be affected?
No. Because the crowns/veneers have been colour-matched to your natural tooth colour before the whitening, these will not change colour.
We would always recommend having teeth whitening FIRST before having any crowns/veneers/bridges/implants so that they can be colour-matched to your new tooth shade*.
If you have whitening anyway, you may find that the crowns etc appear much darker, and they may have to be replaced.
*So long as a Dentist says its safe to do so.
How many appointments will I need?
You will need to book two appointments
Appointment one: a free consultation to have a chat about your tooth whitening goals and that you are suitable. If you’re happy then we can take the impressions at this stage and we send them to our lab who make you high quality bespoke tooth whitening trays.
Appointment two: Approx 1-2 weeks later, when your new whitening trays are back from the lab, we can then fit them and our Dentist can do your examination. Then you can start to whiten your teeth from home each evening for the next 2 weeks.
Will I need a professional clean beforehand?
We recommend having a Hygienist visit prior to starting (or topping up) your tooth whitening. This is to maximise the effects of the gel and to ensure you have as little barriers on your teeth as possible from surface staining and plaque and tarter.
How quickly will I notice a result?
Because its a gradual process, you will start to notice very subtle changes within a few days. It usually takes approx 2 weeks of using the trays every day. Some peoples teeth take longer to lighten, and therefore may need more than the starter kit to achieve the desired result. Speak to your Hygienist for more advice.
