We are delighted to be able to offer whitening of natural teeth with 2 different methods.

The result from both methods is the same and the difference is the time it takes and where it is undertaken.

Tooth whitening is achieved by chemically breaking down the natural discolouration of teeth which occurs slowly with time. It does not damage the teeth and is very safe.

Home whitening of Natural teeth

This system uses small thin flexible trays that fit over the crowns only of the teeth. Impressions are taken of the teeth and custom trays made in our laboratory. The trays are filled with a small amount of the whitening agent and are worn at night whilst asleep. In some cases they are worn during the day.

They are worn normally for 5 nights, which usually gives the correct amount of whitening. Sometimes, in a very few cases, they are worn for 10 nights.

The pleasant tasting whitening gel combined with the thin small trays gives a pleasant slow way of whitening teeth.

Waiting room whitening of Natural teeth

For patients who do not want to wear custom trays at night we use a method based on the same trays as the Home Whitening System but with a more powerful whitening agent. This has to be done under the direct supervision of a Dentist. The trays are filled with the Whitening Gel and you sit in the waiting room with a good book for an hour. After an hour the gel is changed and you return to the waiting room for another hour, Two one hour sessions is normally enough to whiten teeth but occasionally we continue for a third hour.

In most cases the whitening loses about 25% of the colour change in 18-24 months and patients like to have the whitening touched up.

This is done in both methods, and takes much less time as only a little colour change has to be achieved. Usually 2 or 3 nights with the Home Whitening and an hour with the Waiting Room Whitening is all that is required.

The fees for touching up Whitening are much less as the trays are already made and the time is far less.

What if my teeth are sensitive?

Your teeth may become sensitive during the whitening process. This does happen with a few people, is not a problem and normally disappears within a day or two. If your teeth become sensitive use some of the Sensodyne toothpaste in your pack to clean your teeth before and after the trays. If the sensitivity continues, do call us.

When should I wear my trays?

The proven way to whiten you teeth is to wear your trays while you are asleep. However, you can increase the whitening by wearing the trays during the daytime, for a minimum of one hour at a time. The darker your teeth, the longer it will take to whiten them so don't give up hope if after a few days you can see very little difference. It normally takes up to 14 days to get the whitening we need but sometimes we have to go on for longer or use some higher strength material in the surgery.

How will my teeth feel after whitening?

The teeth normally feel very clean after the trays are removed and the condition of the gums can often improve. The whitening technique was first invented for its gum healing properties.

How long will it last?

Normally the whitening effect can last for up to two years. If you drink lots of coffee, tea, red wine or cola drinks the effects will be reduced and you may need to top up. We can give you some more whitening compound later on.

They are not as white as I thought!

Sometimes, very rarely, teeth do not whiten at all. If this happens and you are wearing the trays as recommended, it may be that we need to increase the strength of the whitening compound. We may even recommend some "Power bleaching" which we can perform at the practice while you wait in the waiting room. If there is a problem, do discuss it with us.

Is this technique safe?

Extensive studies have shown that this technique is perfectly safe and kind to the teeth, gums and all the soft tissues in the mouth. Using the kit is equivalent to drinking one can of fizzy drink. It has a neutral balanced pH that does not damage the delicate tissues in your mouth.

The fees are the same for Home whitening and Waiting room whitening.

If you would like more details please ask Jacky or Christina, or Dr Webster or Dr Endicott when you see them.