Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular types of cosmetic dental treatments. Whilst there are kits you can buy and use at home we would always recommend this treatment is carried out by a qualified dentist.
The procedure most dentists use to whiten teeth is laser teeth whitening which uses a light activated bleaching gel. The results can be seen immediately following treatment which usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
Before the treatment the dentist will give your teeth a scale and polish to remove and surface stains or tartar. They will then record the shade of your teeth using either a colour chart or by taking a digital photograph. Before the whitening treatment can begin protection is placed around the gums, lips and cheeks. This ensures that only the teeth are exposed to the bleaching compound being used. Eye protection goggles are also provided to prevent any damage from the laser being used.
The whitening agent is then applied to the teeth before being exposed to lights or a laser to activate it. This process takes around 15 minutes and is done three times.
After the dentist has washed the entire whitening agent off your teeth the protection is removed from your gums, lips and cheeks and you can see how much whiter your teeth look. Results will vary from one patient to another but the teeth can appear up to ten shades lighter.
Following teeth whitening treatment your teeth may be sensitive for a while so it is best to avoid hot and cold drinks for a few hours. The sensitivity usually settles down within 48 hours but if it continues you must call your dentist immediately.
Suitability for Teeth Whitening
Patients who have gum disease or other oral health problems may not be suitable for teeth whitening but you will need to consult with your dentist prior to any dental procedure including teeth whitening.
Contact Us
To find out more about teeth whitening, contact The Smile Centre today. Call us on 0800 327 7192 to arrange a free consultation or enquire online.
