Teeth Whitening by Bleaching
We offer two forms of teeth whitening procedures to suit your needs.
Power Bleaching in the Surgery
Our procedure is a “state of the art” technique using a high-powered plasma light designed to enhance the bleaching effect of the agent we use, Optident 38%, a carbamide peroxide gel. By protecting the surrounding tissues we can use this powerful bleach.
We achieve excellent results and can confidently offer this technique as being effective and good value.
Power bleaching whitens the teeth to their optimum brightness in approximately one hour. The amount of whitening varies from patient to patient and cannot be predicted exactly. In general yellow or brown teeth, teeth with staining from tea, coffee or red wine, and darkened monochromatic teeth are easier to whiten. Power bleaching achieves rapid results for a special occasion, e.g. a wedding. Best results are obtained when combined with home bleaching as well.
Home bleaching with Special Trays
With laboratory, custom-made trays which fit the patient’s mouth accurately, we supply Optident, 10% carbamide gel, to achieve whitening at home.
Far better results are obtained with our custom trays than universal trays purchased from shops. Accurately fitting trays retain the gel more effectively and reduce the diluting effect of saliva.
Home bleaching is slower but more predictable than one session surgery bleaching. Once you have the trays, the bleaching can be on-going. We supply extra gel on request.
Drawbacks to Teeth Bleaching
1. Transient tooth sensitivity may develop after treatment but this will normally resolve within 24 hours. We supply Fluoride gel to de-sensitise.
2. Temporary inflammation or white spots on your gum or lips may be caused by the whitening procedure. These can cause short-lived discomfort, which resolves within a few hours.
3. Porcelain restorations such as crowns or veneers as well as white fillings will not change colour and may need to be replaced before or after the whitening procedure.
Alternatives to Tooth Whitening
Veneers – This involves minimal shaving of tooth enamel, but can change the shape as well as the colour of your smile. These are more suitable for damaged or heavily restored teeth, or crooked teeth. They are particularly suitable for in-standing teeth, but not good for prominent teeth. We respect tooth tissue and would not remove it without compelling reasons.
Crowns – This involves the removal of more tooth tissue in some cases, but is also suitable to restore considerable tooth loss or the re-alignment of very crooked teeth.
Post-operative Responsibilities
After bleaching avoid the use of tobacco, tea, coffee and teeth staining foods such as tomato paste food colorants and deeply coloured toothpastes and mouthwashes for 48 hours after the whitening procedure.
Proper oral hygiene must be maintained including regular visits to your dentist or hygienist in order to maintain optimum whiteness of the teeth.
Keep your recall appointments with your dentist.
There are no guarantees as to the exact degree of teeth whitening, but they will be considerably lighter. The amount of teeth whitening varies with individuals and the source of the original discolouration. We will give you extra treatment if you are a difficult case.