What Is Teeth Whitening (Bleaching)?
Teeth whitening removes stains built up over the years and lightens the natural colour of the teeth using safe, controlled bleaching agents.
Overview
Teeth can change colour over the years for all sorts of reasons. Whitening makes them lighter than they are; if you are happy with your smile but not with the colour of your teeth, it is a conservative option worth considering.
In-practice and at-home whitening
In-practice whitening is carried out at the clinic by a specialist dentist and gives faster, better results than at-home solutions. For at-home whitening, an impression is taken and a clear tray made; you apply the gels you are given with that tray at home. For the best result, we recommend using both together.
Why do teeth discolour?
Knocks to a tooth, excessive fluoride intake, certain antibiotics, certain illnesses, some mouthwashes and filling materials, damage to the enamel after root canal treatment, and heavy consumption of tea, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol can all discolour teeth.
Teeth in brown and yellow tones usually respond better to whitening; those in grey tones respond less. It also varies with the individual structure of the teeth.
Why patients choose whitening
- Easier and less expensive than major aesthetic work.
- Where a scale and polish has not shifted the staining, it can lighten teeth by up to eight shades.
- Done under a dentist's supervision it does not harm the teeth; it is one of the most conservative aesthetic methods there is.
- With proper care and regular check-ups, the brightness can last up to two years.
Ready to start?
Book a consultation and we'll walk you through it, gently, and with no pressure.