Tooth Whitening

Most dental practices offer two types of whitening:

Both procedures are based on a bleaching process that uses a peroxide-based bleaching gel of varying strength (3%-30% peroxide). The higher the concentration of peroxide in the gel, the more powerful it is. While a higher concentration gel is more effective at whitening the teeth, it also has greater potential to cause side effects such as sensitivity and damage to the surrounding gum tissue and your lips.

Laser tooth whitening or in-surgery whitening is a procedure that takes place at the dental practice and uses a light-activated bleaching gel to whiten your teeth. The procedure usually takes approximately 1 -2 hours and produces instant whitening results. Many dentists recommend that laser whitening should be followed up by professional home whitening./p>

To make a professional home whitening kit, your dentist will take a impression (mould) of your teeth. Your dentist’s technician will then use this to cast a model of your teeth from plaster and make your custom teeth whitening trays from this. Once these trays have been made in about 2 weeks you use them in combination with professional whitening gel (provided by your dentist) until you are happy with the results. Depending on the teeth whitening system, some trays need to be worn overnight while others for only 1-2 hours a day.

This varies from individual to individual, and also depends on the type of whitening system used. Some people respond very well to teeth whitening and have dramatically whiter teeth as a result. Most people notice a significant improvement in the colour of their teeth. People with heavily stained yellow teeth tend to have more dramatic results than those with slightly discoloured teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely results following a consultation.