It is a process where discolourations within teeth are lightened.
How do my teeth become discoloured?
There are many ways that your teeth can become discoloured. The most common cause is eating or drinking highly coloured food or liquid. This includes beetroot and sweets, coffee, tea and red wine. Other causes include antibiotics, aging, smoking and trauma.
How does tooth whitening work?
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and then they will be sent to laboratory like ours. We then pour plaster into the impressions to make models of your teeth then make thin trays that fit over your teeth. Each tray is made custom made for each patient, so they fit extremely well and are comfortable to wear. When you receive the trays back, your dentist will give you the whitening gel and show you how to put it into the trays; you will then wear them over your teeth for a specific amount of time. The time you wear them for will depend on the type of whitening gel you are using and the dentist’s guidance. The trays are clear, as is the gel and are inconspicuous to wear and you can still talk when wearing them!
The whitening gel, which is either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, is broken down and oxygen enters the enamel and dentin and the stains are “dissolved.”
How long will it last?
The lighter colour of your teeth will last forever if you simply touch up the colour by using your trays once or twice a year for one or two nights/days. Without a touch up, your teeth will start to be re-stained by the same factors that caused them to discolour in the first place.
How long does it take?
It largely depends on which gel your dentist recommends and how long he/she advises you to wear the trays for. Some gels can be worn for only 30mins and you can see the effects immediately. Other gels take longer to work and can be worn for two hours or overnight.
Is the treatment safe?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that whitening teeth with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dentist is safe for teeth and gums.
What if I have restorations in my teeth, will these change colour?
No. If there are any in the smile region of the mouth, they will have to be replaced after the treatment. Patients with partial dentures can now buy dentures with tooth shades to match their natural teeth.
What are the side effects?
The majority of patients suffer no side effects, but some may experience slight sensitivity in the teeth, which will wear off a few hours after removing the trays.
If you do find your teeth are sensitive afterwards, the trays can be worn less frequently or for a shorter time. There are also gels available which can desensitise teeth, or tooth mousses which will help. Staying away from carbonated drinks and citrus foods will help avoid sensitivity.
What is the next step?
Now you need to visit your dentist and ask for whitening trays. You could take them this information or they may already use our trays. If you want to use a dentist that uses our trays already or you aren’t registered with a dentist, you can email us to find you a dentist in your area in the ‘contact us’ section of this website. We have over 5000 dentists on our system from the Shetland Islands to Penzance and Northern Ireland and Eire so we will be able to locate one for you!
Whitening trays are very popular all year round, but ideal for that perfect smile on your wedding day! As it only takes between 7 –14 days to whiten your teeth and it you can use the trays in the comfort of your own home they are the perfect way to achieve that sparkling smile!
