Tooth Whitening

General Information
Tooth whitening or bleaching is a procedure that is designed to lighten the colour of your teeth.When done properly bleaching will not harm your teeth or gums.Significant lightening can be achieved but the results can not be guaranteed.All our patients have been pleased by the improvement.There are some small risks but not enough to discourage you from having your teeth
bleached but they should be considered.

In addition there are variables such as the type of discolouration that affects your teeth,the degree to which you follow our instructions and the overall condition of your teeth that can affect the outcome of treatment.

Candidates for Bleaching
Almost anyone is a candidate for bleaching.However people with darkish yellow or yellowish-brown teeth tend to bleach better than people with grey or bluish-grey teeth. Multicoloured teeth if due to tetracycline staining take a much longer time but will improve very slowly. Root surfaces and heavily filled teeth do not bleach well and may require porcelain crowns or
veneers.

Types of Bleaching

a.Home Bleaching
This process can be done anywhere,not just at home.It involves wearing a custom made bleaching tray that looks like a thin transparent nightguard which is filled wth a mild or strong bleaching gel.You then need to wear the bleach-filled tray a specified number of hours each day (per our instructions) for usually 4-8 weeks. We will check your bleaching progress with shade counts as necessary.There are also strips and paint on gels that you can use to bleach your teeth at home but using a custom made tray will produce the best results because of the chemical strength of the gel.

b.Power Bleaching
Performed at the practice the gel is applied to the teeth and powerful illumination is used for a series of appointments lasting for 2 hours.

Home Bleaching Advantages - You can bleach your teeth any time any  place. - Works the best of any methods with consistent use. - Is much less expensive than power bleaching. Disadvantages - None as long as the patient uses common sense. Power Bleaching Advantages - There are none Disadvantages - More unproductive surgery time for the patient which makes total cost much, much more. - Inferior results unless home bleaching is used in addition.

 

Potential Problems
During the first few sessions with home or power bleaching some patients may experience sensitivity.In this case reduce the number of hours the tray is worn or stop for a short interval.If this does not resolve the problem put desensitising toothpaste in the tray and wear until comfortable or use a fluoride rinse which we will provide.This also strengthens the teeth against
decay.

Gum Irritation.
The bleaching gel can leak out of the tray and cause slight soreness to gum.The answer is to slightly reduce volume of gel.The tray can also be adjusted slightly short of the gum.

Leaking Fillings.
If there are leaking fillings or decay present the bleach can leach into the centre of the tooth and cause irritation.The answer is to replace the fillings.

Crowns and White Fillings.
These will remain the same colour after bleaching and might need replacing for cosmetic reasons.

Completion of Bleaching

Level of Lightening.
The longer you bleach the lighter the teeth will finish. All of our patients have been pleased with the improvement. Compare colour with unbleached opposing teeth to demonstrate the improvement.

Relapse.
There may be a slight bounce when bleaching is stopped. Keep the trays and top up the bleaching every 6 months with a single extra use.

Cost.

Each arch is charged at £165.