Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening, also known as bleaching, is a straightforward and non-invasive dental procedure designed to alter the colour of natural tooth enamel, enhancing the appearance of your smile.

As the desire for whiter teeth has become the foremost aesthetic concern for many patients, various methods for tooth whitening have been developed. The most widely used technique involves a home whitening system that significantly brightens teeth. Since this treatment is effective only on natural tooth enamel, it is crucial to consider updating any old fillings, crowns, or other restorations. These replacements should be carried out after the whitening process to ensure they match the colour of the treated teeth.

Tooth whitening results are not permanent. Periodic touch-ups may be necessary every few years, and more frequently for those who smoke or consume substances like coffee, tea, or wine that can stain teeth.

Reasons for tooth whitening include:

• Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
• Normal wear of the outer tooth layer
• Teeth stained by medications, such as tetracycline
• Yellow or brown stained teeth

What does the tooth whitening process involve?

Typically, tooth whitening requires two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, impressions of your teeth are taken to create custom, clear plastic trays.

At the second visit, you’ll try on these trays to ensure a proper fit, with adjustments made as needed. The trays are used with a special whitening solution, either twice daily for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks, depending on the extent of staining and the desired whitening effect. It’s common to experience tooth sensitivity during the treatment, but this discomfort should diminish once the whitening is complete.

You will also receive instructions on how to care for your teeth and trays, and regular dental visits are recommended to help maintain a bright, healthy smile.