Teeth Whitening - Bleaching
we look forward to welcoming new patients to our dental practice in Virginia Water, Surrey
Bleaching teeth has been one of the major aesthetic advances in dentistry in the last 25 years. While it is true that there are various techniques for bleaching, at Glebe House Dental Care we primarily use 10% carbamide peroxide gel applied in custom fitted trays that patients apply at home. We use this technique as it is the safest, most efficacious and cost -effective method to provide patients with lighter teeth, while preserving their enamel.
This process broadly involves the following steps:
A full exam of all the teeth and gums to determine if bleaching is a suitable treatment for you.
Impressions of your teeth and the fabrication of custom made fitted trays. These trays are very thin, flexible and comfortable to wear and usually take one week for our laboratory to make.
An appointment to check the fit of the trays and to demonstrate how to use the trays and the bleaching gel.
You then wear the trays with a small amount of gel placed inside it while you sleep at night. Usually for about ten nights but It will take longer for more stubborn cases. This technique is the “gold standard” in teeth bleaching. If you feel that you really do not want to sleep with the trays in your mouth, there is an option of wearing them during the day for up to an hour with a higher concentration of the gel.
A review appointment with us at the end of the treatment to record the new shade of your teeth.
Frequently asked questions about bleaching
How much whiter will my teeth become and how long will it take?
Teeth have a limit to how white they can become and vary on how quickly they achieve their maximum, so it is difficult to predict accurately. Normal yellow teeth usually take about 10 nights and will generally become at least two to three shades lighter or sometimes even more. Nicotine-stained, tetracycline-stained and teeth with brown spots (fluorosis) can take form 1-3 months.
What are the side effects?
Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive during the treatment. These symptoms are temporary and will disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.
How long will my teeth stay lighter?
In the first two to three weeks after the bleaching treatment is completed you can expect a very slight shade reduction but apart from this, the effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. This will however vary from person to person as the effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat and drink allot of products that can stain your teeth for example coffee, tea and red wine. Some patient’s teeth remain a stable shade for much longer.
When may bleaching not work?
Bleaching can only lighten your existing tooth colour and it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false' teeth such as dentures, crowns and veneers or white fillings. Front teeth that are darker because they have been root treated can be bleached but this must be done from inside the tooth and therefore we usually recommend that this is done by an endodontict specialist.
Are whitening kits and toothpastes effective?
The Whitening kits you can buy online or from high street shops often fail to declare the precise chemicals used so it’s very difficult to assess their safety. Because of this they should not be considered safe. These products also won’t produce the same good results you can expect by visiting your dentist.
There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining of the surface of the tooth. Please be aware that some whitening toothpastes are abrasive and can damage the enamel of your teeth if used over a longer period.
MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
Tel: 01344 844507 please do leave a message if we do not answer immediately and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Alternatively, please complete our online form.
New patients welcomed at our dental practice in Virginia Water, Surrey
WONDERFUL SERVICE
The practice is very professional and friendly, and Chris puts a patient at ease, and I would recommend the practice to friends. As my husband has Parkinsons, there is always a caring atmosphere.