Tooth Whitening procedure

Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening is a way to lighten your teeth at home using a gel and tray system.  Gel is provided which is placed into a tray and worn either overnight or for a few hours during the day.  

Impressions (moulds) are taken of the upper and lower teeth, sent to the Laboratory who construct trays to hold the whitening gel.  The patient follows the written instructions to ensure the best possible results.

Sensitivity:

Some people report tooth sensitivity when whitening.  Should this happen then do not whiten every day, but give your teeth a rest for a day or two.  Should the teeth be very sensitive we advise trays are worn with sensitive toothpaste overnight to settle them down.  Sensitivity is a temporary side-effect that will disappear when whitening stops.  Unfortunately, we cannot predict which patients will experience the sensitivity.

How long will it take?

It takes on average 10 applications of gel for teeth to change shade.  Everyone varies and may take longer for some people.  We review the patient every few weeks to assess the colour change.

Fillings and crowns:

You should be aware that fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers will not change colour.  This may dictate that they need to be replaced following whitening, if they show in the smile.