Teeth Whitening

Impressive results from Cygnet Dental Practice, Wickford

Teeth Whitening is probably the number 1 cosmetic treatment carried out in the UK. Nearly anyone can have this treatment, with the exception of pregnant women and those who are under the age of 18.  The dentist will decide if you are a suitable candidate for this treatment during your consultation. 

Appearance is of a huge importance to many people and having a beautiful, white smile can provide quite a confidence boost!

The procedure itself is quick and easy.  It can be carried out any time of the day so will fit in easily with your daily routine.

Clean teeth

If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you may benefit from a hygiene appointment first. Staining can build up on your teeth quickly and easily. If you smoke, drink excess amounts of tea, coffee and red wine, you may notice areas on your teeth that are stained. Teeth whitening will not remove these stains. The solution used is designed to remove the stains from the soft inner part of the tooth.

Also as we age our teeth start to turn a yellow colour. No matter how well you clean your teeth, you will not stop this from happening as it is a natural process.  Teeth Whitening is a great way of preventing your teeth from turning yellow, maintaining a healthy, white smile.

The teeth whitening procedure

The dentist will firstly examine your mouth to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy for treatment. Impressions are then taken of your teeth and sent away to have your whitening trays made.  This can take a few days. In the meantime you will be given instructions on how to whiten your teeth.  You will be given whitening gels and post-operative instructions on what to expect and what to do should you experience any sensitivity during the treatment.

Only a small amount of gel is needed in the tray to have an effect. Over loading the tray may result in you gums becoming burned from the solution.  You may not feel any pain from this but your gums may appear white in areas.  There is no need to panic as your gums will return to normal after a few days. If you see this then you know you are putting too much solution in the trays and this is an indication that less solution is needed.

Depending on the strength of gel given, you may need to wear the trays for between 1-4 hours a day. Treatment itself should be carried out for 12-14 days to achieve to full effect.  After 7 days of whitening you should start to notice a significant difference in shade. 

Whitening gels and toothpastes

Whitening toothpastes are another option of improving the colour of your teeth.  Unfortunately as these are sold over the counter these toothpastes do not contain enough of the chemical needed to make a significant difference to the shade of your teeth. Legally, only a Dental Professional can supply you with high strength tooth whitening gels.

Whitening toothpastes usually contain some form of abrasive which when brushed over your teeth removes surface staining, making your teeth appear brighter.  The shade improvement is very minimal and often not even noticeable.

Ready-made whitening kits are also available from local chemists.  Just like Whitening toothpastes there is not enough of the chemical needed to make a noticeable difference, but you may still damage your gums are the trays you use are not custom made and will not fit your teeth precisely.

Often high strength gels are available from the internet but these are not advised.  It is very difficult to know what is contained in the gels you are buying and the effect it can have on your teeth and gums.

Side Effects

Sensitivity is really the main side effect you may encounter. If you have sensitive teeth already you may be advised to use a sensitive toothpaste whilst carrying out the treatment.

Any sensitivity encountered is usually only temporary and once treatment has finished your teeth should return to normal.