Achieving a brighter smile is within reach with proper teeth whitening techniques. Follow these guidelines to ensure successful results and maintain your oral health throughout the process.

 

    1. Prioritise Thorough Cleaning: Before each whitening session, thoroughly clean your teeth, including flossing and using specialist brushes. Rinse away any toothpaste residue to prepare your teeth for the whitening treatment.
    2. Optimise Gel Usage: Fill the supplied bleaching trays with a small amount of whitening gel to avoid wastage. Take care not to overfill the tray, which may cause the gel to seep over your gums when inserted. Aim to use approximately half a tube or less of gel for each bleaching tray per night.
    3. Remove Excess Gel: After inserting the trays, gently remove any excess gel that comes into contact with your gums using a tissue, cotton wool, or a dry toothbrush. This step ensures maximum effectiveness and reduces the risk of irritation.
    4. Overnight Wear: Typically, the filled trays are worn overnight. During this time, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking to allow the whitening process to work undisturbed. Remember, the whitening process varies for each individual, but many patients report noticeable effects after four treatments.
    5. Rinse and Clean: When removing the trays, rinse your mouth with lukewarm water to eliminate any remaining gel. Wash the trays with cold water and dry them thoroughly with tissues before storing them for future use.
    6. Managing Sensitivity: Sensitivity is a normal aspect of the whitening process and usually subsides within a few days after treatment. If sensitivity becomes intense, consider wearing the trays every other day or less frequently to achieve a gradual change in appearance. In case of significant discomfort, you can fill the trays with sensitive toothpaste (such as Sensodyne) and wear them for a few hours.
    7. Post-Whitening Care: For optimal long-term results, avoid smoking and consuming strongly coloured foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, berries, and curries) for at least one month after whitening. This helps maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
    8. Important Notes:

 

    • The teeth whitening gel primarily affects natural teeth and may not lighten crowns, veneers, fillings, or root surfaces.
    • Back or molar teeth do not require whitening.
    • In the event of gel contact with the skin, wash the affected area with soap and water. Drink plenty of water or milk if a significant amount of gel is swallowed.
    • Store the gel in the refrigerator for prolonged storage and keep it out of the reach of children.
    • While rare, if you experience a widespread mouth swelling or discomfort due to an allergic reaction to the gel, discontinue use and promptly contact your dentist.

For personalised advice or to speak with a dentist about teeth whitening, call us at 01737224870. We’re here to guide you toward a brighter and more confident smile.

Check out our latest hygiene and teeth whitening offers!

 

 

Teeth Whitening, what is it, and how does it work?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that aims to lighten the colour of your teeth and remove stains and discolouration. It has recently gained significant popularity as people strive for brighter, more attractive smiles. Here’s everything you need to know about teeth whitening:

 

    1. Types of Teeth Whitening: a. In-Office Whitening: This is a professional treatment performed by a dentist. It involves applying a high-concentration bleaching gel directly to your teeth and activating it with a special light or laser. It typically provides faster and more dramatic results compared to other methods. b. At-Home Whitening: This method involves using whitening products at home, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, gels, or trays. They contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and are available over the counter or through your dentist.
    2. How Does Teeth Whitening Work? Teeth whitening products primarily use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as bleaching agents. These chemicals break down stains into smaller particles, making the colour less concentrated and your teeth appear whiter.
    3. Candidates for Teeth Whitening: Most people with healthy teeth and gums are suitable candidates for teeth whitening. However, it may not be recommended for individuals with:

 

    • Tooth sensitivity or significant enamel wear
    • Cavities or other untreated dental issues
    • Allergies to whitening agents
    • Pregnancy or breastfeeding

 

    1. Potential Side Effects: Teeth whitening is generally considered safe, but some individuals may experience temporary side effects, including:

 

    • Tooth sensitivity: You may feel temporary sensitivity to hot or cold substances.
    • Gum irritation: The whitening agents can sometimes irritate the gums, causing temporary discomfort.
    • Uneven whitening: Some teeth may whiten more or less than others, resulting in an uneven appearance.

 

    1. Duration of Results: The longevity of teeth whitening results varies depending on your oral hygiene, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. Typically, the effects last between a few months to a few years. Touch-up treatments or maintenance may be required to sustain the whitening effect.
    2. Maintaining Teeth Whitening Results: It’s essential to follow good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Also, avoid or limit foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
    3. Professional Guidance: It’s advisable to consult with a dentist before pursuing teeth whitening, especially for in-office treatments. A dental professional can assess your oral health, recommend the most suitable whitening method, and ensure proper application to minimise potential risks.
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