What does tooth whitening do?

Tooth whitening can be a highly effective, yet very simple way, of lightening the colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a colour change, but lightens the existing tooth colour.

What does the procedure involve?

In a live tooth the dentist applies the whitening product using a specially made tray, which fits into the mouth like a gum shield.

If the tooth has been root treated, the canal, which previously contained the nerve, may be reopened and the whitening product is put in.

In both cases, the procedure needs to be repeated until the right shade is reached.

How long does the procedure take?

First of all you will need 2 or 3 visits to your dentist. Your dentist will need to make a mouthguard and will need to take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your dentist has started the treatment, you will have to continue the treatment at home. This will mean applying the bleach regularly for up to 8 hours at a time, which means that a satisfactory result can be obtained in as little as 2 weeks.

Why would my teeth need to be bleached?

Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour varies, so do our teeth. Some teeth have a yellowish tinge, some are more beige – very few are actually ‘white’. Teeth also yellow with age can become stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee and wine. Calculus (tartar) can also affect the colour of the teeth and can be removed with a simple teeth clean.

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