What is teeth whitening?
Tooth whitening is a treatment option to brighten teeth. It is not suitable for everyone. Your dentist is best placed to advise whether the treatment is right for you and the results you can expect. There are two procedures available to whiten or lighten your teeth.
Home Whitening
This simple home procedure uses hydrogen peroxide to bleach or whiten the teeth. Your dentist takes a mould of your teeth so a technician can prepare a gum shield or tray of exactly the right size and fit. Once the tray is ready, your dentist will provide you with the whitening gel and important advice on how to use it. Your teeth may achieve the desired colour within a couple of days, but it may take up to three weeks.
Whitening in the Surgery
This option provides a more immediate result and is delivered in surgery under the care and supervision of your dentist. Treatment takes around an hour and requires the use of a laser light technique along with a whitening gel.
Why might I need tooth whitening?
We might suggest tooth whitening:
- If you would like to have whiter teeth
- To improve the appearance of teeth that have darkened over the years
- To erase stains caused by coffee, red wine or smoking