Teeth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without damaging the tooth itself.

Treatment

At Valley Dental Practice, we are able to offer an at home teeth whitening system. At home teeth whitening, involves taking impressions and making moulds of your teeth to create whitening trays. These are then worn at home, normally at night, for a period of 2-3 weeks. This allows you to fit the whitening around your own schedule.

The darker your teeth, the longer your teeth will take to get lighter, but your dentist will be able to advise you on the expected time frame.

Sensitivity of teeth is the most common side effect of teeth whitening. This usually occurs around the necks of the teeth where the gums have receded. If you are experiencing any sensitivity you should stop bleaching your teeth for a few days. It is advisable when whitening your teeth to use a sensitive toothpaste to help protect your teeth and reduce any discomfort.

The teeth whitening gel also has an indirect effect on the gums in helping them to heal and improving the health of the gums. This is how the technique was invented as it was first used to heal gum irritation during orthodontic treatment.

The effects of teeth whitening should last for up to 3 years but will be dependent on your diet and whether you smoke.

Remember teeth whitening should only be carried out by a registered dental professional. For more details please go to the GDC website www.gdc-uk.org

Benefits of teeth whitening

Improve confidence and self-esteem – your smile will appear much brighter following teeth whitening and this can help to improve confidence and self-esteem.

Healthier teeth and gums – teeth whitening can help to improve the health of your teeth and gums, as well as that of your entire mouth.

Speed and reliability – teeth whitening can be completed in as little as 2 weeks, with reliable results and with the suggested home maintenance can be long lasting.

Safe – teeth whitening when carried out by a highly trained dental professional is a safe and comfortable procedure. The amount and concentration of whitening agent can be adjusted to meet your needs.