Teeth Whitening

Teeth can lose their natural whiteness for a number of reasons including diet, ageing, certain medications, smoking and trauma, but a noticeably brighter smile can be achieved with teeth whitening – a safe, chemical process that eliminates discolouration.

Teeth whitening will only work on natural teeth and will not be effective on restorations such as crowns, veneers or dentures. However, these can be replaced to match newly whitened teeth.

External Whitening

Home whitening

We recommend you use our home whitening kits as they are more effective and also allow us to keep a close eye on your teeth, which can help avoid side effects such as gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Internal whitening

This involves placing a whitening agent inside a discoloured tooth that has had root canal therapy, which means the inner part of the tooth (the ‘pulp’) has been removed and replaced with a rubber filling.

Aftercare

You can help maintain the whiteness of your teeth by avoiding food and drink that may cause staining, and brushing your teeth at least twice a day.

Teeth whitening does not provide permanent results but home whitening trays can be reused if a top-up is necessary.

Whitening FAQ’s

Yes, when it is carried out and supervised by a dental professional, teeth whitening is completely safe. We are best placed to look after your teeth and ensure no damage will occur. Increasingly, teeth whitening home kits are available online, and in beauty and hairdressing salons. These treatments are unregulated and should be avoided to protect your teeth and gums.
Teeth whitening treatment is not painful. We use custom made whitening trays which have a snug and accurate fit, easily enabling you to whiten your teeth for a few hours during the day, or overnight. You may find you experience an increased sensitivity in your teeth while you are using your whitening trays, but this is temporary and will stop when your treatment is finished.
Your results from teeth whitening treatment will depend on a number of factors, including the initial colour of your teeth, how well your teeth have whitened and your diet and lifestyle choices. Whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. If you drink a lot of tea or coffee, eat richly coloured foods or are a smoker, you may need a top up treatment more quickly.
As dentists, our top priority is the health of your teeth and gums. We carefully supervise your treatment, and it will not damage your natural tooth enamel in any way.
Whitening treatment is not effective on dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, bridges and dentures. These will remain the same colour as your natural tooth enamel lightens. If you are considering whitening treatment, you may wish to have this done before your dental restoration is fitted, so it can be made to match. Alternatively, you can have your crown or veneer replaced in the new shade, at an additional cost.