Teeth naturally darken over time because of tea, coffee, tobacco, certain foods and ageing. Professional teeth whitening lightens the shade of your teeth using a dentist-supervised bleaching gel, which is considerably safer and more controlled than over-the-counter products.
Before whitening, your teeth and gums are examined, because cavities, gum problems or old fillings need to be dealt with first. This also helps to set realistic expectations, as results vary from person to person and depend on the type of stain.
When You May Need Teeth Whitening
- Yellowing or dull teeth from tea, coffee or smoking
- You want a brighter smile before an event
- Your teeth have gradually darkened with age
- Your teeth are healthy but you are unhappy with their colour
How the Treatment Works
- Check-up and cleaning. The teeth are examined and cleaned to remove surface plaque and stains.
- Protecting the gums. The gums and soft tissues are protected before the whitening gel is applied.
- Whitening gel application. The gel is applied to the teeth and left for the recommended time, sometimes in more than one cycle.
- Final shade and advice. The new shade is compared with the starting shade and you are given aftercare advice.
Benefits
- Visible improvement in tooth shade
- Non-invasive, with no drilling
- Quick treatment done in the clinic
- Helps boost confidence in your smile
Aftercare & Tips
- Avoid tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco and strongly coloured food for the first 48 hours
- Use a soft brush and a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if needed
- Whitening results are not permanent, so good hygiene and fewer stain-causing habits help them last
- Mild, temporary sensitivity can occur and usually settles
