Teeth Whitening
Brighter, Whiter Teeth at Market Place Dental
As time goes on, you may notice that your once-gleaming smile starts to darken and discolour. This could be due to staining from food and drink or from the natural changes over time. Whitening is a non-permanent, safe and effective way to lighten your teeth to a brighter white in a short space of time.
Staining can happen for the following reasons:
- Smoking or other tobacco-related habits
- Drinking tea, coffee, red wine or dark sugary soft drinks
- Trauma to teeth
- Plaque deposits from not brushing effectively
- Time: age can cause a natural discolouration to both teeth and fillings
Whitening your teeth using a dentist-prescribed formula can make a big difference to the appearance of your smile giving you a brighter and more youthful look. Once your dentist has shown you how to apply the gel, you take the kit home and control how white you want your teeth.
It works by using a peroxide-based whitening gel which lightens the teeth. On your first visit you will be assessed for your suitability for treatment by your dentist. Moulds will be taken of your teeth, their shade/colour will be recorded along with ‘before photos’. On the second visit your personalised trays will be ready. Your dentist will show you how to apply the gel into the trays and how to seat them in your mouth. Depending on the product, the trays are worn once a day until your desired level of whiteness has been achieved. The effectiveness of the gel is dependent on the natural pigmentation of your teeth and/or the degree of staining but can take up to 2 weeks for a natural-looking smile. Your final appointment will involve a review of the colour change and ‘after photos’. You can expect at least 3 appointments, but your dentist may arrange more if necessary.
Some tooth sensitivity may occur during treatment. This can be reduced by brushing your teeth prior to the application of the gel using a sensitive toothpaste, not using too much gel and following your dentist’s advice about how long to leave your tray in. Having a couple of days off treatment can help; if the sensitivity persists it is best to contact your dentist.
It is illegal to get teeth gels from any provider other than a dentist, so ensure you seek safe and effective, proper professional treatment.
