FAQ > Tooth Whitening - What you should know

Is professional Tooth Whitening safe?

Þ According to the latest scientific findings it damages neither teeth and gums nor existing fillings you may have.

How does the Tooth whitening gel work?

Þ After examination by our dentist, your teeth will first be cleaned. The teeth will be applied with a bleaching gel. Blue light will then be used to activate the gel which releases oxygen to bleach teeth discolorations in a gentle way.

How long does the treatment take?

Þ In-Clinic Tooth Whitening procedure should be completed within one hour.

How long will Tooth Whitening effect last?

Þ This all very much depends on your lifestyle. The bleaching effect normally lasts between one and four years. The kind of food and drinks you consume, smoking habits, age and dental hygiene strongly influence the duration of the bleaching effect. Frequently drinking coffee, tea, or red wine as well as smoking can bring discolorations back quite quickly.

Do I have to consult my dentist in any case?

Þ Yes. A dentist can examine and work out the right dosage and treatment schedule. Advise from the practice team helps to avoid side effects and to control the results of the treatment.

What kind of whitening results can be expected from professional teeth whitening?

Þ The level of whitening obtained from the professional bleaching treatments is similar in nature to those results you could achieve with a tray-based at-home teeth whitening system. The big advantage of professional whitening treatments is the fact that you will experience the whitening effect immediately. The degree of whiteness is different from one individual to another, the degree of shade change obtainable is dependent on each person’s reaction. Certain people react well while others may not be as responsive.

How many professional whitening treatments will a person need?

Þ One hour of professional in-clinic teeth bleaching treatment would be expected to provide a color change in a person's teeth. While results were seen after a single visit, it typically took between 2 to 6 in-clinic bleaching appointments to reach "maximum whiteness".

Why are some professional teeth whitening systems followed up with an at-home whitener as well?

Þ The protocol for some professional teeth whitening systems includes both in-clinic and at-home whitening treatments. This is because:

1) Some of the immediate tooth color change achieved by professional teeth whitening treatments may actually be due to a dehydration effect.
2) It can often take between two and six in-clinic bleaching treatments before a patient is satisfied with the degree of whitening that has been achieved.

Following the in-clinic whitening process with an at-home teeth whitening system can provide a means by which to lighten the back teeth so their coloration blends in and matches with the new shade of the anterior teeth.

Is At-home tooth whitening safe?

Þ At-home tooth whitening system is a safe and effective way for you to bleach your teeth in the comfort of your own home ! But anyone utilizing this type of system needs to realize that the majority of their whitening activities will not be directly supervised by a dental professional. Because of this, anyone bleaching their teeth must be certain that the specific whitener they are using is safe, and that they know how to use this product in an appropriate manner. Failure to meet either one of these conditions could result in damage or harm.

Is  tooth whitening suitable for everybody?

Þ No. Always consult the dentist. Certain groups of people such as infants, pregnant women and nursing mothers must not be treated. We do not recommend bleaching for smokers or alcohol users. Smoking should be stopped before teeth are bleached. The best candidates for whitening are those with stains caused by coffee, tobacco or aging. Stains in the gray family (such as from tetracycline) can be harder to remove, if not impossible. These stains can take up to six months or longer to whiten. Whitening may only reduce amounts of 'masking'. Our dentist will advise you as to whether tooth whitening is suitable for you.

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