Teeth whitening in South Molton

What is teeth whitening?

When used appropriately, tooth whitening is a simple cosmetic procedure which can enhance your smile without damaging your teeth.

Tooth whitening is used for improving the internal colour of the teeth. This is the colour which remains after your teeth have been scaled and polished to remove external stains such as tea, coffee red wine and tobacco.

Restorations such as fillings and porcelain crowns in the mouth are unaffected by the whitening gels. For this reason, tooth whitening may not be suitable for you if you have restorations at the front of your mouth.

At-home whitening

If your teeth are suitable for whitening, impressions will be taken of your mouth and sent to a laboratory.

Custom trays are fabricated and fitted at your next appointment. The start shade of your teeth will also be recorded in your dental records along with clinical photographs.

10% Carbamine Peroxide Gels are provided for use with the trays at home. The trays are worn usually nightly for two weeks although a longer period of up to six weeks may be needed in some cases.

The gel does not damage the teeth but often causes sensitivity to hot and cold. This can be overcome by using de-sensitising toothpaste or reducing the frequency of gel use to alternate nights.

How long does whitening last? 

The effects of whitening last on average between 12 and 24 months depending on your lifestyle. Stain inducing habits will darken the teeth more rapidly.

You can buy additional gels or use leftover gel to ‘top up’ your whitening every nine-12 months. This top-up usually takes only one-two sessions and your custom made trays can be reused.