Tooth whitening is a way of changing the colour of your teeth without changing the shape. There are two main methods of teeth whitening:
- Home whitening kit
- In-surgery whitening
Home whitening
The home whitening kit is provided, and contains everything you will need. Impressions of your teeth are taken at the practice and the trays fabricated. You are then talked through a visual demonstration of what to do and not to do. You wear the trays for a limited amount of time to get acclimatised, before wearing them overnight. Gradually over several applications the teeth will lighten.
The amount of whitening varies with the individual. Most patients achieve a change within 2-5 weeks when using the kit consistently.
The active ingredient is carbamide peroxide for the home kit and hydrogen peroxide for the in-surgery treatment. Both types are in a glycerine base. If any allergies are known or you are aware of an adverse reaction to these ingredients, please do not proceed with this treatment. Whitening treatment should not be used if you are pregnant.
You should choose a whitening method that
- Gives you the most natural and uniform look
- Clinically proven to be safe and effective
- Achieves the longest lasting results
- Administered by a dentist