Teeth whitening has been available for some years but has recently become top of the cosmetic treatments list, increasing in demand by over 300%. The term 'whitening' is misleading however as teeth vary in colour and no one actually has white teeth. Teeth differ in shade and some people’s teeth are naturally darker than others.
Over time, tea, coffee, red wine, soft drinks and colorants in food can all contribute to discolouration. Some medication can also cause staining and smokers’ teeth can become permanently stained if nothing is done. Tooth brushing alone cannot restore teeth affected by many years of staining and people whose teeth are badly discoloured may over-brush in an attempt to remove stains, damaging the enamel covering of their teeth.
To help our patients deal with these problems Longborough offer an effective and safe teeth whitening treatment which can be performed in the practice by your dentist, together with a follow-up home kit which you can administer yourself over several weeks. Treatment is simple and effective, lightening the colour of your teeth to improve your appearance by reducing tooth discolouration, giving you a brighter smile. The actual degree of 'whiteness' achieved will vary from patient to patient but the results are always a great improvement.
Longborough treatment options
Power whitening
Power or in-surgery whitening, completed in one sitting of 90 minutes, is fast and makes an immediate difference. You will be made comfortable and to prepare you for the procedure your lips and gums will be protected from the whitening gel. During the procedure whitening gel will be applied to your teeth by the dentist and a special light used to activate and help accelerate the effectiveness of the gel. Once the gel is activated, it remains on your teeth for 15-20 minutes before further applications. Your teeth can be whitened by several shades and tooth shade charts may be used during the consultation to access your current tooth colour and establish your whitening goal. The effect of power whitening is then maintained by the use of follow-up treatment using our home whitening kit.
Home teeth whitening kits
Home whitening kits help maintain your in-surgery whitening and also offer an effective alternative procedure. You will have a custom made mouth tray created by your dentist which you will use for the treatment. The kit includes a whitening gel which is placed in the tray. You then wear the tray for a few hours a day or overnight and improvements are normally seen over a 2-4 week period. Home kits offer a flexible option and although they may take longer, the results can be as effective as in-surgery whitening. Home whitening kits are a proven and reliable way of getting a brighter smile. Click on the image (right) for more detailed information.
FAQs
Will I need the treatment again?
Your teeth should never darken back to their original colour completely, but most people notice a slight fade back after 18 months to 2 years. This can easily be remedied by just a few hours use of our home whitening kit.
Does the treatment cause any damage to my teeth?
Properly administered whitening will not damage your teeth. However, whitening procedures should not be undertake without a consultation with your dentist who will examine the condition and sensitivity of your teeth and gums. Some patients may suffer temporary sensitivity to cold as a result of the effect of the whitening gel used in the procedure, but this is usually mild.
What can I do to keep my teeth white?
To help your whitening treatment last it is important to avoid food and drink that could stain your teeth (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.) for about a week after whitening. These should also be avoided while administering the home teeth whitening treatment. You should also stop smoking for as long as possible.
For further information on teeth whitening visit:
http://www.dentalhealth.org.uk/faqs/leafletdetail.php?LeafletID=45
