Tooth Whitening

Your teeth can become heavily stained from everyday foods and drinks such as tea and coffee. Smoking can cause a “yellowing” of the teeth. Even with a perfect oral hygiene routine these stains can be difficult to remove. At Ridgeway Dentistry we can give you a brighter smile and also provide home whitening kits with a customised tray to achieve a longer lasting, confident white smile.

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What does Zoom whitening involve?

Professional bleaching is the most common form of tooth whitening. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. First the dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect the soft tissue. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield. The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.

How long does it take?

The total treatment can usually be done in two two appointments (excluding consultation). The first appointment will be to take impressions and the second one for fitting. Once your dentist has started the treatment, you will need to continue the treatment at home. This means regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes to one hour at a time or overnight. However, there are now some new products which can be applied for up to eight hours at a time. This means a satisfactory result can be achieved in as little as one week.

Why should I have my teeth whitened?

There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older. Your teeth can also be stained on the surface through food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth. Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.

How long will my tooth stay white?

The effects of whitening can last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dentist for their opinion before you start the treatment.

What are the side effects?

Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others report discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.

What about home kits?

Home kits are cheaper, but because tooth whitening is a complicated procedure you should only have it done by a dentist, after a thorough examination and assessment of your teeth. Over-the-counter kits sold in the UK are not recommended as they usually contain only a small concentration of hydrogen peroxide (the whitening product). The legal limit in the UK is 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide and effective bleaching products need to have about 3.6%. So home kits will not be able to lighten your teeth noticeably. Also, some contain mild acids and others are abrasive. This can cause ulcers and damage to the gums if the product is not used properly.

We do offer professional home whitening kits but we recommend a consultation with one of our dentists so you can make an informed decision on how you would like to proceed.

What about whitening toothpaste?

There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining and therefore may improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Whitening toothpaste may also help the effect last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.

How can I take care of my teeth once they have been whitened?

You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drink you have that can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouring and staining.

We recommend the following tips to care for your teeth:

• brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• cut down on how often you have sugary snacks and drinks
• visit your dentist and hygienist at least once a year