Teeth Whitening

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest and most cost effective procedures you can undergo to improve your appearance.  It will not harm your teeth or gums in any way.   

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 Nearly everyone with good general and dental health is suitable for teeth whitening, however, as with all cosmetic procedures, there are risks involved and these must be fully considered prior to deciding to go ahead.  

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 Teeth whitening is not a substitute for oral hygiene or dental treatment and you should continue to brush using a fluoride toothpaste and visit your dentist for 6 monthly check ups.

 

The Benefits

 Almost all natural teeth respond to whitening. Most candidates experience significant lightening and some can even be described as dramatic.  However, the amount of lightening varies from person to person and can never be guaranteed or predicted.  As a general guideline, yellow or brown staining will respond better than grey or bluish staining which is usually caused by Tetracycline (an antibiotic taken in childhood) and younger teeth will whiten quicker than older teeth.  

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The Risks

 If you have fillings that are breaking down, erosion or decay in the teeth or exposed root surfaces the gel may have direct access to the vital tissues of the teeth and cause severe sensitivity.  Such conditions need corrected before embarking on a tooth whitening treatment.

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 Some clients may have white spots on their teeth which may not be apparent prior to whitening or areas of the teeth which will whiten quicker for other reasons and which may become pronounced following the treatment.  In most cases this will even out with time by continued top up appointments.

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 In a small amount of cases, inflammation of and/or white spots on the soft tissue (gums) can result from the procedure but this is temporary and will subside within 3 days.  If this occurs longer than this it may be an indication of another problem not associated with teeth whitening and you should consult your dentist. 

 It is important that you complete the medical questionnaire accurately otherwise any additional risks cannot be assessed.

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General information 

 Your technician will assess your suitability for the treatment and advise you clearly and concisely of any issues.

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 Unsuitable clients include (this is not an exhaustive list): 

 Uncontrolled health problems such as epilepsy, asthma or diabetes

 History of heart problems, kidney problems or liver problems

 Clients with mouth cancer

 Clients with bleeding problems

 Clients with unrealistic expectations

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Temporarily unsuitable clients include (again this is not an exhaustive list):

 Those with significant periodontal disease (gum disease) – refer client to a dentist

 Those with excessive apparent caries (cavities) – refer client to a dentist

 Clients who are pregnant or breast feeding – effect on baby/foetus is not sufficiently studied.

 Those with active herpes (cold sore) – clients should wait until this clears up.

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You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions and to have them answered to your satisfaction before treatment. 

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Artificial dental work such as crowns, bridges, veneers and white fillings:

Teeth whitening will not lighten artificial dental work any more than its original colour although it can remove surface stains from them.  You should be aware that your teeth may lighten beyond any placed artificial dental products.

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 You can  whiten your natural teeth and have the artificial product replaced (by your dentist) to match your new whiter smile. Teeth whitening will not undermine or damage any artificial dental work. 

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 Before Treatment  

It would be beneficial to visit your hygienist for a scale and polish as long as it is performed more than a week before your whitening treatment.  Otherwise it’s better to wait until after your treatment as your gums will be tender and more prone to bleeding following a scale and polish. 

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Please read the following information below before booking an appointment: