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1/3rd off all
whitening treatments
during all of December & January.
Book now!
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Tooth whitening
How it works
Whitening is achieved through soaking the teeth in a 10 - 20 % carbamyl gel for an hour or two at a time. The gel releases hydrogen peroxide and is held in place by a thin vacuum-formed mouthguard, usually called a bleaching splint. It is estimated that around 30 hours of exposure are needed to get the desired lightening, and the gel is at its most active in the first hour.
Safe
The gel is safe to ingest and is neutral in pH. There is no evidence it can damage the teeth or gums. The main reported side-effect (other than the teeth getting lighter in colour) is increased sensitivity to cold, which subsides to normal a few days after the bleaching is stopped.
Long Lasting
The effect is relatively permanent, with a high proportion of patients in the States reportedly still happy with the results after three years. If the effect does fade slightly the use of one or two tubes of the gel once or twice a year should restore it. For this reason the bleaching splint(s) should be stored safely in case they are needed again.
The Process
Generally the need for whitening and any problems with existing fillings are initially discussed with your dentist, and if the decision is made to go ahead then an impression is made for the splint(s). An appointment is made about a week later to fit the splint(s) when it is returned from the technician and run over the application of the gel.
Follow-up appointments are then made every 3-4 weeks to review progress and dispense further packs of the gel.
Using the gel
A small blob of gel is dispensed into each tooth space in the splint. The splint is then placed in the mouth and left there for at least one hour, or overnight if this is agreeable to the patient. The mouth should then be rinsed and the teeth lightly brushed, and any remaining gel washed or brushed out of the splint.
If sensitivity is a problem then please mention this to your dentist. As an emergency measure the use of Sensodyne desensitising toothpaste or fluoride gel in the splint for another hour or two should help. The gel should be stored in a cool place or the fridge.
What it won't whiten
It will not affect the colour of existing fillings or crowns/caps/bridges, and patients need to be aware that these may need replacing to get the best affect once bleaching has been done. However, in some cases we have bleached teeth back to match old crowns that are too pale.
Teeth that have darkened after having been root filled are best lightened through a related technique which we also can provide. It involves a concentrated session of bleaching the darkened tooth with a stronger version of the gel
What it costs
Plan Patients: usually £300, but during January only £200
Private Patients: usually £354, but during January only £250
This includes provision of two splints and as much gel as required in the initial course of treatment
Once treatment is completed further tubes can be purchased to ‘top up’ the whitening from time to time. Most of our patients find this is needed every 1-2 years and takes a week. |
