How it Works
Most teeth whitening methods use a form of peroxide to bleach the teeth, removing stains and discolouration. As peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel or outer layer of your teeth, and bleaches away any coloured substances. This lightens the natural colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth’s surface. At our practice we offer a choice of “in practice” or “at home” treatment options.
Our “in practice” option is ideal for patients who want the convenience of having their teeth professionally whitened using a power bleaching technique. We apply a protective substance to the gum-line, and then apply a bleaching gel directly on to the teeth, leaving it to activate for 60 – 90 minutes. In order to achieve the best results, this is usually done over two appointments, depending on the severity of the staining or discolouration.
The “home bleaching” option can achieve the same results, however it does take longer, and requires constant maintenance. For this process, we take an impression of your upper and lower dental arches, and are fabricated custom-made clear trays to fit perfectly onto your teeth. We then show you how to apply the bleaching gel correctly, so that you can perform the tooth whitening process in the convenience of your home or workplace. Note that this procedure will not soften enamel of your own teeth or existing fillings or crowns.