Teeth whitening in Braintree, for a whiter, brighter smile

Tooth whitening can be a highly effective, yet very simple way of lightening the colour of teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a colour change, but lightens the existing colour.

In a live tooth your dentist applies the whitening product using a specially made tray which fits into the mouth like a gum shield. The chemical is then activated using heat, or heat and light combined. The active ingredient in the product is normally hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

If the tooth has been root treated, the canal, which previously contained the nerve, may be reopened and the whitening product is put in. In both cases, the procedure needs to be repeated until the right shade is reached.

First of all you will need two or three visits to your dentist. They will need to make a mouthguard and will take impressions for this at the first appointment. 

Once your dentist has started the treatment, you will continue it at home. This will mean applying the bleach regularly over 2-4 weeks for 30 minutes to one hour at a time. However, some newer products can be applied for up to 8 hours at a time, which means that a satisfactory result can be obtained in as little as one week.

Everyone is different; just as our hair and skin colour varies, so do our teeth. Some have a yellowish tinge, some are more beige and very few are actually ‘white’. Teeth also yellow with age and can become stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee and blackcurrant. Calculus, or tartar, can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining inside their teeth, caused by certain antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth, which take up the stain.

At Braintree Dental Studio we do not recommend using over-the-counter kits, as they contain only a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which makes the product less effective. Some also contain mild acids, while others are abrasive.

Although these products are cheaper, teeth whitening is a complicated treatment procedure and should only be carried out by a dentist after a thorough examination and assessment of your teeth. It is very important to follow the instructions your dentist gives you, and to make sure that you attend any follow-up appointments.

Whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. For a change to a specific chosen shade veneering is another option. Whitening also works on natural teeth and won’t work on any type of ‘false’ teeth, including dentures, crowns and veneers. If dentures are stained or discoloured, you can ask your dentist to clean or they may need replacing. 

There are now several whitening toothpastes you can buy. Although they do not affect the natural colour of the tooth, they are effective at removing staining and therefore improving the overall appearance of the tooth. Whitening toothpaste may also help to keep up the appearance, once teeth have been professionally whitened.

Treatment results may vary depending on the original shade of the teeth as they tend to darken slightly over time. The effect lasts for around one to three years, although sometimes it can last longer. Some people find their teeth are sensitive for the first few days after treatment, but this wears off after a short while.