Teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to change the colour of your teeth. Our teeth absorb stains from food, drink, and other lifestyle choices such as smoking. These deep-set stains cannot be removed by brushing alone, only teeth whitening can restore their whiteness.
Dentist-supervised teeth whitening is the best way to achieve whiter teeth without damaging the enamel. Damage to the enamel can lead to increased sensitivity, damage to the gums and uneven whitening. We recommend putting teeth whitening in the hands of the experts to achieve incredible results.
How does teeth whitening work?
Your dentist will make an impression on your teeth to create custom trays. You will then apply a whitening solution to the trays and wear them overnight for two weeks. At the end of your treatment plan, you’ll return to the dentist for one final whitening treatment.
The whitening solution penetrates deep into the tooth and breaks up the bonds between the staining particles. Once broken down, the stains can be flushed out, leaving your teeth looking whiter and brighter. Teeth whitening will also remove surface stains.
Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?
If you have staining caused by food, drink or smoking, you could be an ideal candidate for teeth whitening. If your teeth are stained due to injury or trauma, or if you have medications that have left your teeth discoloured, teeth whitening might not be as effective.
If you are not a suitable candidate for teeth whitening, we can recommend alternative treatments such as veneers, crowns, composite bonding or dental implants. These treatments will conceal discolouration and protect the underlying tooth structure.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
While you should not have any pain during your treatment, there is the possibility of minimal discomfort. You may notice your teeth feel slightly more sensitive during the treatment, and may be more sensitive to hot and cold after a whitening treatment. This is because the small holes that allow the whitening solution into your teeth need to close again.
Unsafe teeth whitening is often associated with pain. If your whitening trays are not custom-made for you, there is a risk of getting the whitening solution on your gums which can cause burns. This is why we recommend professional teeth whitening to protect your oral health.
What can teeth whitening do?
Teeth whitening, offered at our practice in Scotland is a very simple yet effective way of swiftly lightening the shade or colour of your teeth. It also does not require any removal of tooth surface. These methods can only lighten the existing shade of teeth, not change the colour entirely.
How long does a teeth whitening procedure take?
During the initial visit, your dentist will take a scanned image of your teeth in order to make the custom whitening tray. This involves applying the whitening formula for periods of up to an hour during the next two to four weeks. Some products can allow for the same results to be achieved within a week. You would require a second visit to the practice to have your custom trays fitted.
Why might my teeth need to be whitened?
Everybody will have his or her own feelings and opinions, but our teeth colour, like everything else, varies from person to person. Very few people have a naturally brilliant white smile. Teeth tend to become more yellow with age and can become stained by foodstuffs such as coffee and tea. Excessive build up of tartar will also change the appearance of teeth colour, as it has a darker yellow shade. All of these types of discolouration are common so teeth whitening may be a good option. It may also be necessary for those who have staining inside their teeth or those affected by antibiotic staining.
How happy am I likely to be with the results?
The original shade of the teeth will have an effect on the final results of tooth whitening treatment. Everyone is different, but the effects usually last from between one and two years. It is important to note that the initial period after treatment can result in tooth sensitivity. Given just a short amount of time afterwards though, this wears off.
What about home whitening kits?
Home whitening kits that can be purchased freely over the counter have been proven to be much less effective than professional whitening. They only contain small amounts of the peroxide bleaching agents and the results do not last as long. Some products are even abrasive and contain acids so, while they might be cheaper, they can damage your teeth and gums. It is advised that whitening treatment is done professionally by a dentist after thorough assessments and evaluations of your teeth.
Will teeth whitening not work at any point?
Whitening might not work in achieving the desired shade of white that you were looking for. It only works on natural teeth and not on any type of false tooth fittings including dentures, veneers and crowns. These fittings can only be whitened if they are professionally cleaned or in most cases replaced entirely. However, if a specific and dramatic change of tooth shade is desired then veneers might be a good option.
Can I use whitening toothpaste?
There are a number of whitening toothpastes available. However, they do not affect the natural colour of the tooth. This is why teeth whitening in Glasgow from our experienced dentist is so highly valued. Instead, they help to remove stains on the tooth surface. Once teeth have been whitened professionally, whitening toothpastes might help in maintaining their improved appearance.
