Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening refers to a teeth whitening treatment provided by a dentist or dental
professional. It typically involves the use of stronger whitening agents than those found in over-the-
counter products, leading to more noticeable and longer-lasting results. There are a few different
methods for professional teeth whitening:

  • 1. In-office whitening: This is done in the dentist’s Surgery, where a stronger whitening gel
    (often hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is applied to your teeth. This method
    usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
  • 2. At-home whitening kits from the dentist: These involve custom-made trays that you wear
    at home with a whitening gel provided by your dentist. You typically wear the trays for a set
    amount of time each day or overnight over a couple of weeks. These kits are often more
    effective than over-the-counter products due to the higher concentration of whitening
    agents.

The benefits of professional whitening include faster, more effective results, and the supervision of a
dental professional to ensure safety and minimize potential side effects like sensitivity.

If you are interested in professional teeth whitening then call 01908 662471 to get started.

What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening works by using whitening agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or
carbamide peroxide, to break down stains and discoloration on the teeth. The whitening agents
penetrate the enamel and break apart the molecules that cause the staining, leading to a whiter
appearance. Here’s how it works step by step, depending on the method used:

1. In-office Whitening

  • Preparation: Your dentist will start by protecting your gums and soft tissues with a special
    gel or rubber shield to prevent irritation from the whitening gel.
  • Application of Whitening Gel: A professional-grade whitening gel (with a higher
    concentration of hydrogen peroxide) is applied directly to your teeth.
  • Results: This process typically takes 30-60 minutes, and you may see results immediately
    after the session. You may need multiple sessions depending on how much whitening is
    needed.

2. At-home Whitening Kits (Provided by Dentist)

  • Custom Trays: The dentist will create custom-fitted trays that match the shape of your teeth.
    These trays ensure even application of the whitening gel and minimize leakage.
  • Whitening Gel: The dentist provides you with a professional-grade whitening gel that’s
    stronger than what you’d find over-the-counter.
  • Wearing the Trays: You wear the trays with the whitening gel in them for a set period of
    time each day (usually a few hours or overnight) for 1-2 weeks, depending on the treatment
    plan your dentist gives you.
  • Gradual Whitening: The gel gradually breaks down the stains over time, so your teeth
    become progressively whiter.

How It Works:

  • Hydrogen Peroxide/Carbamide Peroxide: These chemicals in the whitening gel release
    oxygen molecules when applied to your teeth. The oxygen breaks down the staining
    compounds in your enamel, lifting the discoloration.
  • Enamel Penetration: The bleaching agent reaches deeper layers of your teeth to treat both
    surface stains and deeper discoloration caused by things like coffee, tea, wine, or smoking.