TEETH WHITENING FAQ

28th August 2018

TEETH WHITENING FAQ

As society becomes more photo obsessed, from selfies you take yourself to the friend who insisted on bringing a selfie stick, our smiles have gradually become more of a concern for some. Even if your teeth are relatively straight, stained and yellow teeth can be a big cause of embarrassment and shame for some individuals. With modern media such as magazines and billboards constantly whitening teeth, it’s clear that a pearly and bright smile is highly desired.

At Abbey House Dental, Stone our tooth whitening treatment can transform your smile. With professional bleaching, we can lighten the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the surface. Our experienced dental team will listen to your goals and create a realistic treatment plan to give you a brighter, whiter smile.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most commonly asked questions regarding tooth whitening, to ensure you have enough information to decide whether you’d like to consider the treatment.

“How much whiter will my teeth actually go?”

This varies for every patient and also depends on the type of whitening system used. Some people respond very well to teeth whitening and have dramatically whiter teeth as a result. People with heavily stained teeth will often notice a dramatic difference than those with slightly discoloured teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely results following a full consultation.

“Does tooth whitening hurt?”

Some people experience no pain or sensitivity; however, you may experience some kind of sensitivity either during or after the initial treatment. Your dentist may give you a special gel or mousse to apply to your teeth to help with the sensitivity. It is advisable to avoid hot or cold food and drinks within the first 48 hours of your whitening treatment.

“How do I know if I am suitable for tooth whitening?”

Many people are not suitable for teeth whitening and your dentist will assess your suitability during your consultation. If you have gum disease or other dental health problems, you may not be suitable.

“Does tooth whitening affect fillings, veneers or crowns?”

Tooth whitening has little or no effect on restorative materials such as porcelain or crowns, but it may temporarily reduce the bond strength between enamel and composite restorations. This is why it’s a good idea to check with your dental professional before beginning any course of tooth whitening.

“How long does tooth whitening last?”

Typically, you can expect whitening to last from six months to two years, although some studies report results lasting up to 10 years. Avoiding red wine, coffee, and smoking—all of which can cause staining—helps preserve the results.

“Does tooth whitening cause permanent tooth sensitivity?”

Sensitivity from tooth whitening is always transient. That means if there is any sensitivity caused by the whitening, it goes away within one to two days after the treatment, and the patient returns to the state of sensitivity he or she had prior to starting the whitening process.

If you’re interested in our teeth whitening treatment at Abbey House Dental, contact us on 01785 818037 to request a consultation.