What is Teeth Whitening?
Often we look at our reflection and wonder how our smile has faded. Over time our teeth stain and discolour naturally, especially if we frequently eat or drink staining foods like tea, coffee, curry and blackcurrant. It is completely natural, but it can make you feel like not showing off your teeth.
Tooth whitening will not harm your teeth or gums and can bring back that lighter, whiter colour to your teeth. We offer a range of options for whitening here at Colosseum Dental.
We follow recognised tooth-whitening procedures that have been proven to be safe, do not harm the teeth or enamelHard calcified tissue covering dentin of the crown of tooth.. One thing to bear in mind is that tooth whitening only lightens natural living teeth. This means that any other dental work in your mouth, such as crowns or fillings, will not change colour after the treatment.
If you have a few crowns or fillings it is a good idea to talk to you dentist about how you can also lighten the colour of these to give you a consistent colour on all your teeth. Read how teeth whitening works on our dental health page.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
Once your dentist has checked that there are no other dental issues your treatment can begin. You use a whitener at home, as well as receiving treatment with your Dentist, so impressions of your teeth will be taken to make the whitening trays for this.
During the whitening with your Dentist your gums will be protected using a paint on gel, making sure that the whitening gel sits only on your teeth. The whole process usually takes about 1 ¼ hours and your teeth will appear lighter at the end of that appointment. You will need to use home trays for a few days to top up that initial result.
Teeth Whitening at home
Once your dentist has fully checked that there are no dental issues which would prevent you having tooth whitening, impressions of your mouth will be taken. The dental laboratory will then make whitening trays which are specific to your mouth which usually takes 1-2 weeks.
Your dentist will check that the trays fit correctly and also demonstrate how to use the at home whitening gels. The trays can be worn for a few hours each day or even overnight and usually within 2 weeks you will see a whiter smile.
How should you care for your teeth after whitening treatment?
You will lose one shade of lightness as your teeth re-hydrate and form a new saliva layer over your whitened teeth.
You must also avoid any staining foods or liquids such as tea, coffee, tobacco, cola, curries, vegetables etc., in the first 24 hours. Try to stick to only white or clear products. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that would stain a white shirt!
After 24 hours we recommend reducing the frequency of staining foods and drinks, and rinsing out your mouth with water after tea, coffee, smoking etc. Use a whitening toothpaste that isn’t abrasive, ideally 3 times a day, and floss your teeth once a day too, for best, longest-lasting whitening results.
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