Teeth whitening can help patients looking to brighten their smile, without removing or damaging any of the tooth’s surfaces. Despite the name, the aim is usually to brighten your smile to a lighter shade, rather than to ‘pure white’, to ensure a natural and beautiful result.
There are countless reasons to decide on whitening your teeth. Just as we all differ in our hair colours and skin tones, our teeth are just as different. The “ideal” of a brilliant white smile (sometimes referred to as ‘refrigerator white’!) isn’t something seen in natural smiles. As we get older, our teeth get darker due to a range of factors. One heavy influence is our diet, with strongly coloured foods affecting the shade of our smile. Other influences include smoking, oral hygiene and even the use of certain antibiotics.
Treatment timelines can vary depending on the starting shade and the desired end result. The majority of whitening cases can be finished within two to four weeks. This can include up to four visits to the dentist.
Teeth which have undergone a whitening treatment can last at that shade for up to three years. However, this can vary from person to person, with outside forces affecting this – including smoking, diet and other factors. If you want to know more, you can speak to your dentist when commencing for a better idea, tailored to your situation.
Infrequently, some patients do experience sensitivity to cold as a result of undergoing whitening treatment. It is also possible to experience some gum discomfort or a sore throat. However, these symptoms are usually very temporary and should disappear within a few days. If, however, you find a persisting side effect, you should speak to your dentist for specific advice.
Following a whitening treatment, you may find that your teeth feel cleaner than before. You can help continue this and keep your teeth white by cutting back on strongly coloured foods and drinks. If you do smoke, stopping this can also help prevent discolouration and staining.
For information on pricing, ask your dentist about our Teeth Whitening Treatments or speak to our team by calling us on 01935 840784.
Yes, when performed by a qualified dental professional using approved products.
Results can last up to a year, depending on your diet and oral hygiene habits.
Whitening is effective on natural teeth but won't change the colour of crowns, veneers, or fillings.
Some individuals may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, which usually subsides shortly after treatment.
Over-the-counter products are available, but professional treatments are recommended for safety and effectiveness.

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