There are 2 main ways to whiten your teeth.

You can opt for in chair teeth whitening instead by visiting us at St Mark Dental Clinic. This is performed in our practice and takes approximately 2 hours. Our dentist can provide a gel with more powerful bleaching agents (up to 38% hydrogen peroxide) than what you can find in a store, and having a professional carry out the treatment can be the best way to ensure the products work as best as possible.

• The Dentist will begin by cleaning all teeth of any tartar. This is a sensitive procedure as it is performed near the gum line.
• The dentist will then apply a specialized peroxide gel evenly on the teeth.
• The dentist will then also place another gel on your gums in order to protect and avoid any tingling or sensitivity.
• The laser is used to activate the gel. The laser acts as the facilitator to the chemical reaction to enhance the beauty of your smile.
• Once you’re ready, a LED light will be shone over your teeth for up to an hour to assist the bleach.

Result will be immediate.

You will need to avoid foods and drinks that could stain teeth for the following 24 hours. You may prefer to opt for several treatments to achieve the desired shade of white, but most people will only require one session for great results. Depending on your lifestyle and dietary habits, results may last up to a year.

This type of teeth whitening treatment happens in one visit, in practice. As a result, it’s a great solution for patients who would like to whiten their teeth more quickly or who do not want to make wearing the whitening trays part of their regular routine. If you feel that you may be at risk of forgetting to use the at home trays, or perhaps would like to speed up the whitening process for a special occasion, then in chair whitening might be the right avenue for you.

With this in chair whitening you may require to use the home whitening trays to boost your in surgery whitening results though minimal time wearing these trays will be required.

TAKE HOME KIT- Custom Fit Tray Bleaching

This is the most affordable and reliable method available. In this procedure, the individual is allowed to wear a plastic gum for 2-3 hours every day for a week according to the dentist. On the inside of the wearable is the gel that touches your teeth and does the magic.
Steps involved to receive your take home whitening kit:

• The dentist will take moulds of your teeth and create custom fitted trays just for you, which you can then pick up (along with your dental grade whitening gel).
• Each evening, you will need to fill your whitening trays with the gel.
• You will then wear the tray for a certain period of time, usually 45 to 60 minutes depending on your circumstances. Which your dentist will explain prior to giving you the whitening kit.

This process generally happens over the course of two weeks. The take home whitening kit has a number of benefits. Even though your dentist will supervise your whitening treatment, you will be in control of the process at home. You will be able to choose the treatment that will fit in to your day to day life. The take home kit procedure is ideal for patients who would like to whiten their teeth in their own time.

REMEMBER BOTH IN SURGERY WHITENING AND AT HOME WHITENING DOES REQUIRE HOME MAINTENANCE TO KEEP THESE RESULTS WHITE AND BRIGHT.

CAUSES OF DISCOLOURED TEETH

Firstly, it’s important to understand just what it is that causes stains and discoloration of the teeth. This may help you decide on the best whitening option for your teeth, and it can help you understand how to reduce this issue in the future.

Most causes of tooth stains are external, which means that the discolouring comes from an outside source rather than from within the tooth itself. Much of this comes from your diet and lifestyle habits.

For example, coffee, tea and red wine are all common causes of stains. If you regularly drink these hot drinks or enjoy a glass of red or two, the stains on your teeth could easily come from these sources. Other foods, including fizzy drinks, can also discolour teeth. Another major cause is that of smoking or chewing tobacco, which is known to discolour teeth over time. Finally, stains may be a simple result of poor cleaning techniques.

Other tooth stain causes are inherent, which means the discoloration comes from within the tooth. In this case, the tooth/teeth will darken or take on a yellow tinge. Common causes hare are from too much fluoride in early childhood, the use of antibiotics as a child under the age of eight, trauma, or birth condition.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR TEETH ARE SUITABLE FOR WHITENING

The best way to tell if your teeth are suited for any kind of whitening treatment is to talk to one of our dentists at St Mark Dental Clinic. The dentist will talk to you about the causes of the issue, and will be able to make an informed decision about which treatment options may work best.

Your dentist will also be able to inspect your teeth and gums to ensure they are in a good and healthy condition in order to receive treatment. Also, as your dentist may already know you and your teeth, they will discuss specifics, such as whether or not you’re likely to feel any sensitivity during whitening.