Teeth whitening; your queries answered!
Want a whiter smile, but want to know how it’s done professionally?
At The Dental Retreat, our teeth whitening Macleod can provide you with a long-lasting gleaming smile that you’ve always wanted. Perfect!
Here, we answer FAQs we receive about teeth whitening Macleod, so enjoy!
Can over-the-counter whitening gels remove stains?
When it comes to teeth whitening Macleod, if you want long-lasting visible results, you need to see our dentist.
If you use over-the-counter gels to remove stains and whiten teeth, you will be lucky to whiten your teeth by 2 shades, whereas we can make them up to 18 shades whiter!
Will whitening heighten my sensitivity?
If performed correctly, dental whitening should not heighten or cause issues with sensitivity long-term.
Initially, after the session, you may notice some twinging as the holes in the enamel have been exposed, but our team will be able to offer a sealant process if you have extreme sensitivity, which will cover the holes and prevent this from occurring.
Also, we may choose to whiten your teeth more gradually if you have dental sensitivity, allowing longer gaps between appointments for your teeth to heal themselves and prevent tenderness.
How long does it take to whiten teeth?
For surface stains caused by foods etc, the generally accepted method is to use oxidising gels, which can take up to 2 weeks to whiten your teeth. If you have more deeply set stains, this may take slightly longer, and our team may need to use stronger gel concentrations to match the finished shade that you wish to achieve via whitening. This is typically achieved via one session with our team, top-up whitening each day at home for 2 weeks, and then a final appointment with us to finish the whitening process.
If your teeth are discoloured due to an issue such as fluorosis (early exposure to high levels of fluoride), then this is a more deeply set stain and we may need to use abrasion whitening to remove the staining. This is a bit trickier and we may recommend a different procedure to whiten your teeth such as veneers or composite bonding.
How long does tooth whitening last?
It can last from a few months to up to 3 years.
If you smoke or consume foods that are high in tannins (such as red wine), then it is likely that the whitening effect of the treatment will not last as long. If you do not engage in top-up treatments at home, then it is unlikely that your whiter teeth will last as long as someone who regularly uses a top-up gel.
Can I top up whitening at home?
Yes, you can.
When you come to our practice we may be able to provide you with whitening trays to wear at home. Our team will mix a formula together of personalised whitening gel to place into the tray and wear over your teeth as you sleep.
This will help to not only speed up the overall whitening process, but can keep it topped up in between professional whitening sessions. Great stuff!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.