Lancaster Dentists

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that involves the use of mild bleaching materials to gently lighten the colour of your teeth.

At Hest Bank Dental Centre we offer two different types of whitening - an in-chair system called Zoom!3 and an at-home system using specially made trays and whitening gel.

How does it work?

The active ingredients in dental whitening products is usually either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both the in-chair (Zoom!3) and at-home systems work in essentially the same way. After the gel is applied to the surface of the teeth, the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour becomes lighter.

With the Zoom!3 in-chair system, a strong blue light is shone on the teeth to speed up the chemical reaction of the whitening product. The procedure takes about an hour and can make your teeth up to five or six shades lighter.

With the at-home system, you will be provided with plastic trays moulded to the shape of your teeth. A small amount of Whitening gel is placed in the trays and the trays are then placed in your mouth for up to an hour a day. The at-home system usually takes between two and three weeks to achieve a similar result to the in-chair system.

Are there any side affects?

Teeth whitening is a completely safe and harmless procedure as long as it is carried out under the supervision of your dentist. The typical course of treatment has the same effect on teeth as drinking a glass of cola.

Sensitivity during or a few days after treatment is the most commonly reported side effect. However, that usually quickly disappears on its on or can be eased using a sensitive toothpaste and flouride mouthwash.

What causes teeth to go yellow?

The most common causes of tooth discolouration are drinks such as red wine, coffee and tea, food such as curry, and smoking.

Discolouration penetrates the surface of the tooth so brushing alone will never restore your teeth to their original colour.

How is it different from an over-the-counter whitening kit?

Many over-the-counter kits are dangerous because they contain acids and are abrasive. Teeth whitening toothpastes are safer to use and may remove some stains, but they will never affect the shade of your teeth.

Teeth whitening is not a simple procedure, and should only be carried out under the supervision of your dentist after a thorough checkup.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Depending on your diet, smoking habits, oral hygiene and other factors, teeth whitening lasts an average of a year and a half, after which some patients request a top-up.