0161 445 10 10
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening can be a highly effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surfaces. It cannot make a complete colour change; but it will lighten the existing shade.
Why would I need my teeth whitened?
There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older. Your teeth can also be stained on the surface through food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.
What does tooth whitening involve?
At Didsbury Family Dental Care we offer a choice of professional take home whitening kits with custom-made trays, “Zoom” in surgery whitening and a combination of both. Both procedures are based on a bleaching process that uses a peroxide-based compound of varying strength. The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.
During the Zoom in surgery procedure your gums are protected with a rubber shield, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the chemical reaction of the whitening product and the colour change can be achieved more quickly using this procedure. Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to five or six shades lighter.
How much whiter will my teeth look?
This varies from individual to individual, and also depends on the type of whitening system used. Some people respond very well to teeth whitening and have dramatically whiter teeth as a result, whereas others may notice very little difference at all. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely results given your teeth.
How long will my teeth stay whiter?
The effects of whitening can last up to two years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dentist for their opinion before you start the treatment
What are the side effects?
Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others report discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within 24-48 hours of the treatment finishing.
If any of these side effects continue you should go to your dentist.
0161 445 1010
Dr Irfan Haque BChD
Dr John Latham BDS BSc
Ms Frances Sands Bsc OHS
| Monday - Wednesday: | 9.15 am - 5.30 pm |
| Thursday: | 9.15 am - 7.00 pm |
| Friday: | 9.15 am - 1.00 pm |
