Teeth Whitening
The most important thing you wear is your smile. Stain discoloured teeth can leave you feeling unattractive and lead to low self-esteem.
Tooth whitening is an established and safe way to change the colour of your teeth. The only safe material to use is Hydrogen Peroxide and this can only legally be done by a dentist or dental hygienist, so avoid beauty salons and internet products. If other materials are used they may permanently damage your teeth. The hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen free radicals that can remove the stain molecules in the teeth. Tooth whitening will change the colour of natural teeth but it will not change the colour of existing fillings or porcelain restorations.
At The Smile Practice in Oxford, we are delighted to offer our clients two whitening methods: one laser bleaching treatment, which is carried out at the practice and a second professional home whitening treatment:
1. Laser or power whitening
All the teeth are isolated from the gums and soft tissues of the mouth allowing a stronger concentration of peroxide to be used than for home whitening. The whitening gel is activated by a blue lamp that accelerates the whitening process. Typically this takes about an hour. The market leader is Zoom Advanced Power which is what we use at The Smile Practice in Oxfordshire. It is best to follow up the power whitening with 3-5 days of home whitening to ensure the best possible result as this will stabilise the colour change achieved. This also allows topping up of the whitening over time. The period of home whitening is considerably less than if power whitening is carried first.
2. Home (tray) whitening
Custom fitting soft whitening trays are made into which the whitening peroxide gel is placed; typically they are worn for 1 hour a day. Sometimes the trays can be worn overnight – this is your preference. Different concentrations of gel can be used in different circumstances and the dentist will prescribe the concentration that he or she feels most appropriate. Typically the trays are worn over a 2-3 week period.
Tooth whitening is an excellent way to brighten up your smile so call today to take up our unbeatable offers. All prices include a screening examination to check suitability and this is complimentary as long as we proceed with the whitening.
