Professional tooth whitening is no longer the preserve of the rich and famous; in fact it is now a popular and accessible cosmetic treatment, providing an easy, low-cost solution to improving your smile. A brighter, whiter smile can give us the confidence to express ourselves the way we really want to; knowing we have a sparkling smile can work wonders for our wellbeing too.

Few people actually have brilliant-white teeth. Over time our teeth can become discoloured; the surface of our teeth can be stained by certain foods and drinks, for example tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant, and smoking is also a contributory factor to tooth discolouration.

Professional tooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without damaging or removing any of the tooth surface. It is often said that tooth whitening can take 5 years off your appearance and what’s more, your friends find it hard to tell what has changed!

So you’re ready to embark upon your journey to a whiter smile – but where do you start? Tooth whitening treatments should always be carried out under the supervision of a dentist or qualified hygienist for the safest, most effective treatment. Our dental team will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and if so, will supervise it throughout.

What does tooth whitening involve?

No drills – no needles! Professional tooth whitening is non-invasive and usually requires few visits to the surgery. It’s worth noting that tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour, and only works on natural teeth as opposed to dentures, crowns and veneers (for which our dental team can provide guidance on helping to reduce discolouration).

A digital scan is taken of your mouth, which will be used to create bespoke trays to fit your mouth exactly. Whitening gel is placed inside these trays, which are then inserted into your mouth. As the active ingredient in the product is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.

How long does treatment usually take?

Usually between two to four weeks. After an initial visit to the dentist, the team will need to make a mouthguard; for which impressions will usually have been taken at the first appointment. Once our team has started the treatment, you will carry on the treatment in the comfort of your own home, regularly applying the whitening gel over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes or overnight wear depending on the product used.

We are able to provide a quicker method if required, and this can be undertaken in a single visit too.

The future is bright!

It has to be said the emotional change and improvement in confidence that can occur when our patients have a changed smile is a delight to see.

If you’d like to find out more about tooth whitening at Market House Dental, please head to our Treatments webpage where you can book your consultation at our Chichester practice.