Tooth whitening is a method to lighten the colour of your teeth. The whitening agent works as a bleach, to break down the stains that have been up taken by your teeth.

Tooth whitening can be provided in the surgery. The whitening gel is applied to your teeth and a light is used to energise the gel.

Tooth whitening can also be provided for home use. A customised mouthguard is made in the surgery, and this is given to the patients to fill with the whitening gel at night.

Most courses of treatment will use a combination of in surgery and home use.

Some people experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold after treatment. Symptoms usually disappear within 1-3 days after stopping or completion of treatment.

Tooth whitening gel only works on natural teeth and not on any dental restorations.
This needs to be considered when planning for tooth whitening, as restorations may then appear more conspicuous and need to be replaced.

Some patients may need periodic re-bleaching. This is dependent on what caused the tooth staining. Coffee, tea, red wine and cola all cause teeth to stain.

Tooth whitening is a convenient way to lighten the natural colour of one’s teeth.