Teeth whitening is just one of a range of treatments and a popular cosmetic procedure for those looking for
whiter teeth. It’s also a swift and effective way to improve your smile. If you’re considering teeth whitening, we’ve
compiled some professional advice to consider before making a decision.
Teeth whitening is the cost-effective and straightforward process of lightening the colour of the natural tooth
enamel. Time Dental in Farnham can help you brighten full arches of teeth and use internal tooth whitening to
improve the appearance of non-vital teeth as teeth that have previously had root canal treatments.
As teeth age, their natural whiteness fades, and the protective enamel becomes less porous. Discolouration can
be caused by drinking coffee, red wine, tea, or other strongly coloured drinks, as well as smoking. Teeth that have
lost their natural whiteness have dull enamel, making the smile appear less bright and healthy.
Dental treatments for tooth whitening use agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to “bleach”
the enamel. In contrast to popular myth, the teeth whitening process does not damage the natural tooth. With
ever-increasing dental technology, we can provide treatments suitable for more patients than ever before.
Whitening is suitable for most adults over 18, but it is not appropriate for those with gum disease, pregnant, or
breastfeeding. At Time Dental, we’re happy to run you through all of your treatment options during your
evaluation appointment.
If you already have restorations such as white fillings, veneers or crowns, these cannot be whitened due to the
nature of porcelain and composite materials. If you’d like a whiter smile and have tooth-coloured restorations in
place, your dental team will happily provide you with private treatment options to lighten your teeth and make
new restorations to match your new smile.
When using our home whitening kits, you should start seeing results in as little as a week, with maximum results
seen in 2 to 4 weeks. The amount of whitening you see will vary based on the strength of the peroxide used and
the length of time worn.
The great thing about tooth home tooth whitening is that you’re completely in control! For patients who want their
white smile in a faster time, we recommend wearing their bleaching trays for 3-4 hours every day until they’ve
reached their dazzling smile goals. For patients that already suffer from sensitivity, we’d recommend just 1-2
hours per day. You’ll still achieve the desired shade, but it will take a few weeks longer.
Tooth whitening creates a significant boost to smiles, and even the best results can be topped up. The longevity
of your whitening treatment will differ depending on your dietary habits and lifestyle. With these factors in mind,
you can expect your whiter smile to last anything between 3 months to 3 years before needing to use “top up” products.
If you want your teeth to remain as white as possible, avoid foods and beverages that can stain them, such as
deeply coloured fruit and sauces, tea, coffee and red wine. In terms of oral health also helps to stop smoking,
brush your teeth twice a day, and schedule regular dental cleanings at your dental practice.
If you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our team on 01252 723 008 or request a FREE
consultation appointment with your dentist online.