Questions about teeth whitening

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening. Remember always to consult with your dentist before having any treatment done to your teeth. And for any questions we haven't answered here, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Q1  Is teeth whitening bad for my teeth?

No, not if it is carried out by a professional dentist however some people will not be suitable to have teeth whitening treatment (see Q5).

Q2  Are the results from home whitening kits any good?

They can be. You dentist will create a model of your teeth from which to custom make teeth whitening trays. Use these with professional whitening gel supplied by your dentist.

Q3  Are there any side effects to teeth whitening?

Either during or immediately after the treatment many people experience some sensitivity to their teeth but this usually settles down after 48 hours. Try and avoid very hot or cold food and drinks in this period.

Q4  Which teeth whitening brand is the best?

The market is full of teeth whitening systems and they all claim to be the best. At 360 Dental Care we often use Zoom!® which you might have heard about from the TV programme Extreme Makeover. Others are Opalescence® , BriteSmile® and Enlighten which we also use here at 360 Dental Care. One system might suit your teeth better than the other so always speak to your dentist before embarking on any sort of teeth whitening.

Q5  Can everyone have their teeth whitening?

Unfortunately some people will not be suitable for teeth whitening treatment including those with gum disease and other dental health problems. Teeth whitening doesn't change the colour of veneers, fillings and crowns so if you have these in a prominent position you will probably need to have them replaced to match your new shade of white.

Q6  How much whiter will my teeth be?

It can vary from person to person and depending on the whitening system itself. Those with heavily stained and yellow teeth tend to see a more dramatic result but the vast majority of patients will see a difference.