Tooth Whitening Procedures - Dentist In Kent

QUICK REFERENCE SHEET FOR TOOTH WHITENING PROCEDURES

Brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes with normal toothpaste
Prepare your tray by placing a little whitening gel into each of the reservoirs, apply a small amount of the gel into the tray as shown
Dab the front teeth dry on the front and at the back with a tissue
Place the tray in the mouth and ensure that it is well seated. Squeeze the tray against the teeth to see the gel smear around all the teeth. If you can’t see this you need to use more gel or you won’t get a good result
Remove excess whitening material with a cotton roll or tissue
Do not swallow any excess material

Take the trays out and rinse mouth with water
Brush with normal toothpaste
Clean the trays using a tooth brush, toothpaste and cool water before soaking in ‘Retainer Brite’ solution (available from reception) for a few minutes to remove any stains and leave a fresh smell
Leave in open box to air dry during the day

For one week before whitening:

Apply ‘Sensodyne’ toothpaste or fluoride gel in the bleaching tray every evening. This will de-sensitise the teeth before commencing whitening treatment
If sensitivity should arise when whitening, place Sensodyne or fluoride gel into the tray and sleep overnight with the tray in place. You may need to take painkillers
If teeth are frequently sensitive when whitening, alternate days by placing Sensodyne or fluoride gel one day and the whitening material the next
If sensitivity persists, focus on whitening top teeth first then the lower ones (don’t worry, the colour will match)

On average, after two to three days you will notice a difference. After five to seven days teeth should be a healthy white colour (matching the whites of the eyes) and after two weeks becoming a bright white colour (whiter than the whites of the eyes).
Everyone’s teeth whiten differently- some whiten slower or faster, some can be resistant to whitening and others can achieve a very bright result. If you are not happy with the result speak to your dentist for advice.
For best results:

Be consistent –the result is cumulative, you must do day after day
Ensure you put enough gel in the tray. Push tray against teeth and see gel smear – if this doesn’t happen, more gel is required
Leave in for required length of time – maximum two hours
Try not to “yellow” teeth whilst whitening – minimise coloured foods (ie curry, beer, coffee, tea especially black tea etc) as this counteracts the whitening process. Anything with colour has a yellowing effect – aim for a “white” diet.

If you are having restorative work such as crowns, cosmetic fillings, veneers, bridges and implant treatment, teeth whitening must be stopped two weeks prior to allow the colour to stabilise to match the restorations too.

Once you achieve your whitening results, if you maintain a normal diet the effects of yellowing will discolour your teeth again over time. To maintain your white teeth we recommend three-monthly private hygiene appointments and whitening top ups every two to four months, or as required.
If your results take one week or less, one session of whitening top up is usually sufficient to maintain your colour. If it took two or more weeks, two sessions are advised. Syringes last approximately two years if stored in the fridge and you can purchase extra syringes from reception should you need them.

For further advice contact the practice on 01474 537191 or email info@parrockdental.co.uk