DENTAL TREATMENTS

Tooth Whitening


For a brighter smile and to complement your facial rejuvenation you may wish to have your teeth whitened. This is a very popular choice of treatment at our private practice.
Natural teeth vary in colour but they all tend to darken with age. Coloured food, tea, coffee and red wine in particular stain teeth gradually over the years and the teeth appear darker as the enamel wears thinner. Sometimes, the medicines we take can affect the appearance of our teeth and even some of the popular mouthwashes darken the enamel. This cannot be removed by tooth brushing with commercially available toothpastes but requires the use of safe and effective tooth whitening products.

Alison has found the most effective and safe product to use is a specially formulated tooth whitening gel which contains a whitening agent which gently penetrates the enamel to reach the discoloured molecules inside your tooth. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agent reacts with the discoloured molecules and breaks down the discolouration to leave your teeth brighter and whiter.

The gel is available in 2 concentrations and three flavours (Melon, Mint and Regular) and needs to be in contact with the teeth for as little as 30 minutes per day for 14 days. The special formulation is only dispensed by dentists and it allows you to get professional whitening results which is safe and very effective. Alison will be able to advise you on which concentration is most suitable for your teeth. The gel is very effective and is specially formulated to prevent sensitivity and dehydration. It also contains fluoride which helps to reduce cavities and strengthens enamel.

For those people who do not want to commit to having custom-made trays, there is a cheaper alternative for patients in a hurry or who want a top-up. This is the Opalescence Quick Whitening Go, which can only be dispensed by a dental professional. This take-home whitening gel is delivered via ready made trays in boxes of ten. The gel is already incorporated into the inside of the trays and all that is required is to place the tray over the teeth and leave it there for up to an hour. 

Full instructions will be given by Alison but this is a very quick and easy method for whitening which can be suitable for some patients. The ready-to-go prefilled tray makes brightening your teeth safer and easier to apply. Alison can talk to you about the two different methods to see which is the more suitable for you. The cost of a box of 10 ready-filled trays is £175.

During your appointment, Alison will match your own shade to a shade guide and take some impressions to make individual whitening trays for the gel. She will then show you how to use the gel and provide you with all the information that you will need to achieve the best results.

A follow up appointment can be made in 2 weeks to ensure that you are happy with the whitening.

The results usually last up to five years but can be topped up at any time.
01473 256 907
13northgate@sky.com
13 Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3BX
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