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Teeth Whitening Process In Cabinteely

Consultation

First, the dentist will examine your teeth to ensure you are suitable for teeth whitening. This will include a check-up and may include some x-rays of your teeth. Some reasons that you may not be suitable could be gum disease, tooth decay or hypersensitivity.

It is also important to note that teeth whitening only works on actual tooth structure – crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings will not whiten.

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Impressions

Once your dentist confirms suitability, they will work with you to identify the shade you wish to achieve. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what outcome you are likely to achieve before you begin as this can vary from person to person. Impressions will then be taken of your teeth so that customised whitening trays (made of a clear plastic material) can be made for you.

These can take up to a week to be made, so you will be invited back to the practice to collect your trays and teeth whitening kit. The dentist will demonstrate how to use this kit at this appointment.

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Treatment At Home

Teeth whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for either 1-2 hours an evening or overnight for approximately 7 to 14 days. This depends on the shade you wish to achieve and the strength of whitening gels used. You may experience some sensitivity during this process, but this is very common and will disappear a few days after you finish your whitening treatment. If you usually have sensitive teeth, it may be helpful to use sensitive toothpaste before and during the whitening process.

After the initial application, you can purchase extra whitening gels which you can use to “top-up” your teeth to keep them looking nice and white. It is also important to note that tea, coffee, red wine and smoking causes staining of the teeth, and therefore regular hygienist appointments are recommended to keep your smile clean and white following treatment.

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Teeth Whitening In Cabinteely Frequently Asked Questions

A full check-up with your dentist is recommended prior to whitening treatment to determine your suitability. Professional teeth whitening is ideal for patients who have healthy teeth and gums with no anterior (front) tooth restorations such as fillings, crowns or veneers. You may not be a suitable candidate if you have gum disease, tooth decay or hypersensitivity.

Once you are a suitable candidate, your dentist will work with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. Impressions will then be taken of your teeth to develop custom whitening trays which you can use yourself at home. Your bespoke whitening kit will include the trays and a special whitening gel.

Teeth whitening trays and gel are typically used at home for either 1-2 hours an evening or overnight for approximately 7 to 14 days. This depends on the shade you wish to achieve and the strength of whitening gels used. Your dentist will discuss these options with you to determine the most suitable whitening treatment.

The shade of white you are able to achieve with whitening depends on a few factors. This includes the shade of your teeth prior to treatment, your diet and whether or not you smoke. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely outcome before you begin your whitening treatment.

You may experience some sensitivity during the whitening process. This is very common and should disappear a few days after you finish your whitening treatment. If you usually have sensitive teeth, it may be helpful to use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth before and during whitening.

No, teeth whitening is not harmful to your teeth and gums. A common misconception is that teeth whitening can weaken your teeth. This may be due to the sensitivity that some patients experience during treatment. However, this is completely normal and should disappear when you finish your whitening treatment.

No. Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings will not whiten. If you have any crowns, veneers or fillings in your front teeth, you may need to have these replaced after your whitening treatment to match them to your new, whiter shade.

The effects of whitening will vary from person to person. Results may be impacted by smoking or consuming certain foods and drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine. As your whitening trays are reusable, you can top-up your treatment if the colour of your teeth darkens overtime.

After the initial whitening process, you may have plenty of whitening gel remaining which you can use to top-up your tooth shade annually or as needed. If you need more whitening gel, it will be available to purchase at your dental practice. Try to maintain a good oral health routine at home, avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, and schedule regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist to keep your teeth clean and healthy.

To find out more about teeth whitening in Cabinteely, please contact us on (01) 268 9566 or cabinteely@dentalcareireland.ie.