Cosmetic Treatments

Tooth Whitening - A Brighter, Fresher Smile

Over time, because teeth are porous, they start to pick up stains and can discolour. Sometimes the discoloration is on the surface and can be polished off. The staining can also be deeper and this may be when tooth whitening is the most appropriate way to brighten the smile.

At Morningside Dental Clinic we can carry out two types of tooth whitening:

1. In House Whitening

This involves the application of a hydrogen peroxide solution to the surface of the teeth for about 30-50 minutes. It has the advantage that all treatment is done in surgery and there is no need for impressions. Great if you have a wedding to go to on Saturday!! It can however cause some temporary sensitivity- but this will always resolve after 24- 48 hrs.

2. In House/Home Continuance

This involves taking impressions of the teeth from which trays can be made. Carbamide peroxide gels are placed into the trays. Usually we use stronger Carbamide peroxide in the surgery for about 40mins to 1hr and then provide the patient with a less strong gel to take home to use. This involves wearing the trays for 1-2hrs/night for about 2 weeks. While it does take longer and requires impressions, sensitivity tends to be less but the results are usually just as good

(For both techniques there can be problems with some sensitivity and the results can vary depending on the nature of the teeth and the stains present. Generally there is a good result with a brighter, fresher smile at the end of treatment and it causes no damage or harm to the teeth.)

Please feel free to call us to discuss the process in more detail.