Teeth Whitening – Dental Bleaching
Teeth whitening, also known as dental bleaching, is a non-invasive procedure intended to lighten the shade of natural tooth enamel. It is performed under professional supervision, following an assessment of the patient’s dental condition.
Key Considerations
Take-home whitening systems are commonly used. As whitening acts only on natural tooth enamel, existing restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers are not affected and may require evaluation after treatment to harmonise with the new tooth shade.
The whitening agents used have a neutral to basic pH and are applied according to established clinical protocols. The results are not permanent, and maintenance treatments may be required over time, particularly in the presence of staining factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.
Treatment Process
The procedure generally involves two appointments. During the first visit, digital impressions are taken to fabricate custom-made trays. At the second appointment, the trays are fitted and instructions for use are provided. The trays are then worn with a whitening gel, typically overnight, for a duration determined by the initial tooth shade and individual objectives.
Temporary tooth sensitivity may occur during treatment and usually resolves after completion of the procedure.
Outcomes are individual and may vary according to each patient’s circumstances.
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