Home  Key Fact Sheets Teeth Whitening
Key Facts - Teeth Whitening
There are various methods available for the whitening of teeth. Some systems take place only at the dentist, but other systems are available for home use.
Dentist Systems The systems most commonly used at the dentists include:
- Britesmile.
The dentist protects your gums and applies the Britesmile whitening gel to your teeth. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide which bleaches the teeth, together with
glycerin and purified water to protect your teeth from dehydration. It also contains a photo-initiator, which
accelerates the tooth whitening process when acted up by the Britesmile blue light. Thus the entire tooth whitening process takes about an hour and teeth can be lightened by up to 9 shades. The system can be less effective when teeth are stained by the use of
tetracycline antibiotics during childhood but some patients are treated successfully - you would need to discuss the probability of a good outcome with your dentist. The average cost for this treament in the UK is in the region of £500. Note that crowns and bridges etc will not lighten with this procedure - if they are already matched to your yellow teeth then teeth lightening would not be advisable. Visit Britesmile Teeth Whitening for more information.
- Tray Bleaching
Trays for your mouth are custom made in the dental laboratory. Your dentist will then give you the peroxide based whitening gel and you wear the trays at home on your teeth over an extended period whilst your teeth gradually lighten. This method is more inconvenient and takes longer than the above method, but is generally a little cheaper.
Home Kits
Home kits generally consist of trays that you heat with water to soften them so that you can mould them to the shape of your teeth. You then add the peroxide based whitening gel to the trays and wear them on your teeth for an hour, repeated over a period of approximately 5 - 10 days or longer if necessary. These home kits are much cheaper, costing £15 - £20. For further information, visit MaxBrite.
You can also get home treatment kits where the trays are made in a dental laboratory - these kits are available from Unavida and cost £85. |
