Treatments
Professional Teeth Whitening
Whiter teeth are one of the most significant aesthetic concerns of dental patients. At Identity Smile, we offer a professional teeth whitening service, sure to enhance your smile and restore your teeth to their former glory.
About This Treatment
Teeth whitening, often referred to as “bleaching”, is one of the fastest methods to significantly brighten the colour of your natural tooth, enhancing and improving your smile instantly.
How does tooth whitening work?
At Identity Smile, the teeth whitening service we offer works through the application of a gel which interacts with the tooth surface to remove surface staining and discolouration, altering the internal colour of the tooth to a lighter shade.
The active ingredient in a tooth whitening gel is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. When the peroxide reaches beneath the surface of the tooth it releases oxygen. The oxygen then breaks apart the molecules that have settled in tubules of the enamel, much like the way bleach releases its pigment on your clothes. Stains from coffee, tea and even smoking can be minimised, or even eliminated, in just one visit.
If applied by our teeth whitening specialists, whitening can take effect as quickly as within an hour. If an immediate change is what you desire, whitening should be carried out in our dental surgery and, for the best results, you will be offered a take home kit to help maintain your new, glistening smile.
For an even faster response, having your teeth professionally cleaned prior to starting the whitening process will ensure all external stains are removed before you undergo professional teeth whitening treatment.
If you’d like to find out more about the deep cleaning treatments we offer, click here.
Everybody’s teeth respond differently after using a teeth whitening service due to thickness of enamel and genetics. Note that fillings, crowns, bridges and implants will not whiten. Therefore, they may need to be changed after the teeth whitening process to match the new shade (colour) of the teeth.
At A Glance
Treatment Time
30 Minutes to 1 Hour in Office and 2 Weeks to 3 Months at Home
Result
Improved Smile
Downtime
None
Longevity
1-2 Years
Contraindications
Sensitive Teeth
Teeth Whitening By Dr Germain
Wonderful care since my first appointment! Friendly and welcoming! I could not be any more pleased with the whitening and another dental help I had! Alexandra is a brilliant very knowledgeable doctor, kind, attentive, available for any question even after the appointment ! I highly recommend Alexandra Germain for an outstanding experience and results which last!
- What to Expect
During the consultation process, our teeth whitening specialists will determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, considering whether procedure can achieve your personal cosmetic wishes.
The in-office whitening procedure begins by coating the teeth with a professional-grade whitening gel. The hydrogen peroxide-based gels are then activated by a special light that encourages oxygen to enter the dentin and enamel, bleaching out stains and discoloration. The entire chair-side procedure is usually be completed within an hour, with clients immediately being able to return to normal life, enjoying a brighter, whiter smile.
For the Home whitening, our teeth whitening specialists will provide specially customized trays made to fit the contours of your teeth, eliminating the risk of inconsistent whitening. Before receiving your teeth whitening treatment, you’ll be given the option to decide with the doctor which type of bleach best suits your aesthetic goals, and instructions on how to carry out the treatment will be provided for you to take home.
- Is Tooth Whitening safe?
Ultimately the answer to this question is – “yes” tooth whitening is safe.
Contrary to popular belief, your tooth enamel is safe. Dental whitening products only remove surface stains that are in the microscopic pores of your teeth. The bleach does not penetrate deeply within the tooth.
- Home Whitening or In Office Professional Whitening?
Laser teeth whitening, carried out by teeth whitening specialists in-clinic, really just treats the surface of the teeth, so this will give great results, but they won’t last.
Home whitening with the dental grade gel and trays alone will whiten the inside of the teeth, but not so much the surface.
Therefore, using a combination of professional teeth whitening in our London clinic, with top-up trays at home, will whiten both the inside of the tooth and the tooth surface, giving amazing, long-lasting results.
- Is Teeth Whitening Permanent?
The effects of teeth whitening are not permanent. It is likely that a touch-up will be needed every few years. Such procedures are needed more often for patients who smoke, and those who drink wine, tea or coffee.
Because teeth whitening is only effective on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, or other dental modifications. Replacement of such restorations will need to be done after bleaching, so they can be properly color matched to the newly bleached teeth.
- Can I Just Use Over the Counter Whitening Strips?
The bleaching solution in over-the-counter products isn’t nearly as strong as what you get at Identity Smile Clinic. And, because the trays and strips aren’t designed to perfectly fit around your unique teeth position, the bleaching solution frequently leaks out and comes into contact with your gums, where it acts as an irritant.
- How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The results from using a professional teeth whitening service can last from 6 months to two or more years if you maintain a diligent oral hygiene regimen, which includes the whitening take-home trays provided by the Identity Smile Clinic.
