Why teeth discolour
Some staining is on the surface - tea, coffee, red wine, smoking. Some is deeper in the tooth and comes with age as the enamel thins and the darker dentine underneath shows through. Whitening works on both, but surface staining lifts faster.
Not all discolouration responds. A single dark tooth after an old injury or root canal is a different problem and needs a different approach - usually internal whitening, a veneer or a crown.
An examination comes first
Whitening gel on decay or exposed roots hurts, and whitening does not change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, they will stay the shade they are and may end up standing out. We check all of this before starting so there are no surprises.
Custom trays, done at home
We take impressions and make trays moulded to your teeth, which keeps the gel on the teeth and off the gums. You wear them at home for a set period each day over a couple of weeks. Because the trays are yours, you can top up later without starting again.
Sensitivity
Some sensitivity during whitening is common and it settles once you stop. Tell us if it is bothering you - often the answer is simply shorter sessions or a break for a few days, rather than abandoning it.
