The only difference in the hundreds of...

The only difference in the hundreds of dentist-prescribed whitening systems out there is the concentration of the gel (oxygenating agent) and the way it is applied to your teeth.

There are two main ways of carrying out tooth whitening:

1. Tray based whitening. The gel is placed in a custom made night-guard which is worn for a set period for 10-14 days. The period you wear the trays depends on the type and concentration of peroxide gel.
2. In-surgery whitening, also known as laser or power bleaching. Here, more concentrated gels are applied directly to the teeth and accelerated with heat or light (laser/power). We still make custom-made trays for the patient to use afterwards to maximise the whitening and for maintenance.

Sensitivity to laser/power bleaching is usually only for the rest of that day. We suggest avoiding very hot or cold foods. Take whatever medication you would take for a headache and if you have custom-made trays place some sensitive toothpaste in the trays and wear for 10 minutes.

There are many whitening treatments on the UK market and you and the dentist will decide which treatment is best for you.

Here at the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry we do a range of whitening treatments:

• AquaBrite, which is suitable for those with sensitivity
• Power whitening for those with badly stained teeth
• WY10 whitening, recently launched, which is gaining excellent results in just two ten-minute sessions.

It is important that whitening is performed under the supervision of a dentist. A thorough examination and assessment of your teeth is needed before commencing with whitening treatment to make sure your teeth are suitable.

Teeth whitening isn’t covered by the NHS.