James Goolnik, BDS, MSc

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.

A crown is basically a veneer on both sides of the tooth. Choosing between crowns and veneers usually depends on the health of the tooth. If the tooth has had a root canal treatment or is very discoloured then a crown will give a better, more stable result.

1. Brush twice a day using a medium bristle small-headed brush
2. Clean between your teeth with floss or brush sticks at least three times a week
3. Use a fluoride toothpaste in small pea sized amounts
4. Avoid smoking, tea (even herbal teas) and coffee. See your dental hygienist regularly to remove staining.