British Dental Bleaching Society - Patient information & advice (2024)

There are 2 types of tooth whitening treatment available, home whitening and in-surgery 'power' whitening.

Home Whitening

British Dental Bleaching Society - Patient information & advice (1)

This type of treatment, is a carried out by the patient at home, following specific instructions from the dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist. The treatment involves having dental impressions (moulds) taken, a special mouth guard is made specifically for the patient. Hydrogen peroxide or Carbamide peroxide gel is applied to the tray, with the patient wearing the tray for a specific length of time.

Hydrogen peroxide is used during the day for between 30-45minutes. Carbamide peroxide, is usually used for between 2-4 hours during the day or overnight.

The treatment can take between 2-6 weeks depending on the colour of the teeth at the beginning of the treatment. Some colour staining of the teeth may take longer than 6 weeks.

Home whitening is a good treatment option for the most patients, especially patients with darker stains on the enamel.

In-Surgery or Power Whitening

British Dental Bleaching Society - Patient information & advice (2)

As the name suggests, this treatment is carried out by a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist in the dental surgery.

This treatment, requires a long appointment anything up to 2.5hours. A special plastic resin is applied to the gums and hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the tooth surface. The gel is left in contact with the tooth for approx. 15minutes, then removed and re-applied. This cycle continues 4 times. 'Power' whitening involves the use of a light to enhance the process.

On completion of the treatment, the patient is should continue with the home whitening trays at home for a specified period of time to ensure the desired result is achieved. The treatment may be used as a 'top up' procedure or suitable for a patient with a naturally lighter shade of teeth.

British Dental Bleaching Society - Patient information & advice (2024)

FAQs

How to whiten teeth after 70? ›

Professional Dentistry for Seniors

If you want to whiten aging yellow teeth, you should make an appointment and head to your dentist's office. This option is a bit more expensive than purchasing tubes of toothpaste and packages of whitening trays from the store, but it is safer and more effective overall.

What are the restrictions after teeth bleaching? ›

Five Foods to Avoid After Teeth Whitening

Items to avoid include: Dark or strongly colored liquids: for instance, tea, coffee, red wine, cola, and tomato juice. Acidic beverages: examples are soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcohol in general.

Is hydrogen peroxide safe for teeth in the UK? ›

is it safe to use for whitening? generally speaking, tooth whitening products that use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient are safe to use – and higher concentration formulas will provide a whitening effect.

What is the difference between dental bleaching and tooth whitening? ›

Bleaching involves the use of strips or gels that we apply at the dentist's office or that the patient applies at home. Teeth whitening means whitening teeth so they revert back to their natural white hue. Teeth whitening products do not bleach the teeth.

Can 80 year old teeth be whitened? ›

Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.

How can I make my old yellow teeth white again? ›

Remedies for yellow teeth
  1. Brushing your teeth. Your first plan of action should be to brush your teeth more often and in the correct manner. ...
  2. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. ...
  3. Coconut oil pulling. ...
  4. Apple cider vinegar. ...
  5. Lemon, orange, or banana peels. ...
  6. Activated charcoal. ...
  7. Eating fruits and vegetables with a higher water content.

How do you Remineralize your teeth after bleaching? ›

Fluoride treatments.

Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.

How do you rehydrate your teeth after whitening? ›

Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.

Why am I salivating so much after teeth whitening? ›

You're experiencing a natural reaction between your saliva and the whitening agent on our Whitestrips. Saliva increases whenever you place an object of any kind in your mouth.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

What is the gel that dentists use to whiten teeth? ›

In-Surgery or Power Whitening

A special plastic resin is applied to the gums and hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to the tooth surface. The gel is left in contact with the tooth for approx. 15minutes, then removed and re-applied.

Can baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

What is the disadvantage of bleaching teeth? ›

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

How do people get their teeth so white? ›

The most common approach dentists use for brightening teeth is professional teeth whitening. It entails bleaching teeth enamel to remove surface and intrinsic stains.

How can I naturally whiten my teeth? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Am I too old to get my teeth whitened? ›

If you're younger than 18, you can't have some forms of tooth whitening. And if you still have your baby teeth, you might need to skip any type of whitening product altogether. No upper age limit applies to tooth whitening products.

Why do older people's teeth turn yellow? ›

As we get older, the porous outer layer of enamel on our teeth begins to thin. This allows the naturally yellow material beneath it, called dentin, to show through more prominently. The thinner your enamel, the more dentin shows through, giving your teeth a yellow tint.

Can years of yellow teeth be whitened? ›

Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.

Is 70 too old to have teeth straightened? ›

Regardless of your age, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Age is rarely a deciding factor for orthodontic treatment.

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