Bleaching teeth using Hydrogen Peroxide was first reported in the mid 1860s. In those days a red hot poker was used to start the reaction!
These days we still use hydrogen peroxide, which dissociates using heat or light and washes through the tooth taking stains with it.
It is possible to whiten teeth in the practice in a single visit. See Zoom in surgery whitening for details. This uses a higher concentration of peroxide (35%) and a high energy light source.
This system uses a tray system with a bleaching gel which the patient uses at home. This uses a weaker (2.5%) peroxide and patients rarely report sensitivity.
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This system takes about 14 nights to produce a noticeable effect and has the advantage that the patient controls the final colour change.
It is possible to bleach individual teeth and the effect is cumulative so it doesn't matter if you miss a night. The effect lasts 2-3 years but most people don't wait and will use the tray for a few nights before a wedding or an important occassion.
Teeth whitening is very popular at present and our policy is to make the process more affordable and therefore more available. We charge £75 for upper and lower bleaching trays and 10 bleaching gel syringes. We keep a small stock of fresh gel on the premises and patients can come to reception and get more gel as they require it. |
