Sometimes, no matter how diligent and careful we are about looking after our teeth, stains will start to appear. And gradually, these stains- which can be caused by drinking tea, coffee, red wine or by smoking, genetics, trauma and even some medications- can cause your smile to lose its lustre and appear dull and dreary.
At Castlebawn Dental Practice we offer a variety of whitening processes that can remove stains through a chemical treatment.
After a thorough assessment of your teeth, your dentist will create a personalised treatment programme based on the cause of and the nature of the staining.
Your dentist will take the time to discuss the various types of whitening procedures we offer as well as giving you a plan for how long it will take and how many treatments you may need to meet your expectations.
Although it may be tempting to whiten your teeth with an over-the-counter kit, these may remove some surface-level stains but they will only slightly improve the appearance. Also, there is no such thing as a “one size fits all” type of tooth whitening and you may risk damaging your teeth or causing no effect at all by using a system not right for you.
Another word about questionable whitening service
To get the best results and ensure your safety, the General Dental Council (GDC) has ruled that it is illegal for anyone, other than a registered GDC dental professional, to perform the procedure on patients.
Yes! As long as your teeth are healthy and the treatment is done correctly by a trained professional teeth whitening is very safe. The procedures we use at Castlebawn Dental Practice are incredibly safe and time-tested and deliver noticeable results.
Most people won’t feel any pain or discomfort, although some may experience slight sensitivity during the process- especially if their teeth are naturally sensitive- but it will only be temporary.
Unfortunately, no. The bleaching agents used in whitening treatments only react to natural tooth enamel. However, if you are unhappy with your current crowns or fillings, our dentist can discuss various options.
How to keep your teeth whiter for longer
Once the tooth whitening treatment is complete there are a few basic rules you should follow to keep them looking their best for longer.
A good rule of thumb is to stay away from any food or drink that would stain a white shirt!
For the first 48 hours after the treatment (the most critical time) we recommend that you avoid:
Tea and coffee- they can re-stain your teeth almost instantly.
Dark coloured- sauces such as red pasta, soya and barbecue.
Acidic food like oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruits- the acid can weaken your tooth’s enamel.
Dark chocolate. Like tea and coffee, dark chocolate contains caffeine which could stain your teeth.
Good oral hygiene for the win
After the first 48 hours have passed we recommend the following tasks to keep your teeth shining bright:
Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.
Floss at least once a day to remove plaque that’s hard to reach.
If you’d like, you can rinse your mouth once a day with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill the bacteria that causes plaque.
Topping up your teeth
Over time your teeth may start to discolour again. This is completely natural and easy to fix!
In general teeth can lose up to 2 shades of whiteness after 18 months, and up to 3 shades over 36 months.
If you’re noticing that your teeth are not shining as brightly as they were, simply bring your trays to your next examination appointment and we will check their fit and you can discuss your options with your dentist.
Fill in your details below and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Newtownards
63 South Street
Newtownards
BT23 4JU
Bangor
32-34 Victoria Road
Bangor
BT20 5EX
