Teeth Whitening
Legislation
Legislation has had a dramatic effect on teeth bleaching in the UK. It is illegal for any operator other than a registered Dental Surgeon or a Dental Hygienist working under the direction of a Dentist to carry out dental bleaching.
Bleaching Gels must not exceed 6% hydrogen peroxide release. This precludes the use of 38% peroxide gels safely used by Dentists (with adequate tissue protection) in power bleaching techniques. Power bleaching in the surgery is now no longer a viable option. We offer home bleaching with custom made trays.
These changes in the law have been bought about in response to incidents where unskilled operators have caused pain and damage to patients’ mouths with incorrect techniques. Unauthorized operators will be prosecuted in the UK by the General Dental Council, the body obliged to protect dental patients.
Home Bleaching with Special Trays
With laboratory, custom-made trays which fit the patient’s mouth accurately, we supply 16% carbamide gel, or 6% hydrogen peroxide to achieve night or day whitening at home.
Far better results are obtained with our custom trays than universal trays purchased from shops. Accurately fitting trays retain the gel more effectively and reduce the diluting effect of saliva.
Home bleaching is slower but more predictable
Drawbacks to Teeth Bleaching
- Transient tooth sensitivity may develop after treatment but this will normally resolve within 24 hours. We supply Fluoride gel to de-sensitise.
- Temporary inflammation or white spots on your gum or lips may be caused by the whitening procedure. These can cause short-lived discomfort, which resolves within a few hours.
- Porcelain restorations such as crowns or veneers as well as white fillings will not change colour and may need to be replaced before or after the whitening procedure.
Other cosmetic treatments available
Veneers
This involves minimal shaving of tooth enamel, but can change the shape as well as the colour of your smile. These are more suitable for damaged or heavily restored teeth, or crooked teeth. They are particularly suitable for in-standing teeth, but not good for prominent teeth. We respect tooth tissue and would not remove it without compelling reasons.
Crowns
This involves the removal of more tooth tissue in some cases, but is also suitable to restore considerable tooth loss or the re-alignment of very crooked teeth. Crowns are still the treatment of choice when teeth are very broken, or worn down; either at the front or at the back.
Implants
Treatment with dental implants has provided patients with a proven option to replace missing teeth for many years. Developments in the materials and techniques used have now made them the gold-standard for tooth replacement, and they avoid many risks and disadvantages of alternatives such as bridges and dentures.
At Bollington Dental we can discuss what would be the best treatment for you, when faced with the loss of one or more teeth.
White fillings
Silver or amalgam fillings are long lasting but their appearance leaves a lot to be desired. Replacing dark metal fillings that stain the surrounding teeth with white fillings, produces an immediate improvement.
White fillings can be placed in both front and back teeth and can be used in a number of cosmetic procedures to build up or enhance teeth.
General Dentistry
At Bollington Dental Practice we are committed to providing good dental healthcare for life for our patients. Prevention is always better than cure and it is far better to look after your teeth and gums throughout your life than crisis manage your oral health.
Hygiene Treatments
We have highly experienced hygienists, who undertake regular training and are highly skilled in helping you to maintain good oral health. We believe that good dental hygiene is the most important factor in the maintenance of a healthy set of teeth and gums.
Dental Plan
Our Practice Membership Plan offers a simple and flexible way to pay for your dental care. In return for a nominal monthly payment we provide you with a comprehensive programme of maintenance, prevention and treatment.
