Important information about Teeth whitening (Consent)

Thank you for choosing Tunbridge Wells Dental Centre for your teeth whitening treatment. We want to ensure you are whitening your teeth safely and effectively, so please read the following information carefully.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth through a brightening process to make them look “whiter”. We use a peroxide-based brightening gel of varying strength (maximum 6% peroxide). The higher the concentration of peroxide in the gel, the more powerful it is.

Prior to carrying out any type of tooth whitening, you will need to have a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, impressions (moulds) may be taken of your teeth using special dental putty. Your dentist’s technician will then use this to cast a model of your teeth from plaster and make your custom whitening trays from this.

In order to achieve the best possible result, before the teeth brightening process is started, you are advised to have a scale and polish – this is at an additional fee, currently £80 (please check our fees list for up-to-date pricing).

Professional home brightening kits

Once the whitening trays have been made, you use them in combination with whitening gel (provided by your dentist). Depending on the strength of the gels provided, the trays need to be worn ideally overnight, or alternatively up to 4 hours per day for normally 14 nights (your dentist will tell you specifically your individual routine).

Whitening suitability

Some people are not suitable for tooth whitening procedures—your dentist will assess your suitability during a consultation. The teeth brightening process does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings so it is important to understand that you may need to change these to match the colour of your brightened teeth.

How much brighter will my teeth look?

This varies from individual to individual. Some people respond very well to tooth whitening procedures and have dramatically brighter teeth as a result, whereas others may notice very little difference at all. People with heavily stained yellow teeth tend to have more dramatic results than those with slightly discoloured teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely results following a consultation.

Does it hurt? What are the side effects of teeth brightening?

The majority of people will experience some kind of sensitivity either during and/or after the initial treatment. This is usually described by patients as sporadic, sharp shooting pains coming from their teeth. This should settle down after approximately 48 hours. Your dentist may give you a special gel or mousse to apply to your teeth to help with the sensitivity. It is advisable to avoid extreme hot or cold food and drinks within the first 48 hours of your treatment.

Whitening treatment can cause a temporary increase in the porosity of the teeth. Due to this, it is very important to avoid strongly coloured foods or drinks for the whole duration of the treatment.

We are planning to brighten your teeth, using Hydrogen peroxide and/ or carbamide peroxide solution. Please read the following instructions carefully.

• The active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide in a glycerine base. If you know of any allergy or are aware of an adverse reaction to this ingredient, please do not proceed with this treatment.
• As with any treatment there are benefits and risks. The benefit is that the teeth can be brightened in a simple manner. The risk involves the continued use of the peroxide solution for an extended period of time. Research indicates that using peroxide to whiten teeth is safe. The long-term effects are as yet unknown. Although the extent of the risk is unknown, acceptance of treatment means acceptance of risk.
• The amount of brightening varies with the individual. Most patients achieve a change within 2-4 weeks if home whitening is carried out but there are no guarantees to how much it will change.
• This treatment is not intended to lighten artificial teeth, caps, crowns, veneers or porcelain, composite or other restorative materials and these types of restorations may need to be replaced at my expense to match the newly brighter teeth.
• Teeth with multiple colorations, bands, spots, tetracycline staining or fluorosis do not whiten as well, may whiten unevenly, may require additional whitening or may not whiten at all.
• Buccal wear facets (where the gum has receded) may not whiten and may become more visible after whitening. If present, these areas may also contribute to higher levels or sensitivity experienced.
• Previous orthodontic treatments may cause teeth to whiten unevenly if any resin from the treatment was not properly removed from the teeth, either due to residual resin remaining on the teeth or over polishing upon removal.
• Avoid strongly coloured foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and curries during treatment. Please use sensitive toothpaste to clean your teeth during treatment to help reduce the sensitivity most people experience.
• It is advisable not to smoke during the course of treatment and for at least 4 weeks after the treatment has been completed.
• Sensitivity may be experienced after a few days. This is usually slight and temporary. If this is severe, refrain from using the whitening gel for 3-4 days and contact your dentist.
• Do not use the whitening gel if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a doctor before whitening if being treated for a serious illness or disorder (eg immune compromised) There have been no adverse reactions reported, but long-term clinical effects are unknown.
• Relapse of colour – this is normally very gradual but can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents. To maintain the colour- top ups of the treatment will be required. Discuss with the dentist the frequency required for these top-ups.