Pro Teeth Whitening: How To Bleach Your Teeth

Types of Stained Teeth

Your Smile White approved dentist will guide you on the types of teeth stains you currently have and how teeth whitening can improve them drastically.

Extrinsic Stains

External stains sit on top of your tooth's enamel and are caused by staining foods, lack of brushing or smoking. These stains can be removed with teeth whitening treatments.

Intrinsic Stains

This type of stain is internal to the tooth and can be deep rooted. Intrinsic stains often require further treatment to be effective. This typically means dental laser whitening before at home whitening can be effective. Intrinsic stains sit inside your tooth's enamel, this type of stain can be present before your tooth even comes through as a child or can be caused by medication, an injury or overexposure to fluoride (found in toothpastes).

Overexposure to fluoride often occurs in children as their adult teeth are forming under the gum., It is caused by swallowing large amounts of toothpaste, overusing mouthwash, or drinking heavily fluoridated water.

Your Step by Step Guide

1. Clean your teeth as usual, brushing thoroughly and using floss and rinsing away any toothpaste.
2. Remove the safety cap.
3. To fill your whitening trays with Smile White gel place a 2 mm dot in the centre of each tooth indent of the tray. Be sure not to overfill as this can cause further sensitivity and irritate your gums.
4. Remove any excess of spilled gel to avoid it sitting on your gums.
5. Ensure your teeth are as dry as possible, removing any excess saliva with our cotton tooth wipes. Hold your lips back to ensure teeth stay dry.
6. Place the upper and lower whitening trays securely in place.
7. Wear your trays for a minimum of 4-6 hours or overnight.
8. While your individual reaction to whitening can be different, some people see effects quicker than others. Four tubes or whitening gel is more than enough to complete a full whitening treatment and even provides extra so you can top up in the future.
9. After using the trays, remove them and gently clean with cool water and a soft toothbrush. If you have an ultrasonic cleaner they can be cleaned using an appropriate cleanser.
10. Allow the trays to dry before using again. Avoid heating the trays as this can warp them and cause bacteria to form on them.
11. Use every other night or once a week depending on your sensitivity, find what frequency works best for you and your teeth. Use consistently until you have reached your desired tooth shade.
12. You can then continue to top up monthly or whenever you feel like your teeth need it.

Side Effects

Sensitivity - Even if you don’t already struggle with sensitive teeth, due to the hydrogen peroxide which is considered a bleaching agent, it can cause sensitivity to your teeth and gums. This is temporary and lasts around 24-48 hours after using your gels. It is most noticeable when eating cold foods or having an ice-cold drink.

Before, after and during whitening tips

To get the best results possible, here are some tips to guide you along your process…

Before

1. If you have tough stains, intrinsic stains or even hard to reach stains in between your teeth, attending a hygienist appointment or pre-whitening treatment could offer you the best results heading into your at-home whitening treatment from your Smile White approved dentist.

During

1. Avoid staining foods and drinks throughout your treatment.
2. Maintain strong oral hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing.
3. Use a desensitising toothpaste to manage any sensitivity you experience.

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After

1. Avoid staining foods and drinks (unless through a straw) for at least 48 hours after completing treatment and as often as possible to keep your results gleaming.
2. When eating or drinking staining foods, try to rinse your mouth or brush shortly after to minimise any effects.
3. Continue a strong oral health routine, brushing twice a day and flossing.
4. Attend your regular check ups and request additional whitening gel as required to top up your smile.

What can stain your teeth?

Drinks

• Tea and coffee: Try drinking ice coffee through a straw or limiting the amount of cups of tea you have a day.
• Red Wine: One of the most common staining drinks.
• Dark Coloured Fruit Juice: Cranberry, blueberry and grape juice frequently drunk can discolour your teeth.
• Cola: The dark pigments adhere to your tooth's surface causing staining.

Food

• Curry: Often including strong, deep colouring such as turmeric which can stain your teeth.
• Tomato Based Sauce: Tomato pigment can easily stain your teeth.
• Berries: The pigment in dark berries can cause discoloration.
• Soy Sauce: Its strong colour pigment can affect the colour of your teeth.

Avoid any staining foods or drinks directly after whitening and for 48 hours after each time you whiten your teeth, this is crucial as whitening treatments open your tooth’s natural pores meaning the stains can greatly affect your treatment.

FAQ’s

What is the best procedure to whiten teeth?

This is dependent on the individual and your teeth, your dental consultation allows a dental expert to advise you best and our Smile White approved dentists are here for you, simply book an online consultation today to get started.

How can I whiten my teeth immediately?

In practice laser treatment can offer drastic results, especially followed up by at home whitening.

Can yellow teeth ever turn white again?

Yes, within your consultation you will be advised the most effective way to transform your smile, whether that means you require laser treatment first or even a hygiene appointment for optimal results.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening is not permanent but is easy to maintain. Once you have your custom whitening trays you can top up at your own pace. The treatment can last up to three years.