Teeth whitening demand growing around Ireland

The number of patients interested in teeth whitening is rising, particularly in Dental Care Ireland practices in Dublin 16, Dublin 18 and Swords

There are many foodstuffs and drinks that can stain your teeth, including some of your favourite food and drinks such as coffee, red wine, soft drinks and even berries. This is natural and regular brushing should help to keep staining to a minimum. Also, as we get older the white teeth we may have had as children become naturally pale grey and yellowish due to ageing, and general wear and tear.

There are many whitening toothpastes on sale which some patients find effective in keeping their teeth white. Also, there are a number of whitening strips available that give your teeth a temporary gleam. Most of them dissolve in your mouth in just a few minutes and have a minty taste.

However, more patients are choosing to get their teeth whitened professionally as this can prove to be the best way to keep them sparkling for longer, and improve your smile! This involves a visit to the dentist with a home teeth-whitening kit created just for you.

At Dental Care Ireland, we recommend that the first step in deciding whether or not to whiten your teeth should be taken in consultation with your dentist. Our whitening kits are tried and tested.

Your dentist will first need to examine your teeth, mouth and gums. This is to better understand if there are any outstanding treatment needs and to assess your suitability for teeth whitening. At this initial consultation, your dentist may take X-rays to help ensure that your mouth is in tip-top condition. He or she will then take impressions of your teeth to make the teeth-whitening trays for use with your home whitening kit. You will then receive an appointment to try out the kit and will receive advice and instruction on how to use it to optimum advantage.

Your dentist will also work closely with you to identify the shade of white you wish to achieve. Teeth whitening can take approximately 10 days to three weeks depending on the shade you have chosen. It is important to remember that whitening your teeth involves a bit of time and effort, but it is worth it. Your teeth occasionally can be a little sensitive after the treatment, but this generally resolves shortly afterwards.

Initial improvement whitening treatments start at about 10 days and, depending on the sensitivity of your teeth, it may take longer. You should be prepared to dedicate an hour each evening to the couch and avoid food and drink that can stain the teeth such as the aforementioned coffee and red wine. Remember that teeth-whitening only works for natural teeth, so you should let your dentist know if you have any crowns or veneers so they can match them to your new shade.

Experts differ on how long teeth whitening will last in general, as it varies from person to person, if you smoke, how often you brush your teeth, and the food and drinks you consume.

Teeth-whitening can last for up to two years, but your Dental Care Ireland dentist will be able to give you a far more accurate estimate after a consultation.

The following Dental Care Ireland practices currently offer dental whitening services: Ashbourne, Cabinteely, Castlebar, Kells, Knocklyon, Swords, and Tullamore. Get in touch to make an appointment.