Teeth whitening: ‘The whole procedure is so easy from start to finish’

Teeth whitening with a dentist is the most effective method, so we asked Northumberland Dental Care patient Lara Battigelli to tell us how it transformed her smile

People often wonder if teeth whitening toothpaste or kits bought in chemists work as well as a professional treatment. Lara Battigelli, a patient of Dr Jennifer Collins, our Clinical Lead General Dentist here at Northumberland Dental Care, tells us about her results.

Why did you decide to get your teeth whitened?

I chose to get my teeth whitened because although my teeth were naturally white and bright, I had white spots on my teeth (self-confessed toothpaste eater as a child). Jennifer recommended teeth whitening as although it would temporarily make my white spots whiter, a few days post-bleaching, my own teeth would match more closely and the whiter patches would appear less obvious.

Had you tried toothpastes and whitening kits from the chemist?

Over the years I have used whitening toothpaste, Crest strips from the US (which made my teeth super sensitive) and cheap whitening products. None of them worked for me and my lifestyle.

Was it straightforward getting the moulds made for your whitening trays?

Jennifer talked me through the whole procedure when I went into her for a general check-up and clean. She made me feel really comfortable. I got my moulds made that same day. I was expecting it to be really uncomfortable, as I remember the product that they used to make my retainers after my braces were removed, at aged 12, used to ooze down my throat, expand and solidify, making it difficult to breath. This procedure with Jennifer took less than 10 minutes and was definitely a more comfortable experience.

Did you find it easy to apply the gel and put in the trays at home?

The whole procedure is so easy from start to finish. Jennifer showed me exactly what to do in the consultation room and you really cannot do this wrong at home. The trays are easy to rinse and clean and the bleach does not smell. The moulds are soft so they are not rigid in your mouth.

Did you have much sensitivity when using the gel?

I experienced some slight sensitivity in a tooth that was already sensitive. For this tooth I rubbed some Sensodyne toothpaste onto it before applying the retainers. If I wore the trays over night, I avoided hot or cold drinks for about 30 minutes. Aside from that, no sensitivity whatsoever.

Did you use the gel and trays overnight?

I found the best way to use the trays was overnight. I maybe put them in once a week at this point, just to top them up. If I have an event or something coming up, I use them twice during the week for an extra boost.

How many days did you use it for?

I used the whitener for about five days the first week, starting with 90 minutes and going up to three hours. After that I started trying them overnight instead. I found that a more cost-effective way to get the most out of your gels. However, due to the sensitivity I experienced the first week, I would recommend taking your dentist’s advice and building up your tolerance gradually.

Were you happy with the results?

I am very happy with the results. I was always confident with my smile, but this has made my white spots considerably less visible.

Would you recommend it to other people?

It was recommended to me by my boyfriend and I have since got my mum and sister involved too. This is the only whitening product I have tried from home that works and much more cost-effective than laser teeth whitening.

Did you get extra gel so you could do top-ups as needed?

So far, I haven’t needed to buy additional product. I have had my trays about four months and have numerous syringes of bleach left. A little really does go a long way. I also find adding too much product increases the sensitivity, so I find that less is more.

How did you find the service at Northumberland Dental Care? Would you recommend it?

Jennifer and the staff are so professional and friendly. They do not try to oversell you things you don’t need, which I really appreciated. The clinic is super clean and well maintained with brand new equipment. I really felt that I was in the best hands possible. Jennifer knows what she is talking about and I would trust her with any recommendations. I have numerous friends who are all converted to this clinic and we are all very happy with the treatments and service we have received.

If you would like to get your teeth whitened at Northumberland Dental Care, you can book online here. You can also phone the practice on 01-6688441 or email us on info@nidm.ie.

Find out about all the general, specialist and cosmetic treatments available in Northumberland Dental Care.

You will find other our partner practices in Dental Care Ireland in Dublin online also.