Frequently Asked Questions: Teeth Whitening in Durham

1. How does your professional take-home whitening system work?

Our system provides the best of both worlds: professional-strength results with the comfort and convenience of treating your teeth at home.

1. Custom Trays: We first take impressions of your teeth to create a set of perfectly fitting, custom whitening trays. This precise fit is critical for safety and even results.

2. Professional Gel: We provide you with a high-grade whitening gel that is much stronger and more effective than anything available over-the-counter.

3. Treatment: You simply fill the trays with the prescribed amount of gel and wear them for the recommended time each day (usually 30–60 minutes or overnight), following our exact instructions.

2. Is dentist-supervised at-home whitening safe?

Yes, it is highly safe when supervised by a dentist. Because your trays are custom-made, they fit snugly against your teeth, minimizing gel leakage and protecting your gums from irritation. Furthermore, your dentist controls the strength of the gel and provides clear instructions, ensuring the process is tailored and monitored for your safety and comfort.

3. How long does the entire whitening process take to achieve the full result?

While you will often see noticeable results after just a few days, the full treatment typically requires consistent use for 2-4 weeks. The exact time depends on the initial shade of your teeth and the desired level of brightness, which we will assess during your initial consultation.

4. How long can I expect my bright results to last?

With proper care and maintenance, the results from your custom professional kit can last for years with regularly 'topping up'. We sell top up gels and normally one gel every other year is enough to maintain. Longevity is heavily influenced by your habits.

To maximize your results:

• Avoid heavily staining food and drinks (coffee, red wine, dark sodas, etc.).

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing).

• Use your provided custom trays for occasional touch-up sessions every few months.

5. Will I experience tooth sensitivity during the whitening process?

It is common to experience temporary increased sensitivity to cold or air while using the whitening gel. This is normal and a sign the gel is working.

• Sensitivity is usually mild and quickly subsides once you stop the treatment.

• We can provide specialized desensitizing toothpaste or gels to use in your trays to minimize discomfort.

• If sensitivity is bothersome, you can simply take a break from treatment for a day or two and then resume.

6. Why should I choose your custom take-home kit instead of strips or store kits?

The difference lies in effectiveness, safety, and comfort: Store kits lack the necessary components that make whitening work and the low concentration of strips mean that whitening could take a very long time to be effective.

7. Will whitening work on my dental work (crowns, fillings, etc.)?

No, the whitening gel will only lighten your natural tooth enamel. It will not change the color of any existing crowns, veneers, bonding, or fillings. If you proceed with whitening, these restorations may need to be replaced after treatment to ensure a perfect color match with your newly whitened natural teeth. We will discuss this thoroughly during your consultation.