A bright, white smile can significantly boost your confidence, whether you’re preparing for a special event like a wedding or job interview, or simply want to enhance your everyday appearance. Professional teeth whitening offers a quick and affordable way to upgrade your smile, providing more dramatic and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter options.

Curious about Wellington whitening options? Raed on.

Simply Dental’s Wellington Whitening Services

At Simply Dental in Wellington, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality teeth whitening services using Opalescence, the world’s most popular professional teeth whitening brand. Our Wellington whitening services include:

  1. In-house Whitening: Achieve remarkable results in a single session lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This option is perfect for those seeking immediate results. You’ll also receive a self-care maintenance kit for touch-ups at home.
  2. Take-home Whitening: We provide custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel for convenient at-home treatment. This option allows you to whiten your teeth at your own pace and in the comfort of your home.
  3. Pre-whitening Consultation: We offer a refundable pre-whitening dental appointment to assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and help you choose the best option for your needs.

To book your Wellington whitening treatment or consultation, call Simply Dental on 0800 123 343 or book online.

How Opalescence Whitening Works

Opalescence uses a chemical process involving hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to whiten teeth. Here’s how it works:

  1. The whitening gel is applied to your teeth.
  2. Oxidising molecules from the gel enter the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth.
  3. These molecules convert discolourations into simpler, lighter-coloured molecules.
  4. The result is a brighter, whiter smile.

One of the key benefits of Opalescence is its ‘sticky’ formula. This unique characteristic ensures that the gel adheres well to your teeth, maximising its effectiveness while minimising contact with sensitive gum tissue.

Pre-assessment: The First Step to a Brighter Smile

Before beginning any whitening treatment, a pre-assessment appointment is crucial. This consultation ensures you receive the most appropriate care and are fully informed about the process. During this appointment:

  1. Dental Examination: Your dentist will thoroughly assess your teeth and gums to determine your suitability for whitening. This includes identifying any pre-existing fillings or dental work that might need replacement to achieve your desired appearance.
  2. Custom Tray Creation: For take-home whitening, impressions (moulds) of your teeth will be taken to fabricate custom, clear plastic trays. These ensure even and effective application of the whitening gel.
  3. Treatment Plan: Based on your needs and preferences, your dentist will recommend either take-home or in-house whitening.
  4. Sensitivity Management: Your dentist will discuss potential tooth sensitivity, a normal and temporary side effect of whitening. You’ll receive sensitive care toothpaste and may be recommended a remineralising gel (Tooth Mousse) to enhance post-whitening comfort.

The Whitening Process

In-house Whitening Procedure

  1. An initial shade of your teeth will be recorded.
  2. A barrier will be applied to protect your gums from the whitening gel.
  3. The Opalescence Boost teeth whitening gel will be carefully applied by your dentist.
  4. Depending on your results, your dentist may apply additional rounds of gel.
  5. The entire process typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  6. You’ll receive a self-care maintenance kit for touch-ups at home.

Take-home Whitening Procedure

  1. You’ll receive custom-fitted trays and Opalescence whitening gel.
  2. Your dentist will provide clear instructions on how to use the kit effectively and safely.
  3. Typically, you’ll wear the trays with gel for a specified period each day, over the course of several days or weeks.
  4. Regular check-ins with your dentist will ensure your treatment is progressing as expected.

The First 48 Hours: The White Diet

The initial two days following your whitening treatment are critical. During this period, your teeth are more susceptible to staining as the enamel is temporarily more porous. To safeguard your results, stick to the “white diet”:

  • Do consume: Rice, pasta, white bread, bananas, cauliflower, and other neutrally-coloured foods.
  • Avoid: Coloured foods and drinks such as curry, berries, red wine, coffee, and tea.

Ongoing Care Tips

1. Mind Your Brushing

Continue brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use gentle, circular motions to avoid irritating your potentially sensitive gums. Choose a whitening toothpaste to help maintain your results, but don’t overuse it as excessive abrasives can wear down enamel.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque and food particles that can lead to discolouration. Make it a habit to floss at least once a day, preferably before bedtime.

3. Rinse Wisely

Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to freshen breath and fight bacteria without causing sensitivity. Some dentists recommend waiting a week post-treatment before using mouthwash to avoid irritation.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps rinse away potential staining agents and maintains good oral health. It’s especially important after consuming foods or drinks that might stain.

5. Use a Straw

When indulging in coloured beverages, use a straw to minimise contact with your teeth. This simple trick can significantly reduce staining.

6. Be Mindful of Your Diet

While you don’t need to maintain the strict white diet forever, being mindful of staining foods and drinks can prolong your results. Common culprits include:

  • Red wine
  • Coffee and tea
  • Dark fizzy drinks
  • Tomato-based sauces
  • Soy sauce
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Berries

When you do consume these, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

7. Quit Smoking

If you smoke, consider this an excellent opportunity to quit. Tobacco is a major cause of teeth staining and can quickly undo the effects of whitening, not to mention being highly deleterious to your health.

8. Schedule Regular Check-ups

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and your whitening results. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings and touch-up treatments as needed.

9. Consider Touch-up Treatments

Depending on your lifestyle and the whitening method used, you may need touch-up treatments every 6-12 months. Discuss the best schedule with your dentist.

10. Use Whitening Strips Sparingly

Over-the-counter whitening strips can help maintain your results, but use them sparingly to avoid enamel damage and sensitivity.

Managing Sensitivity

It’s common to experience some sensitivity after whitening. This usually subsides within a few days. To manage discomfort:

  • Use the sensitive care toothpaste provided by Simply Dental
  • Consider using a remineralising gel (Tooth Mousse) to increase post-whitening comfort
  • Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary

Long-term Results and Maintenance

The duration of your whitening results depends on various factors:

  • Genetics
  • Diet
  • Age
  • Certain medications (such as tetracycline)
  • Habits like smoking or frequent coffee/tea consumption

Remember, while Opalescence works effectively on natural tooth surfaces, it won’t whiten artificial dental work such as crowns, bridges, fillings, or veneers.

To maintain your brighter smile, you may need occasional touch-up treatments. These can be performed quickly and easily, either at home or in our office.

Choosing Your Ideal Shade

While many people desire a ‘Hollywood white’ smile, it’s usually more important to aim for a natural-looking result. A good rule of thumb is to choose a shade that matches the whites of your eyes. During your consultation at Simply Dental, we’ll discuss your desired outcome and what’s realistically achievable for your teeth, ensuring you get a result that enhances your smile while still looking natural.

Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?

While professional teeth whitening is safe and effective for most people, it may not be suitable for everyone. Those with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots may not be good candidates for whitening. Additionally, it’s recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women, women undergoing fertility treatment, and patients with serious health concerns should not use teeth whiteners.

The Simply Dental Difference

At Simply Dental, we’re committed to providing you with the best possible Wellington whitening experience. Our use of Opalescence products ensures you’re getting a treatment that’s not only effective but also:

  • Cruelty-free (not tested on animals)
  • Vegan and animal by-product free
  • Kosher certified

We prioritise your comfort and satisfaction throughout the whitening process, from your initial consultation to your final results and beyond.

Wellington Whitening: The Final Word

A brighter, whiter smile is within your reach with professional teeth whitening from Simply Dental. By following these care tips and working closely with our team, you can enjoy your enhanced smile for months to come. Remember, maintaining your results is a partnership between you and your dental care provider.

If you have any questions about teeth whitening, or if you’re ready to book your consultation, don’t hesitate to contact Simply Dental at 0800 123 343. We’re here to help you achieve and maintain the beautiful, confident smile you deserve.