Galway Dentists

What is Teeth Whitening ?

Tea, coffee, wine, fruit juices and smoking can all cause your teeth to lose their natural whiteness over time. At Galway Dentists, our team has more than 18 years’ experience in offering teeth whitening services for people looking to get a nice, bright smile and more self-confidence. Our white whitening in Galway is extremely popular, and we help many patients achieve the smiles they want.

What is teeth whitening (bleaching), and is it safe?

Also known as teeth bleaching, teeth whitening is a very safe procedure that will brighten your teeth and remove any stains or discolouration, leaving you with a far more appealing smile. As well as the effects of tobacco and various drinks, genetics, poor hygiene and natural ageing can all have an impact on the colour of your teeth. Teeth whitening is a non-invasive approach to countering these factors and restoring the brightness of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Why should I choose Galway Dentists?

Our teeth whitening in Galway is designed to ensure you safely achieve brilliant results. We’ll first offer you a consultation and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for teeth bleaching. We will then make a custom-fit mouthpiece of ‘tray’ to fit your teeth, which will be used to hold the bleaching material against your teeth for the most appropriate amount of time.

You will use various concentrations of tooth bleach in your mouth tray for between 10 and 14 days, with our teeth whitening experts, Dr Eilis O’Hagan and Dr Michael Donnelly and their team determining the best regime for your teeth. If your teeth become sensitive to hot and cold, you may be given a ‘desensitising’ material to use on your tray every other day.

Teeth bleaching is a very popular method for achieving a bright, white smile as it offers reliably fantastic results quickly, simply and at a low cost. At Galway Dentists, we recommend our patients the Opalescence and Polanight Tooth Whitening systems.

teeth whitening galway

Who are the candidates for teeth whitening?

Are you considering brightening your smile with teeth whitening? If you want to lighten stained or discoloured teeth, you might be an ideal candidate for this cosmetic procedure. Our skilled dentists, are on hand to evaluate your suitability for teeth whitening and discuss the potential outcomes with you.

However, it’s important to note that teeth whitening is only suitable for some. If you have sensitive teeth, active gum disease, cavities, or cracks in your teeth that require attention, it’s best to address these issues before considering teeth whitening treatments. Additionally, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised to postpone the procedure.

For those with dental restorations such as fillings, veneers, or crowns, it’s essential to understand that whitening treatments do not affect these materials and will not produce the desired effect on these areas. If the discolouration of your teeth originates from within the tooth itself, known as intrinsic staining, traditional whitening gels are unlikely to be effective. Our dentists can provide alternative options to achieve a whiter smile in such cases.

What to expect after Teeth Whitening

Following your teeth whitening session, it’s common to experience some temporary discomfort in your teeth and gums. This is due to the active ingredients in the whitening product that work diligently to lift stains from your teeth. In the first 48 hours, you might notice an increase in tooth sensitivity, its a good idea to avoid foods and beverages that are extremely hot or cold.

For those who had sensitive teeth prior to the treatment, the post-whitening discomfort may be more pronounced. However, at Galway Dentists, we take extra precautions to minimise, if not entirely prevent, gum irritation which can occur from the whitening agents.

Our expert team ensures that you receive a custom-fitted dental tray meticulously designed to protect your gums from potential exposure to the whitening gel.

Your diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your newly whitened teeth. We advise avoiding stain-causing foods and drinks, especially those with strong pigments such as certain fruits, vegetables, sauces, and sodas, for at least two days following the procedure. When reintroducing these items, moderation is key, particularly with known culprits like wine and coffee.

Should you indulge in dark-coloured beverages, consider using a straw to minimise direct contact with your teeth. This small step can help maintain the brightness of your smile.

To ensure your teeth stay white and luminous, regular oral hygiene is essential. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and incorporate mouthwash into your routine for comprehensive oral care. In addition, keep up with routine dental check-ups at Galway Dentists. Periodic touch-up treatments, as recommended by Dr. Eilis O’Hagan, Dr. Meabh O’Brien, or Dr. Cormac Collins, can extend the life of your whitening results.

Galway Dentists

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Types of Tooth Whitening Treatments

Teeth Whitening

When considering teeth whitening, it’s important to understand the different treatment options available to you. Here’s a brief overview of the most common types of tooth whitening treatments:

In-chair teeth whitening

This is a professional procedure performed in a dental clinic. Your dentist will apply a high-concentration whitening gel to your teeth. In some cases, a special light or laser might be used to enhance the gel’s effectiveness. This treatment usually offers immediate results, and you can leave the office with a significantly brighter smile in just one visit.

Internal bleaching

If you have a tooth that has darkened due to root canal therapy, internal bleaching might be the right option. This procedure involves placing a whitening agent inside the tooth and sealing it with a temporary filling. After several days, you’ll return to the dentist to remove the bleaching agent and assess the results. If necessary, the process can be repeated until the desired shade is achieved.

At-home teeth whitening

For those who prefer to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home, at-home teeth whitening kits are available. These typically involve using a custom-made tray that fits snugly over your teeth. Your dentist will provide you with a whitening gel, which is usually less potent than the gel used for in-office treatments, and specific instructions on how to apply the gel and how long to wear the tray each day. Results can usually be seen after a few weeks of consistent use.

Facts about Teeth Bleaching

Teeth whitening is non-invasive, has no downtime, and is effective with one of our dental professionals at Galway Dentists! After the whitening treatment, you will feel more confident to smile, look healthier, and better care for your oral health.

Does teeth whitening damage your teeth?

When done correctly, the treatment doesn’t damage your teeth.

Why is a one-size-fits-all teeth whitening less effective than that done with professional guidance?

The primary difference between a good and bad teeth whitening treatment is its delivery method. Store-bought whitening treatment comes with a universal tray that sits over your teeth. This mouth tray holds the whitening treatment, and using a generic one is the primary issue with over-the-counter whitening kits, resulting in uneven whitening. Our team at Galway Dentists will make a custom tray that fits your teeth for a higher chance of success in the whitening treatment’s effect.

Is it normal to experience sensitivity after teeth bleaching?

Sensitive teeth are more common in people between 20 and 40 years old but can also affect the early teens and seniors over 70. It can be caused by thinning enamel, cracked or damaged teeth, or genetics. That is why buying a one-size-fits-all whitening kit is not advisable, but you must first consult a dentist or dental hygienist whether you’ll be sensitive to the tooth bleaching treatment. We also suggest addressing any dental issues before any whitening treatment for your pearly whites for a comfortable experience.

Is teeth whitening effective and safe?

Yes, it’s effective and safe and typically gives you quick and longer-lasting effects when done through your dentist, whether in the office or at home. Your dentist at Galway Dentists can make you a custom-fit tray that you will fit into your mouth. In this tray, you’ll put whitening gel and wear it for 30 minutes to one hour for a couple of weeks.

Providing Galway with Expert Dental Care over

8080

years

I've been going here since the start of September 2016, and I have to say it is one of the best dentists around. Very professional and friendly, as well as a relaxing atmosphere to the place, they have never let me down. The staff are delightful and Michael is an incredible dentist. Would recommend to anyone.

Matthew Ferson
January 19, 2018
Highly recommend this Dentist brilliant service as always

mary ann mc donagh
January 19, 2019
I had a very pleasant experience at Galway Dentists, the receptionist was friendly and welcoming and the the dentist and her assistant were so professional and offered great advice. Thank you so much, I can't stop smiling with my shiny white teeth ????

Arthur Gray
January 19, 2022
I would like to thank Dr. Eilis for her great work. She is extremely informative and always puts you at ease - even first thing on a Monday morning! I would highly recommend this dentist. I have already referred a family member and will be sending other friends/family her way.

Fergal Hynes
January 19, 2018

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Galway Dentists

Teeth Whitening Benefits

Check out the following for the top reasons for getting teeth whitening.

• Healthier Appearance: Stained and discoloured teeth can make you look unhealthy. After teeth whitening, you’ll look healthier with your brighter smile.

• Confidence: After the procedure, you’ll have more reasons to smile, and one of those is more confidence, making you feel good about yourself.

• Better oral hygiene: You’ll be more likely to take care of your oral health after the treatment because you won’t want to return to having discoloured teeth.