It is a situation many people are familiar with; going on to social media to see photos posted from that day out with friends, to then notice how yellow their teeth look!

In modern society, it is fairly difficult to avoid enamel staining, even if you have a healthy diet and brush each day. Many fruit juices and commonly consumed drinks like coffee and tea are high in acids, which can stain the teeth, no matter how much you brush!

So, while you could vow to never consume coffee or fruit juice again, there is an easier solution to dental staining.

At Orpington Dental, our cosmetic team can offer all of our patients teeth whitening in Orpington, to remove deeply set stains from their tooth enamel in as little as 2 weeks! Using a mixture of tooth whitening in the surgery and techniques at home, we can gently remove stains from the enamel, without causing additional sensitivity or discomfort during the procedure.

Have some questions about how we manage that? Of course, you do! Here are some of your most commonly asked questions about teeth whitening in Orpington answered.

How long will the whitening last?

As much as we would like it to, dental whitening doesn’t last forever.

At Orpington Dental, once our dentist has whitened your teeth, we will provide you with a ‘top-up’ gel, so you can keep the whiteness of your teeth for as long as possible. However, if you consume a lot of fruit juice, coffee or tea, then the effects of the whitening could begin to fade in as little as one month.

I have fillings – can I have my teeth whitened?

Studies have found that whitening products used by dentists do not cause damage to either metal or composite fillings.

However, one issue with undertaking teeth whitening in Orpington if you have multiple tooth coloured fillings is that the composite will not lighten along with the teeth, creating an uneven look.

In this instance, our team will discuss with you alternative options to tooth whitening, such as refitting of fillings to match the new shade of your teeth or porcelain veneers.

How do you remove the stains without brushing?

Many people assume that deeply set stains are removed by dentists through excessive scrubbing; this would not only be uncomfortable for you but it would also be ineffectual.

In whitening today, oxidising gels are applied to the surface of the teeth, which remove deep-set stains without causing damage to the enamel or discomfort.

This process can lighten your teeth by up to 16 shades and can be completed in as little as one hour.

I have sensitive teeth – can I have my teeth whitened?

While it is possible to whiten sensitive teeth, our dental team does not recommend it.

If your sensitivity is caused by microscopic holes in your enamel, our whitening gels will inevitably seep into these cavities and hit the nerve of your tooth, causing you discomfort. A sensible alternative in this situation to traditional whitening is to have porcelain veneers fitted.

Care, catered for you

Here at Orpington Dental, we are a private dental clinic which applies a great deal of focus on ensuring that the services we provide are moulded around the needs of those who seek them. Rather than simply opting for the one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry, which has sadly become all too popular in numerous practices across the country, here at Orpington Dental, we take the time to connect with each of our patients on an individual level. We’ve found that by doing so, a vastly more formative and beneficial patient-practitioner relationship can flourish. We enjoy getting to know our patients, and giving them the smiles they deserve, through a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry options. Anyone who is seeking tooth whitening in Orpington, need look no further than our in-house team of expert cosmetic dentistry specialists to aid them on their dental journey.

Brightening up your day

Here at Orpington Dental, we understand the inherent social pressures that some people may feel due to having stained or discoloured teeth. Whether it has arisen through smoking, drinking tea, coffee or red wine, or from taking certain medications, we empathise with those who suffer from stained or discoloured teeth, and as such, provide a full range of tooth whitening in Orpington treatments to combat this. At Orpington Dental, we provide two specific methodologies of tooth whitening, which are catered around the requirements presented to us by each of our patients. These treatments are Power Whitening and Home Whitening, and both are explained in great detail prior to undertaking either of them, in order to allow patients to make an informed decision that will meet their expectations.

Power whitening

The first method of tooth whitening in Orpington that we offer is power whitening. This is carried out within our practice in Orpington, and is massively popular due to its almost instantaneous effect on the whiteness of a patient’s teeth. Those who opt for this method of treatment can expect to find years worth of detrimental staining eradicated from their teeth the very same day they seek treatment through us. The process of undertaking power whitening initially consists of a custom made mould being created of the contours of each patient’s teeth. A peroxide based whitening agent is then placed within this retainer, and inserted over the patient’s teeth. Thereafter, a specialist UV dental light is shone on the retainer, which activates the bleaching agent within the gel. After just one hour, the peroxide bleaching agent will have eradicated all the superficial stains on the patient’s teeth, and provided them with a brighter and healthier looking smile.

Home comforts

The other method of teeth whitening procedure we offer here at Orpington Dental, is home whitening. Unlike power whitening, the results of this form of treatment are not instantaneous. However, this is a vastly popular method of tooth whitening as it affords users the ability to undertake the process from the comfort of their own homes. The basis of the home whitening process initially consists of a custom made light-weight plastic retainer being created of each patient’s teeth. Thereafter, the patient can take this retainer home, and apply a thin layer of a peroxide-based whitening gel to the inside of it and then wear it for a few hours a day. Over the course of around two weeks, the bleaching agent within the gel will break down any superficial stains or damage to their teeth, resulting in them having a whiter and healthier appearing smile.

Whatever your smile is like, people are going to notice it. That’s because human beings evolved to clock each other’s smile. When we meet someone for the first time, we check their smile for friendliness. A big open grin means friend. No grin, or a tight-lipped grimace means foe. This hard-wired noticing comes from prehistory and we still use it today. If you don’t have a big open grin, people might not think you are going to attack them and eat them for dinner, but they might think you are cold and unfriendly and they won’t try to get to know you.

We also check each other’s smiles for health. Strong, white teeth mean good health. Dull, discoloured teeth indicate a chance of ill-health. They say, ‘Don’t come too close. You might catch something.’

Now that you know that, you can understand why tooth whitening is the world’s most popular cosmetic dental treatment. It’s quick, it’s non-invasive and you can even do it yourself at home.

At Orpington Dental Care in Orpington, we offer 2 types of whitening:

In-clinic

Get your whitening done in the clinic and it will only take about an hour. You just lie back in the chair while we protect your lips and gums with a plastic barrier before painting your teeth with a concentrated whitening gel that is activated by a UV light.

This is a great way to lift a smile for an important event.

At-home

For this, we make you a set of gel trays that fit you exactly, taken from impressions. Bespoke trays mean less chance of spillage. We give you a take-home kit. You put the less concentrated gel in the trays and then put them on over your teeth. Wear the trays for a short period every day and it will take a couple of weeks for your teeth to lighten by several shades.

Keep it up

Tooth whitening is not permanent. You can extend the life of your white teeth by avoiding the drinks and foods that stain, such as tea, coffee and red wine.

If you have gel trays, you can also buy more gel and give yourself a top-up treatment every few months.

The trouble with winter in the UK is that it seems to go forever. Short, dull days interspersed with long, dark nights. We eat heavier comfort foods in an effort to feel snug and it’s no wonder that along with all those stews and heavy puds, our consumption of comforting hot drinks, such as tea and coffee, and hearty red wines can go through the roof.

Come the spring, you can be forgiven if your teeth are showing the stains of all those mulled spicy drinks, those hot berry-apple crumbles, those heavy tomato-based stews. All these things leave tiny traces of themselves as surface stains on your tooth enamel.

Your teeth look duller and your smile looks older. You may not even want to smile so much. But don’t shy away from a good smile, just get the stains removed with safe teeth whitening treatments from us at Orpington Dental Care in Orpington.

We have 2 ways that you can whiten your teeth. You can either come in and we can carry out the treatment for you, or you can do it yourself at home. Both methods have different advantages, and with both you can choose how white you want your teeth to be.

In-clinic whitening

The advantage of in-clinic whitening is that it’s done in around about an hour. You can pop in during your lunch hour, or get it done after work. You relax while we protect your soft mouth parts (lips and gums) with a plastic barrier and paint your teeth with whitening gel. In around an hour, your teeth will be several shades lighter and you can get on with your day. That’s all there is to it. This is a great treatment if you need to look your best for an important event that is happening very shortly.

At-home whitening

For this, you get a pack containing a weaker concentrate of gel, along with 2 gel trays that have been made from impressions of your teeth so that they fit you exactly. It takes about 2 weeks of wearing the trays each day to reach the shade you want. And you can buy more gel every time you need a top-up treatment.

Are you glued to Strictly every Saturday and Sunday like most of the rest of the nation? What bedazzles you the most? Is the moves? Is it the sequins and swirling skirts? Or is it those sparkling smiles? Dr Ranj Singh’s smile was a thing of wonder and beauty and got almost as much attention from the judges as his footwork.

They all commented at some point or other on the power of his wonderful, white smile, hammering home the message to millions of Strictly fans that your smile is just as important as your other messages.

Teeth whitening for winter

As we head into the depths of dark winter, your smile becomes even more of a beacon. As your most important non-verbal tool of communication, having it in top white form for winter helps it stand out in the darkness of the long nights and the dark winter clothes we all tend to favour.

Getting your teeth whitening is a cinch too. You can choose between 2 methods of whitening here at Orpington Dental Care, here in Orpington.

Power whitening

You can get your teeth lightened by several shades in around 60 minutes by coming into our dental practice and letting us do the whitening for you. As professionals, we can use more powerful whitening gels, using brands such as Enlighten and Zoom!. First of all, we use a colour chart to help you choose the right shade of white for your teeth, mouth and age. We protect your soft tissues (gums and lips) with plastic barriers. Then we paint the whitening gel onto your teeth. Then you relax while a UV lamp activates the gel and it gets going on your teeth.

At home whitening

This uses a milder gel, and you put it into mouth trays made to fit your teeth. Wearing them for a short period each day will lead to the shade that suits you in a couple of weeks or so.

Topping up

Whitening is not permanent so you will need to top up your whitening every several months, either by coming in for another session or by buying more gel to use in your bespoke gel trays.

As the daily habits of drinking tea and coffee, smoking and even time itself take their toll, your teeth are usually the ones to bear the brunt of it all. Unfortunately, these habits can’t always go unnoticed, meaning that yellow or stained teeth might leave you feeling nervous about smiling or laughing. No one should have to feel afraid of showing off their teeth and if it starts to affect your confidence, you know that something has to be done.

Getting your pearly whites back, though it may seem so, does not require magic. If you are unhappy with your discoloured teeth, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening will have you smiling non-stop. This is used to enhance the appearance of your teeth and get your confidence back on track.

Brighter smiles

If you are considering teeth whitening in Orpington, then you might want to get to know the options you can choose from. At Orpington Dental, we offer two treatments that are both effective in brightening your smile.

Power whitening is done there and then in the dentist chair. After a protective barrier is used for your mouth and lips, a gel is placed onto your lips which is activated by the lamp light. Here, the bleaching process begins and after an hour, you will see your brand new white teeth. This is a quick and effective way to brighten your smile, and it means you can be prepared to laugh with confidence at any given moment.

Home whitening is a flexible alternative to suit you. You take a custom-made tray home with you, applying gel in a similar manner. You can then choose when you would like to use the tray, perhaps during the night or a few hours in the day. After a couple of weeks, your teeth will be a few shades brighter and your smile will be several times wider.

A shade that suits you

Whatever your choice of treatment, the result will hopefully be the same. By receiving teeth whitening treatment, you can grin without a worry in the world.  Drop into our surgery today and find out if you could benefit from this quick and easy treatment.

A great smile is an asset, but not everyone is born with a set of bright, white teeth. In recent years, professional teeth whitening has become very popular, since it is a quick, effective and inexpensive way for people to brighten their smile. There are a variety of techniques to ensure that you can whiten your teeth safely. However, it is always advised to visit a cosmetic dentist.

At Orpington Dental Care, we offer power whitening and home whitening. Both methods are safe, tested and offer lasting results. Our experienced dentists will examine your teeth and help you determine which method is better for you, based on your individual needs and lifestyle.

Why do teeth become discoloured?

Regularly consuming certain highly-pigmented foods and drinks, such as berries, soy sauce, coffee, tea and soda, can cause discolouration over time. Luckily, these stains are surface stains, and can be easily removed with teeth whitening in Orpington. Forgetting to brush your teeth can also cause stains. Patients with poor oral hygiene see their teeth gradually become yellow and darken as cavities form as well.

However, the most natural cause of tooth discolouration is ageing. As we age, tooth enamel thins down and our teeth become more yellow and translucent. Finally, smoking and certain medications can also cause your teeth to darken over time. Most of these stains can be removed with teeth whitening. However, if you are pregnant or have sensitive teeth your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment.

Power whitening

Power teeth whitening is more immediate than home whitening, taking only about an hour in the dentist’s chair. Power teeth whitening uses a more powerful bleaching gel, which is activated by a special lamp, for the best of all whitening results. The gel is applied directly to your teeth and your dentist will be careful to protect your gums and soft tissue.

Home whitening

Home whitening, on the other hand, involves the use of customised bleaching trays, which are made for each patient in advance of the treatment. You will have to wear them along with bleaching gel for a few hours every day or while you sleep, for two weeks before you get the shade you want.

If you have teeth that make you feel self-conscious when smiling because of discolouration, then tooth whitening treatments could be the solution for you. Teeth whitening treatments are the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the UK.

This is because a tooth whitening treatment can provide a fast, cost-effective boost to your smile, bringing out its potential.

According to National Smile Month in the UK, the smile is the first thing we notice when meeting a new person, so it’s important to make a good first impression.

In-practice tooth whitening

Here at Orpington Dental, we offer two different types of tooth whitening in Orpington. The first takes place inside the dental practice. Power whitening gets the fastest results and has to be carried out by a dental professional.

During this treatment, a protective barrier covers your gums and lips and the highly concentrated gel is placed onto your teeth. A special lamp is then placed over your mouth to activate the bleaching process.

The whole process takes around an hour and your teeth can appear a few shades brighter than before the treatment started.

Home whitening

If you would rather do your whitening by stealth, you can take home a kit to make your teeth lighter over a period of a couple of weeks. This treatment can also be used to give previously home whitened teeth a little boost.

With this treatment, we custom make a set of tooth trays that fit your teeth perfectly. The whitening gel is then put into these trays and worn for a few hours until you reach the shade you’re happy with.

The results are normally seen over two weeks, depending on how often and how long you wear the tooth trays.

Causes of discolouration

Tooth discolouration can happen for many reasons. The most common reason for discolouration is the food we like to eat and the things we like to drink. Tea, coffee, cola, wines and even certain types of fruits and vegetables can stain our teeth.

Smoking is another leading cause of discolouration. Many of the main causes of discolouration are things we choose to do and our habits.

Tooth whitening has reached new levels of popularity in recent years, since it is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve the appearance of your smile. No matter how much good care we take of our teeth, they are likely to become stained or discoloured over time.

This is mainly due to the consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, soda drinks and highly-pigmented foods; however, teeth yellow as we age and sometimes it’s just a matter of genetics. Discolouration can also be caused by smoking or certain medications. Whatever the cause, tooth whitening at Orpington Dental in Orpington can restore your bright, beautiful smile and take years off your appearance.

Our services

At Orpington Dental, we two different types of professional tooth whitening. Power whitening involves bleaching your teeth with Zoom technology in the dental practice. The process is quick, simple and requires only one visit. Your Orpington dentist will place a protective barrier over your lips and gums and apply a custom-made bleaching gel on your teeth.

The gel is stimulated with the aid of a lamp positioned straight over your teeth, activating the bleaching progress. After one hour your teeth will look much brighter than before. Tooth whitening with Zoom light technology is popular for busy people and patients who wish to whiten their teeth before a big event.

We also offer home whitening with custom-made bleaching trays. Your dentist will create two custom trays based on impressions of your teeth. These trays are made to fit comfortably over your teeth and gums. Whitening trays have to be worn a few hours every days for two weeks approximately. When the treatment finishes, your teeth will be whiter by several shades. Home whitening is ideal for people who would like to gradually whiten their teeth in the comfort of their home.

Both treatments are safe and effective with guaranteed results. Unlike over-the-counter bleaching products, professional teeth whitening is much safer. Readily available whitening product often contain less bleaching agents and are not as effective as professional treatments. More alarmingly, they can also harm your teeth and gums with careless use.

At Orpington Dental Care, teeth whitening is a very important treatment.

Tooth discolouration is a common problem for patients who have had poor dental hygiene. It is also caused by food staining (tea, coffee and smoking are often to blame), fluoride exposure, dental trauma, antibiotics and aging.

Having badly discoloured teeth can have a big impact on your confidence, causing you to cover your mouth and suppress your smiles. Many people are turning to teeth whitening to improve their smile and confidence, and despite the lure of cheap over-the-counter whitening kits, it is a procedure that is best followed under the guidance of a professional.

Teeth whitening is wrongly thought of as something you can do at home with a kit bought at the chemists. At Orpington Dental Care, we carry out teeth whitening using a system called Zoom! This system can be carried out in two ways. You can have a power whitening treatment at the dental clinic, or you can do it yourself at home with a kit supplied by us.

Good quality, long-lasting teeth whitening can take time. Once you have had an initial consultation with us to assess the condition of your teeth, we take impressions of your teeth, and from those make custom-fit trays in which to put the whitening gel. These trays ensure the maximum contact between tooth and gel, and minimise spillage, which is a common problem with off the shelf kits. We supply you with a teeth whitening gel to apply for two weeks, which should be long enough to see results, if you wear the trays for a few hours every day, or, preferably overnight.

If you would rather, we can do the teeth whitening here at the clinic. The advantages of a power whitening session is that it only takes an hour, so you get instant results rather than having to wait for a couple of weeks and maintain the discipline of doing the whitening yourself. Also, as dental professionals we are able to use a more concentrated gel. We protect your gums and lips before putting the trays over your teeth. The active ingredients in the gel are activated by a UV lamp. You then lie back and relax for an hour while the gel does its work.

If you would like to find out more about teeth whitening in Orpington, please drop in or call us. We love to talk about how our treatments can help you.