Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Teeth Whitening at Kingsport Dental Clinic
How white will my teeth go?
Are there any dangers with teeth whitening?
Will the treatment whiten crowns, veneers or fillings?
You may choose to change these restorations after the tooth whitening treatment is completed, to match their shade to the newer, whiter and brighter shade of your teeth.
How long does the treatment last?
Will the treatment hurt?
You may experience some sensitivity during the treatment.
Lots of people tend to think of tooth whitening as only affecting the outside of the tooth, but that’s a common misconception. A lot of the reason why teeth whitening is such a delicate procedure (best performed by professionals!) is because it actually affects the inner part of your tooth. The main lightening agent is hydrogen peroxide gel, which has to be able to penetrate the tooth structure and oxidise the colour compounds in the actual dentin (the sensitive layer of living tissue within your teeth). When that inner part of your tooth is whitened, the colour that’s then reflected through the outer part of your enamel is whiter, which is what gives you that brighter, happier smile.
Any sensitivity that you may experience will be temporary, lasting a few days at the most. If it’s any longer, make sure you let us know! In the meantime though, there are a couple of ways you can reduce the sensitivity.
Avoid extremely hot or cold foods on the day of treatment.
Use a desensitising tooth paste when brushing your teeth.
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after removing the whitening trays.
The gel concentration that we prescribe is tailored to the individual. If you have a history of sensitive teeth we will prescribe the lower gel concentration. This is why a thorough consultation is very important.
Can everyone get their teeth whitened?
What age do you need to be legally to have your teeth whitened in the UK?
Will tooth whitening cause permanent damage to my tooth enamel?
Are there any foods that I should avoid to keep my teeth white after treatment?
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are orthodontic devices that are a transparent, plastic form of dental brace used to adjust teeth.
Instead of using metal wires or brackets, clear, plastic aligners are placed over teeth to apply consistent, gentle pressure and guide teeth into their proper position.
What types of cases do clear aligners treat?
Clear aligners are nearly invisible, minimally invasive, and treat a wide range of spacing and bite issues, including:
- Mild-to-moderate crowding
- Arch expansion
- Underbites and overbites
- Crossbites and open bites (when paired with other devices and/or procedures)
Millions of patients worldwide have successfully improved their smiles and dental health using clear aligners.
What are the benefits of clear aligners?
Most patients assume that straightening teeth is purely cosmetic, however there are health benefits too.
Crowded and overlapping teeth make it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
On the other end of the spectrum, too much space can also make it difficult to clean between the teeth properly, which may also then lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Properly spaced teeth are less likely to hold onto food debris and are easier to clean. This reduces the risk of dental disease.
Patients who complete their clear aligner treatments report higher levels of confidence and better dental hygiene.
Clear aligners are comfortable, convenient and virtually invisible.
What is the cost of clear aligners?
Cost varies based on number of clear aligners needed to perfect their smile, cost starts at £2500
We offer a payment plan to help our patients spread the costs of their treatment.
What is the clear aligner treatment process?
We will take photos, X-rays and impressions of your mouth.
This information will be used to design a treatment plan customised to your specific needs.
Once you have seen, discussed and approved your treatment plan, your aligners will be made.
You will then attend a further appointment to receive the aligners and begin your treatment.
The aligners are smooth and customized for a comfortable fit.
Some patients require composite bonding after their teeth have been aligned. This will be discussed at the treatment planning stage.
Some patients also opt to have their teeth whitened once their teeth have been straightened.
How long does my treatment take?
The length of treatment can vary based on the complexity of your case and the number of steps needed. Plans can range from four months to 24+ months depending on the case complexity.
How often are my review appointments?
The number of appointments as well as the time between appointments will ultimately be determined by your case. Most patients will be seen every four to six weeks to ensure their treatment is on track. The patient will be on their own to change the aligner every 14 days. We encourage you to consult with your dentist for personalized information.
What are the clear aligners made out of?
Clear aligners are moulded out of clear, BPA-free and phthalate-free, medical-grade plastic for comfort and results. The interior layer of the aligner is slightly soft to allow for comfortable tooth movement. The exterior layers are rigid and durable to protect against grinding, clenching, and cracking.
What are the benefits of working with Kingsport Dental for clear aligner treatment vs direct-to-consumer companies?
Simply: your dentist is trained in tooth movement and we will be monitoring your treatment in-person to guarantee safety and effectiveness. This includes periodic evaluations and X-rays to monitor your progress and oral health. There are a variety of direct-to-consumer clear aligner treatments in the market, but these companies do not offer in-person evaluation, or supervision and are not able to provide a truly custom treatment that factors in your unique physiology. Working with your dentist is, ultimately, the safest and most effective option for clear aligners.
How will the aligners impact my daily life?
Clear aligners should have a minimal impact on one’s day-to-day activities.
Patients are expected to wear the aligners for 22 hours per day.
You can easily take out aligners for eating, brushing, and special occasions.
Will the aligners impact my speech?
Patients may experience changes to their speech for the first few days, and up to a week. This is often temporary and corrects itself once you have adjusted to the sensation of having the clear aligners in your mouth.
How do I clean my aligners?
Cleaning the aligners is necessary but easy. Clean your aligners with water and effervescent cleaning tablets daily.
Tip: Do not use warm water or toothpaste to clean your aligners. Warm water can reshape the plastic and toothpaste can reduce the clarity of the aligner, giving it a cloudy appearance.
Do the aligners cause pain?
You may experience soreness and discomfort during the initial stages of tooth movement. You may also experience some mild discomfort for the first few days with each new aligner. Once your teeth begin to move, the discomfort will go away.
Interested in teeth whitening or teeth straghtening treatments?
Fill out the form below and we will contact you with more information