When you have your tooth whitening in the chair at the clinic we use a power bleaching lamp which get referred to as a ’ laser’.  This is just a warm lamp that raise the temperature of the whitening gel and  accelerate the process of whitening. This is perfectly safe. A session last  approximately 90 minutes – 2 hours depending how fast your teeth react to the treatment.   Tooth whitening is a bleaching process that removes stains from enamel and dentine. There are many causes  of teeth stains, the most common include ageing, consumption of staining substances – tea,coffee,tobacco act, trauma and old restorations.

As far as safety goes in the hands of a trained dentist, a dental therapist or hygienist  and using good quality materials, teeth whitening is the most effective and least intrusive procedure to lighten your teeth. It is a safe and straightforward treatment.

How does it work:

The dentist protect your gums and any exposed dentine with a protective gel before the whitening procedure starts.

Oxygen releasing whitening gel is applied to the surfaces of your teeth. As oxygen enters the enamel and dentine, it whitens the colored surfaces without affecting the teeth structure.

However some people experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. These symptoms should disappear within 1-2 days of completion of the treatment.

I see that you have an appointment with the hygienist on Tuesday. Normally I would say first have your whitening done and then see the hygienist. Purely because it will reduce the changes for sensitivity, but seeing that is 3 days before the whitening I think you should be ok. I leave the decision open to you. If you are intended to sensitivity perhaps wait with the hygienist.

This is a very relaxing form of treatment and we even have a DVD available for you, should you want to pass the time that way.

I hope this was informative enough, but should you have any  further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

I am looking forward seeing you on Friday.

Regards,
Dr. Ilze van der Merwe