FAQs
Everything you need to know about our treatments
Here are some of the commonly asked questions we get from patients
At The Grove Dental Care, we like to give our patients as much as information as we can, so that they can prepare for their visit and treatment. If you have a question that doesn’t appear on the list, then please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
The main difference between the two is their mechanism of action. Botulinum Toxins, like Botox, temporarily relaxes facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle contractions (dynamic wrinkles). Dermal Fillers, on the other hand, add volume to the skin to fill in wrinkles and lines, particularly those associated with volume loss and ageing (static wrinkles).
The effects of Botox usually last around 3 to 4 months. Over time, the treated muscles gradually regain their normal function, necessitating maintenance treatments to sustain the desired results.
The duration of results with Dermal Fillers varies depending on the type of filler used and individual factors. In general, the effects can last from 6 months to 2 years or longer. Follow-up treatments are needed to maintain the desired appearance.
Yes, common side effects of both treatments include temporary swelling, bruising, redness, or tenderness at the injection site. These effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days. Serious complications are rare but can include infection, allergic reactions, or vascular complications. It’s crucial to choose a skilled and qualified healthcare provider for these procedures to minimize risks.
Ideal candidates for Botulinum Toxin and Dermal Filler treatments are typically adults seeking to address specific cosmetic concerns. Botox is suitable for individuals with dynamic wrinkles, while Dermal Fillers are often used to address static wrinkles and restore volume. However, these treatments may not be recommended for pregnant or nursing women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those with allergies to specific ingredients. Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs.
Tooth decay – From the outside, dental bridges are quite appealing. Unfortunately, if the abutment (supporting) tooth is decaying, then complications may occur.
Infections – For patients with gum disease or tooth decay, there is a possibility of developing other infections after this treatment. However, your dentist will treat any underlying problems before fitting dental bridges.
Bridge failure – Like any other dental procedure, your bridge could fail in several ways. For instance, an abutment tooth could break due to trauma or caries. The cement seal might break causing the bridge to fall out. This, however, can easily be re-cemented. In other cases, the bridge itself could break. Follow-up dental procedures may be necessary to correct these kinds of failures.
Pain or chewing problems – Once you get the bridges, you may experience some pain, especially when chewing until things settle. At times, the bite may feel strange. This implies that your bite needs to be re-adjusted. If these conditions persist, then you should seek help from your dentist
It is important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong as the success of the bridge (depending on the type selected) depends on the solid foundation offered by the surrounding teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Your dentist or dental hygienist can demonstrate how to properly brush and floss your teeth. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule will help diagnose problems at an early stage when treatment has a better prognosis. Selecting a balanced diet for proper nutrition is also important.
There are alternatives to a fixed bridge including an adhesive bridge (which is less intrusive), partial dentures and implants.
A full examination, including x-rays, is needed to assess the health of the teeth either side of the gap. Following a local anaesthetic, the teeth are prepared and an impression is taken. Approximately 10 days later, the bridge can be fitted. Between the preparation and final restoration, a temporary bridge can be placed for comfort and aesthetics.
Dental bridges come with a host of benefits. Firstly, you do not need to remove them whenever you want to clean your teeth. You can brush your teeth normally. Besides that, bridges have an average life span of ten years. They are strong and stable and, with impeccable oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, they can last even longer. Loss of teeth can lead to low self-esteem; bridges help restore not only your smile but also your confidence.
Extensive, irreversible tooth removal either side of the gap, but remember – it’s usually the damage to these teeth that dictates the choice of a bridge in the first place. Trauma to any tooth, including removing the tooth surface to fit a bridge, may cause the tooth nerve to die, necessitating a subsequent root treatment, although this can sometimes be performed through the bridge.
Besides traditional bridges, another popular design is the resin bonded or “Maryland” bridge, primarily used for the front teeth. This is usually the most economical choice when the neighbouring teeth are healthy and don’t contain large fillings. The replacement tooth is fused to metal bands that can be bonded to the neighbouring teeth with a resin cement and hidden from view, reducing the amount of preparation on the adjacent teeth.
A cantilever bridge may be used if there are teeth on only one side of the span. This involves anchoring the false tooth to one side over one or more natural, adjacent teeth. If there are no adjacent teeth to act as anchors, we may recommend an implant–a metal post that is surgically embedded into the bone and capped with a crown as an abutment. In some cases where the span is large, we may recommend a removable partial denture or even an implant-supported prosthesis.
Traditional bridges revolve around designing a crown on either side of a missing tooth. The dental experts will put these types of bridges together with the “false tooth” in between the crowns. The crowns are meant to hold together the fake teeth. Traditional bridges are quite strong. In some cases, dentists use them to replace a patient’s molars. These bridges are usually made of metal and porcelain, or solely of ceramic.
Cantilever bridges are not much different from traditional bridges. However, the fake teeth or the pontics on these bridges receive support from only one side. This is what sets them apart from the popular traditional bridges. Cantilever bridges cannot be used in all situations. It is normally the tooth behind the gap that is used as an abutment tooth.
In some cases, dentists choose to use implant-supported bridges. These work very well when a patient has several teeth missing. Unlike other types of bridges where crowns support the pontics, the support of these bridges hinges on dental implants. Depending on the number of missing teeth, a dentist will decide how many implants are required to support the bridge.
Dental technicians design Maryland bridges with a ceramic or metal framework. The role of this framework is to hold the pontic in place by a ceramic or metal wing cemented onto a neighbouring tooth. Just like the traditional bridges, Maryland bridges only work if you have natural teeth on both sides of the gap left by a missing tooth/teeth.
Make use of teething gels to help numb the gum area. Consider teething rings – particularly those that can be cooled in the freezer. Children’s liquid paracetamol or Ibuprofen can help, but always ensure that you follow the instructions and keep to the correct dosage.
In a word, no. The tooth may straighten naturally as the other teeth come through, but even if it doesn’t, it can be corrected using orthodontic braces treatment at a later date. In the meantime, your dentist should monitor the situation during your child’s routine dental check-ups.
This may correct itself without intervention as the baby tooth will become loose and fall out naturally. On other occasions, it may help to extract the baby tooth to allow sufficient room for the permanent tooth to grow. If you are concerned in any way, you can always book for a dentist to have a look.
Around six months is generally a good age for a first appointment. But a good rule of thumb is to come and see us once the first few baby teeth have come through – or by their first birthday at the very latest.
Baby’s first appointment is about us all getting to know each other. If your little one is comfortable, your dentist will have a quick look in their mouth and gently feel around the gum line. But it’s much more about learning about your baby’s habits, routine and things that might affect their dental health.
Book in regular check-ups every six months from when your baby starts teething. This won’t just help us to keep an eye on their progress and spot things like tooth decay early – it also establishes a positive routine from the start. Generally, the more familiar and normal we can make things, the better.
Children are naturally confident if their environment feels safe and familiar. So, we make the practice feel like a fun, welcoming place to be. Some children also find it beneficial to bring a favourite toy or comforter to make themselves feel more at home.
If a child is ever really uncomfortable or refuses to open their mouth, we will just talk to them. Reassure them. Remain on their level and get them to a place where they’ll be more willing next time.
Dental composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a tooth-coloured resin material (composite) is applied to the teeth and bonded to improve their appearance. It can be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, close gaps, reshape teeth, and cover discolourations.
Dental composite bonding and veneers both enhance the appearance of teeth, but they differ in their application. Composite bonding involves applying and shaping a resin directly on the tooth’s surface, while veneers are thin porcelain shells custom-made in a lab and then bonded to the tooth. Bonding is less invasive but may require more maintenance over time.
Dental composite bonding is not considered a permanent solution, but it can last several years with proper care. The lifespan varies depending on factors like the patient’s oral hygiene, eating habits, and the location of the bonded teeth. Bonding may need touch-ups or replacement over time.
Dental composite bonding is relatively low-maintenance. Patients should practice good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. Avoiding habits like biting on hard objects can help extend the life of the bonding. Staining can occur, so minimizing consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, and tobacco is recommended.
In general, dental composite bonding is suitable for many individuals with minor cosmetic concerns. However, it may not be recommended for those with more severe structural issues or bruxism (teeth grinding), which can cause premature bonding failure. Ask your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for dental composite bonding and to discuss your specific needs and expectations.
Cleaning your dentures every day is important for good oral hygiene. If you don’t, plaque and bacteria can form on them leading to oral health problems. We recommend cleaning dentures thoroughly twice a day and after eating when necessary. At The The Grove Dental Care, we recommend the following procedures are followed:
The general rule to cleaning your dentures is: brush, soak, brush. Your dentures are breakable, so always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. Brush your dentures thoroughly before soaking, to remove loose food particles. Use cool or warm water. But never use hot water – it can warp your dentures. Soak your dentures in a denture cleaner, if required. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Apply a denture cleaning paste to a moistened denture brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. However, never use conventional toothpaste as this can permanently damage your dentures. Brush all surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles, as these bristles can damage the denture material.
Brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled regular toothbrush to remove plaque and stimulate circulation. Rinse your dentures, then reinsert them.
We recommend you leave your dentures out at night, as this allows your gums to rest. Whilst you sleep at night, your dentures should be kept damp but not left in water. If you use a denture cleanser, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
Please remember that if you use any kind of denture adhesive this needs to be removed daily. DO NOT use very hot water or any type of bleaching product to clean your dentures.
When adjusting to new dentures, some patients find their speech can alter slightly, whilst getting used to the new shape of their dentures (false teeth); this is only a short term inconvenience. We recommend reading aloud and to practice counting the numbers 65 up to 70 as these sounds can be the hardest to get used to.
It is also usual for denture wearers to produce more saliva, which can also affect speech, when getting used to a new set of dentures. This inconvenience is again short term, which will be resolved once your mouth becomes accustomed to the new dentures. We recommend sipping water more often or alternatively, try sucking on a sugar free boiled sweet or mint.
Generally it is considered best to remove dentures at night; this is to give your gums a chance to rest. It is especially ideal to leave your dentures out at night if you grind your teeth, as this causes more pressure against your gums. However, some patients are embarrassed about removing their dentures in front of their partner and therefore prefer to wear their dentures at night. If this is the case then we would recommend two things:
Firstly, please make sure you clean your dentures thoroughly before you go to sleep and when you wake up. Secondly, we would recommend that you remove your dentures for some period of the day if you can’t leave them out at night. At least once a day you should remove your teeth and brush your mouth and gums with a soft toothbrush. This stimulates circulation and maintains healthy tissue.
If you do remove your dentures at night, please remember to store them in a damp environment to stop them from drying out and warping. Please do not place your dentures in hot water, as this will damage them.
At The Grove Dental Care, our private dentures are made with a high impact denture acrylic (plastic), which means the dentures we make are less likely to break when they are dropped. However, no denture can be guaranteed against breakages. We therefore recommend you follow some simple steps to reduce the likelihood of damage occurring to your dentures. Dentures should be looked after carefully.
Your dentures (false teeth) are breakable, so always clean your dentures over a bowl of water or a folded towel in case you drop them. It is extremely important that your dentures are kept moist and are not allowed to dry out, this is to prevent them distorting. However, if your dentures become dry please soak them in a glass of clean fresh water before wearing your dentures again.
Some patients prefer not to wear their dentures at night. In this instance, please place your dentures in a box with a damp tissue or into your preferred denture soak. If you use a denture cleanser overnight, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Dentures should be rinsed and cleaned on a regular basis.
Yes, we try to match the existing teeth as closely as possible when making a new set of dentures.
We understand that having new dentures can be an anxious time and we understand that some patients are ‘dental phobic’. We have the facility to book longer appointments with our nervous dental patients so we can take breaks during your treatment. This allows you to take things at your own pace. We can then tailor the support we offer you and the appointments you have with us, to your individual needs.
There are two main groups of dentures: complete/full dentures and partial dentures. Complete or full dentures replace all of your natural teeth in either your upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are used to replace some of your teeth in either your upper or lower jaw.
There are a number of different types of dentures, including metallic, flexible and plastic dentures; you can discuss the different types of denture with your dentist, as some types may be more suitable for your individual needs than others. Immediate dentures are used to replace the teeth immediately after they have been lost or extracted; they are replaced once the permanent set of dentures has been manufactured and the gum tissue has healed.
Anxiety at the dentist or Dentophobia is extremely common with a good proportion of patients feeling nervous about attending appointments. Our highly trained team has been helping anxious patients with their dental health for many years.
The need for Dental check-ups will vary from person to person depending on their dental state and susceptibility to dental issues such as caries or gum disease. The majority of people should have a dental examination between 3-12 months.
We are currently accepting new patients on a private basis. We are not currently accepting new NHS patients.
Anxiety at the dentist or Dentophobia is extremely common with a good proportion of patients feeling nervous about attending appointments. Our highly trained team has been helping anxious patients with their dental health for many years.
Emergency appointments can be made either online via our booking portal or by phone on 02088828887. NHS emergency appointments can be made by phone where one of our helpful reception team members will be able to assist.
The need for Dental check-ups will vary from person to person depending on their dental state and susceptibility to dental issues such as caries or gum disease. The majority of people should have a dental examination between 3-12 months.
Dental examinations are £50 for patients that have been seen within a 2 year period. For new patients or patients that have not attended an appointment in more than 2 years the fee is £60. For all other treatments please see you fee guide. For up to date NHS charges please visit here
We currently do not offer finance options. However, for longer term treatments such as Invisalign, we do have a payment schedule for the duration of the treatment.
During your hygiene appointments the hygienist will usually discuss your oral hygiene routine and give you tips and tricks to maintain a healthy mouth. They will also help remove build up of plaque and calculus. They may also measure the “pockets” around your gums to help monitor the health of the gums and be able to more easily identify potential problems in the future.
Good oral hygiene has been shown to significantly reduce the risks of caries and gum disease as well as improving the appearance of your smile and freshness of breath. A hygienist is specifically trained in cleaning and will be able to spend the time to expertly coach and motivate you to correctly look after your teeth and gums.
Simple cleans above the gums are usually pain free. Although can offer topical anaesthetic creams if you are concerned. For deeper cleans during longer appointments, a local anaesthetic may be used in order for the hygienist to clean below the gum line and allow for pain free calculus removal.
I you have not had anaesthetic during your clean then absolutely. Although your teeth may feel so clean that you don’t want to. If you have had an “AirFlow” stain removal treatment, you should avoid food or drink that may stain for 2 hours. This will include tea, coffee, red wine, cigarettes, beetroot, curries etc. For cleans that included an anaesthetic, food and drink should be avoided until all feeling has returned.
A dental implant is a small titanium screw which replaces your tooth root. It’s gently and precisely placed into your jawbone by your dentist. Dental implants usually take 10 to 16 weeks to heal. This involves the bone fusing to the implant. Once the implant is fused, a crown (false tooth) can be fitted, or a bridge with three false teeth can be placed over two implants. Alternatively, the implant could be used to secure a loose denture. In some cases, temporary false teeth can be placed on the same day that the implant is placed, often referred to as smile or teeth in a day.
Implants are placed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the mouth to prevent pain. You’ll feel some discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off, which could last for a few days, and you may notice bruising and swelling which could last for around one week. This is normal and any discomfort can be managed using over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you experience severe pain, contact your dentist for advice.
Implant treatment starts at £2,300. During your consultation, your dentist will perform a clinical assessment, so they can give you a full breakdown of the costs. You’ll then be given a personalised treatment plan, so you know exactly what you’ll be paying and why.
Dental implants can be suitable for adults of all ages but aren’t recommended for those under 18 as the jaw is still growing.
Most people are suitable for dental implants. However, the chances of your body rejecting the implant are increased in some cases. For example, if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, that isn’t under control, this could lessen your chances of success. Some lifestyle habits can affect how successful your implant might be, such as smoking, using e-cigarettes or taking recreational drugs. If you smoke, your dentist will advise you to give up as it can slow healing and affect gum health. Some people may need supporting treatment before having implants, such as a bone graft or a sinus lift. This is needed when there isn’t enough bone in your jaw to support the implant.
Implant treatment usually takes between three to eight months, but every case is different. It may take longer if you need extractions or a bone graft first. After your clinical assessment, your dentist will advise you, if you need any supporting treatments and give you a clearer estimate of how long your treatment will take.
Receding gums could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease can result in bone loss around your teeth, which can cause your teeth to become loose over time and potentially fall out. Most gum disease can be prevented, or treated, but some people are very susceptible. Gum disease can affect implants in the same way, which is known as peri-implant disease. This can cause rapid bone loss and is much more difficult to treat. In all cases, any degree of gum disease should be treated and eradicated before implants are placed.
Implants can fail if your bone doesn’t integrate with it. Although this is rare and generally, over 90% of implants last 10 years or more. Certain lifestyle habits such as smoking can affect the integration of your implant, as well as oral health problems such as gum disease. It’s important to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and keep the implant clean. The first sign of an implant failing is very slight movement that worsens over time. Other warning signs may be loss of gum around the implant and severe pain or swelling (although it’s normal to experience some discomfort and inflammation during the healing period). If you experience any of these symptoms, speak to your dentist. After your implant is placed, your dentist will guide you on how to reduce the risk of your implant failing.
Invisalign is brand of removable braces that are designed to move and straighten your teeth. It is a series of clear aligners that are custom made to your teeth that allow gradual movement to help improve your smile.
The main advantage of Invisalign is in its appearance. As clear aligners they will have minimal effect on your smile while they do their job. There are no unsightly metal bands or brackets which also means they are more comfortable to wear. Also, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed when needed. The ease of removal means your dental hygiene standards should largely remain unchanged.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign aligners is that you can and should remove them to eat or drink. Unlike traditional braces they should have little impact on both your social and briskness life.
Like any braces, Invisalign aligners will exert a pressure on the teeth when they are first fitted. This means they will feel tight. Unlike traditional braces however, they should not irritate of cause pain beyond this.
Leaving gaps between your natural teeth can affect your speech and your ability to eat and chew properly. Gaps between teeth can also make your smile look less attractive, which can affect your self confidence. In some cases it can also affect the other teeth as they start to shift positions over time.
Replacing any missing teeth improves your smile, can make you look younger and more attractive and can also improve the variety of food you can eat. This can lead to an overall improvement in your health as you are able to have a more balanced diet.
There are always 4 options for a missing tooth.
- It can be left as gap
- It can be replaced with a denture
- It can be replaced with a bridge
- It can be replaced with an implant
A denture is a removable appliance made usually of metal or acrylic that clips into place to replace the aesthetic and function of the missing teeth.
A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that is cemented to one or more of the missing tooths neighbouring teeth. In some cases it may be necessary to prepare (remove some tooth structure) from these teeth in order for the bridge to be fitted.
An implant is a fixed prosthesis and a direct replacement for a tooth and will be placed in to the bone in the areas that are missing teeth. They will not interfere with the neighbouring teeth.
Root canal treatment (Endodontics) is needed when the blood or nerve supply of the tooth (known as the pulp) is damaged through decay or injury. You may not feel any pain in the early stages of this process. In some cases, your tooth could darken in colour, which may mean that the nerve of the tooth has died (or is dying). This would need root canal treatment.
If the pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread through the root canal system of the tooth. This may eventually lead to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and can cause swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain and the tooth may be tender when you bite. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the infection will spread and the tooth may need to be taken out.
No. Usually, a local anaesthetic is used and it should feel no different to having an ordinary filling done. There may be some tenderness afterwards but this should gradually get less over time.
The aim of the treatment is to remove all infection from the root canal system. The root is then cleaned and filled to prevent any further infection. Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. Most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits with your dentist. At the first appointment, the infected pulp is removed, and any abscesses can be drained. The root canal is then cleaned and shaped ready for the filling. A temporary filling is put in along with a disinfectant to help clean the tooth and is left to settle. The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.
It is normal for a root-filled tooth to darken after treatment. If there is any discolouration, there are several treatments available to restore the natural appearance.
Root canal treatment is usually very successful. However, if the infection comes back, the treatment can sometimes be repeated. This would usually be carried out by a specialist endodontist. What if I don’t have the treatment? The alternative is to have the tooth out. Once the pulp is destroyed it can’t heal, and it is not recommended to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Although some people would prefer to have the tooth out, it is usually best to keep as many natural teeth as possible.
Yes. However, as a dead tooth is more brittle, it may be necessary to restore the tooth with a crown to provide extra support and strength to the tooth.
Where can this treatment be carried out? Root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure, which your dentist will be happy to do for you. However, sometimes your dentist may refer you to an endodontist, who is a specialist in this type of treatment.
Root-treated teeth should be treated just the same as any other tooth. Remember to clean your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Cut down on sugary foods and drinks and keep them only to mealtimes if possible. See your dentist as often as they recommend for regular check-ups.
Tooth decay is caused by a combination of bacteria, nutrition and time. Foods we eat help bacteria in the mouth to grow. If this is left unchecked, these will in turn cause our teeth to decay and holes to form. This is why good oral hygiene is important to minimise the potential risks that can cause decay.
In cases where decay is caught early enough, we may opt to just monitor the teeth and we may prescribe a fluoride toothpaste as well a change in oral hygiene technique. Once decay becomes more advanced however, you will need treatment to remove the decay and replace the lost tooth structure.
Usually not until it has progressed to an advanced state. This state is usually once it has spread into the inner part of the teeth (the dentine) and may be close the nerve.
Studies have shown that the use of a good fluoride toothpaste significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay. Fluoride can help remineralise tooth structure as well as add a protective barrier to aid against future problems.
Your dentist numbs your mouth to ensure that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After removing the decayed portion, they will clean the tooth to remove debris and bacteria and add the filling material to the tooth.
Your tooth may feel a little sensitive after it’s filled. Sensitivity is completely normal and usually goes away in a day or two.
Both filling materials are used to replace the lost tooth structure. The main difference between the two materials is aesthetic with white fillings being tooth coloured. Generally, less tooth structure when placing a white filling however their placement is more technique sensitive and requires a longer appointment. On average however, silver fillings tend to last longer.
Usually yes, speak to your dentist at your next appointment and they will be able to advised you further on this.
Almost certainly but you should first have your teeth assessed to make sure they are suitable for tooth whitening. Enlighten is the only tooth whitening system that guarantees lightening to at least shade B1 (the lightest natural shade), but no-one can predict the exact end shade.
After assessing your teeth to check tooth whitening is suitable for you, we take impressions of your teeth and the Enlighten lab make precise fitting whitening trays that fit your teeth exactly. After checking the fit of the trays, we then provide you with Enlighten whitening gel, which you put into the trays each night for up to 14 nights to gently and safely whiten your teeth whilst you sleep. Finally we’ll review your result and advise you on maintenance and on any other actions you might need to enhance your result.
No, crowns, veneers, bridgework and fillings will not whiten with any tooth whitening system, but they can be replaced afterwards to match the whitened teeth if desired.
You will need to attend for an initial examination along with the impression taking for the trays. The trays will then need two weeks to be manufactured. In most cases the Enlighten system works fully within two weeks of at home whitening, but some discolouration can be more stubborn to remove so occasionally it can take longer.
Enlighten uses a state-of-the-art version of carbamide peroxide gel which is proven to be safe for use in the mouth and, unlike many other whitening gels, Enlighten gel is pH neutral so it will not damage the surface of the teeth or harm the gums.
All tooth whitening gels can produce some short-lasting tooth sensitivity, which can last until a few days after the whitening has finished. Also, you might experience overnight dry mouth during whitening and some mild tingling of the gums until treatment is finished.
Usually a long time, but teeth will always slowly darken over time, and this can happen more quickly if you drink a lot of tea, coffee or red wine, eat foods with lots of colour and if you smoke. We advise maintaining your new white smile by ‘topping-up’ by using your whitening trays with Enlighten gel for 1 or 2 nights every 2 to 4 months.
No, in the UK it is illegal to provide tooth whitening to anyone under the age of 18 and we reserve the right to request photo ID from patients to prove they are over 18 years old if we have any concerns regarding their age at the time of tooth whitening.