FAQs - H Williams & Associates

How long will my teeth whitening last?

If you carry out the whitening as advised by your dentist you may need to do just a few nights every one or two years to give the teeth a little boost. If you drink lots of tea, coffee, red wine or cola drinks your teeth may darken slightly more. Smoking in particular will darken your teeth again.

Is teeth whitening suitable for me?

Yes, teeth whitening is suitable for everybody over the age of 18. Natural tooth structure responds well to whitening.

Does it hurt?

No, teeth whitening doesn’t hurt but it can cause sensitivity in some cases. If this arises we do have some products that can alleviate the symptoms.

Will it damage my teeth?

No, teeth whitening will not cause any damage to the tooth structure. In fact, whitening was first introduced when gum specialists found that not only was the treatment helping with gum disease it was also whitening the teeth.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, whitening your teeth is safe and very effective. Even the healthiest of teeth darken with lifestyle and age. Safety studies have shown that teeth whitening using the dentist prescribed whitening techniques are perfectly safe on the teeth, cheeks, gums and soft tissues of the mouth.

We follow all the latest techniques as set out by the British Dental Bleaching Society and comply with both the EU & UK laws. Bleaching gel is only legally available through registered dental practices, and teeth whitening can only be carried out by dentists and those on the dental register.

What are the benefits of having teeth straightened?

Straight teeth look great and help you smile with confidence. Orthodontics can improve your bite and chew, and make cleaning easier. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy for life, provided you look after them. Teeth can cause all sorts of problems, especially when they are coming through (see dental care for children). They can be very crowded, get stuck between other teeth or be missing altogether.

How are teeth straightened?

Orthodontic treatment typically utilises fixed bracket braces and connecting wires to reposition and straighten teeth. Alternatively, Invisible Aligners such as Invisalign®, a clear form-fitted tray positioner that is worn all the time but removed for eating, can straighten teeth without the visible metal brackets. Treatment can sometimes take longer as the braces can be removed and are dependant upon the patient wearing the trays for the required time.

How long does it take?

Orthodontic treatment can take from 6 months up to 2 years to complete. During this time we would like to see you on a regular basis – roughly every month to check progress and ensure you are not having problems.

What happens after my orthodontic treatment?

After your braces are removed there is a risk of your teeth slowly creeping back to their original state. To prevent this they would need to be retained, which can be done with a fixed or removable dental retainer.

Staining can occur if you don’t clean your teeth properly, as this allows plaque to build up around your braces. Therefore it is very important to keep your teeth clean and possibly see one of our hygienists occasionally.

Can I have orthodontics with other treatments?

Orthodontics can be used in conjunction with many other treatments such as implants.

For the ultimate smile, once your treatment is complete, why not consider Teeth Whitening with your Dentist.

Will it hurt?

Discomfort is not unusual for a day or so following your brace fit or after adjustments. As an appliance is a foreign object in your mouth we will give you some clear/white wax to cover areas which could cause rubbing. The purpose of your brace is to move your teeth into the correct alignment. This can cause temporary feelings of pressure which can be controlled with painkillers such as ibuprofen.

Book a consultation with our Orthodontist.