With 25 years of success, Pola Whitening has become a trusted system for Dr Linda Greenwall, who uses it to manage complex cases from tetracycline staining to post-orthodontic discolouration.
Case 1: Managing discolouration in a young patient
One particularly sensitive case involved a patient under 18 with dark orange patches on their teeth. Dr Greenwall opted for Pola Night 10%, applied overnight in customised trays over 8 to 10 weeks. Treatment focused on the upper arch first, allowing for faster whitening with reduced sensitivity. Regular reviews every two to three weeks ensured close monitoring, with the lower teeth treated once the upper arch reached the desired shade. Once the brown patches were removed, resin infiltration blended in any remaining white spots, demonstrating how whitening and restorative techniques can deliver a natural result.
Figure 1: Before whitening
Figure 2: After whitening
Case 2: Tetracycline staining in a middle-aged patient
Another case involved a 55-year-old patient with severe yellow-grey staining caused by tetracycline antibiotics taken in adolescence. The treatment plan involved six to eight weeks of overnight whitening using Pola Night 10%, resulting in a 12-shade improvement. Tetracycline cases are notoriously challenging to treat, but the predictable nature of Pola Night, combined with Dr Greenwall’s careful monitoring and patient support, led to a result that exceeded the patient’s expectations.
Figure 3: Before whitening
Figure 4: After whitening
Case 3: Post-Roaccutane whitening
In a third case, a 20-year-old patient with grey-toned teeth following Roaccutane treatment for acne presented for whitening. Again, Pola Night 10% was used overnight for four to six weeks, delivering an eight-shade improvement. This case highlights Pola’s ability to address systemic discolouration caused by medication, a growing concern among younger patients.
Figure 5: Before whitening
Figure 6: After whitening
Case 4: Non-vital tooth following orthodontics
Dr Greenwall also shared the case of a 24-year-old patient with a non-vital upper central incisor following orthodontic treatment. This required a combination of internal and external whitening, starting with 16% Pola Night sealed inside the access cavity of the non-vital tooth. The dressing was changed three times until the dark tooth matched the neighbouring teeth. This was followed by full arch whitening using Pola Night 10%. Dr Greenwall’s careful sequencing – upper arch first, lower arch second – once again ensured effective shade matching with minimal sensitivity.
Figure 7: Before whitening
Figure 8: After whitening
Why Pola?
“Pola has earned its place as a market leader,” says Dr Greenwall. “It’s effective, reliable and my patients love the results. Whether I’m treating simple discolouration or more complex cases, Pola gives me the flexibility and predictability I need.”
These cases highlight why Pola whitening remains a go-to system for experienced clinicians. Whether addressing intrinsic staining, medication-related discolouration, or developmental defects, Pola’s combination of proven chemistry, patient-friendly design and adaptable treatment protocols gives clinicians the tools they need to deliver transformative results.
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Dr Linda Greenwall is a renowned prosthodontist and cosmetic restorative dentist, internationally recognised for her tooth whitening and aesthetic dentistry expertise. She runs a multidisciplinary private practice in London, lectures globally, and has authored several influential books, including Bleaching Techniques in Restorative Dentistry, while also founding the British Dental Bleaching Society and the Dental Wellness Trust.