Tooth Whitening 101

Tooth whitening has become one of the most sought after cosmetic dental procedures we offer on a daily basis. Thousands of people choose to lighten their teeth, eliminating discolouration and stains on a daily basis.

It is important to note that tooth whitening will not make your teeth white, what it does is lighten your teeth by a few shades to provide you with a gleaming smile that you can be proud of.

A large volume of my patients choose tooth whitening as a way to improve their self-confidence and help them feel better about their smile, improving all aspects of their lives.

Chemical Bleaching

Something to note, which is so important, is to only have your teeth whitened by a dental professional. In the United Kingdom, it is illegal for beauty technicians to offer   this service, it can only be carried out by a dentist or dental hygienist.

I also discourage my patients to consider over the counter bleaching kits, which can result in serious damage to your teeth in the long term and can also cause the bleaching to be uneven as the mouth guard you use hasn’t been fitted for your own teeth.

Bleaching is a chemical process which is carried out under strict supervision of a dentist. It is usually carried out in the dental surgery and possible at home. The aim is to lighten the natural teeth.

During chemical bleaching you will meet your dentist who will assess your desired results and fit you with a tray designed for your teeth. This ensures the correct size and whitening solution is used. This is an affordable solution, though it may require you visit the dentist on numerous occasions until the desired colour is achieved.

Laser Treatment

Laser whitening treatments are carried out in the dental practice. With this particular process the teeth become noticeably whiter in a shorter period of time. It is a relatively easy process which involves bleach being applied to the teeth and then a laser is used to activate the bleach, penetrating into the enamel to lighten the tooth colour. 

The amount of time taken for the treatment depends on the discolouration of the teeth. This is a fast and effective process, though it is more expensive than the chemical bleaching solution.

To identify the best solution for you, speak to your dental professional. Ensure you discuss your desired results and let them recommend the solution they feel best meets your expectations.