Teeth whitening

Most people do not have naturally pearly white teeth, while others do, but their lifestyle choices gradually discolour their teeth. Regardless of why you have dull-looking or discoloured teeth, you can make your teeth whiter and enhance your smile. More people are undergoing teeth whitening procedures, making it a common procedure.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a common dental procedure that involves lightening the teeth shade with a bleaching agent. Teeth whitening may change the teeth' colour to a brilliant white, but it can naturally brighten your teeth by several shades.

Who can carry out teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening, like other dental procedures, is meant to be done by a dentist or other licensed dental professionals like a dental hygienist or therapist under a dentist's guidance.

Undergoing teeth whitening at a beauty salon is illegal, especially when a dental professional doesn't supervise the procedure. Teeth whitening at a beauty salon only put your oral health at risk.

DIY home teeth-whitening kits are also available but still have some risks.

What is the teeth whitening procedure?

Teeth whitening will require visiting your dentist's office several times within a few months. The first teeth whitening step is taking teeth impressions to make teeth whitening trays, similar to a mouth guard. Following your dentist's instructions, you will use the teeth whitening trays with a bleaching gel to whiten your teeth at home.

The at-home teeth whitening with trays and bleaching gel usually takes 2 – 4 weeks to get the desired result. Some bleaching gels can remain on the teeth for about eight hours, reducing the treatment to one week.

Can any dentist carry out teeth whitening?

Any dentist registered with the recognised bodies can whiten your teeth. You can also undergo teeth whitening with a registered dental therapist or hygienist under your dentist's supervision.

Are beauty salons and whitening kits acceptable for teeth whitening?

It is best to visit a qualified dental professional for your teeth whitening. Teeth whitening at beauty salons is illegal, and home whitening kits have many risks.

What are the risks of at-home teeth whitening and beauty salons?

Some at-home teeth whitening kits are less effective because they don't contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents. If a dental professional doesn't take your teeth' impression to make the whitening trays, the trays may not fit correctly, causing the bleaching gel to leak and affect your gums, leading to sensitivity and blisters.

Whitening your teeth at a beauty salon is illegal, which means you are putting your oral health in an untrained person's hand.

Is teeth-whitening available on the NHS?

Teeth whitening is available on the NHS only in cases where a medical reason is responsible for the teeth discolouration, like when a nerve dies.

If the teeth whitening is for cosmetic reasons, you need to visit a private dental clinic. Teeth whitening costs may vary, with the most expensive being laser teeth whitening.

How will I know I can whiten my teeth?

Teeth whitening is suitable for those with good oral health, but you need to visit your dentist to inform you if you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. You may be unsuitable for teeth whitening if you have gum disease or dental restorations like crowns.

What questions should I ask my dentist before whitening my teeth?

Ensure you ask your dentist questions if you are unsure about your treatment. You may consider asking about the expected result and the duration of your teeth whitening. Also, ask about the risks of teeth whitening, including how long you should expect sensitivity.

You can also talk to people who have undergone the same procedure to get more comfortable with the treatment.

Is the teeth-whitening effect permanent?

No, it isn't. Your whitened teeth can last for up to three years, depending on your level of care for the whitened teeth. If you take coffee, red wine or other stain-causing drinks or smoke, your teeth will likely become discoloured quickly.

Can I whiten dental restoration?

No, you can't. Teeth whitening treatment does not affect false teeth and dental restorations such as crowns, dentures, and veneers.

What are the teeth whitening risks?

Whichever teeth whitening treatment you use, there is a small risk of teeth sensitivity resulting from the chemical used during the treatment. Teeth sensitivity may worsen if your teeth are sensitive before the procedure.

Burns on the gums and damage to the enamel may also occur with home teeth whitening kits.

Our dental professionals at Hygienist London carry out safe and effective teeth whitening treatments.