Teeth whitening is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the UK. Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for whiter, sparkling teeth as more and more people are becoming conscious of their appearance and personality. According to statistics, four in ten British adults under the age of 35 have had tooth whitening, and another 48% plan to have their teeth whitened in the future.
If you’re also considering teeth whitening but are not sure whether it is a safe procedure or whether it will be beneficial for you, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know before having your teeth whitened. So, read on till the end to get all your questions answered.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
According to the NHS, teeth whitening is done to remove stains and lighten the colour of your teeth. You may consider teeth whitening if you have any of the following problems:
- Age-related darkening of the teeth
- Teeth stains caused by excessive coffee, tea, or tobacco consumption
What Is The Difference Between At-Home And Professional Teeth Whitening?
Whitening can be done in two ways: at home or professionally at the dentist’s office. At-home dental whitening can be done with over-the-counter whitening formulas, toothpaste, or strips. It can also be done using a whitening formula prescribed by your dentist. On the other hand, professional whitening is done only at the dentist’s office.
In professional whitening, dentists use a stronger (yet safe) bleaching agent that can lighten the colour or shade of the teeth by up to 3 shades in a single sitting. Hence, professional teeth whitening is more effective and safer than domestic whitening.
What Is The Process Involved In Professional Whitening?
Professional dental whitening is a simple procedure that can be completed in under an hour. However, before the procedure, your dentist will first make impressions of your teeth to prepare custom whitening trays.
In the next sitting, your dentist will fill the trays (one for each jaw) with the bleaching agent, and you will be asked to wear them over your teeth. Before starting the procedure, your dentist will apply a protective coating on your gums and soft tissues using cocoa butter or petroleum jelly. This is to prevent the accidental bleaching of the gums or lips.
Your dentist will activate the bleaching agent with a special light. They will remove the whitening trays from your teeth after 30-45 minutes. Once the trays are removed, you will observe an immediate improvement in the shade of your teeth. Sometimes, additional whitening sessions may be needed for individuals with heavily stained teeth.
Does Professional Whitening Damage Teeth?
Many people believe that teeth whitening damages the teeth. The fact is that teeth whitening could damage your teeth if it is performed by a novice or unlicensed individual. The British Dental Association states that “Teeth whitening by a dentist (or under the prescription of a dentist) is the only safe and effective way to ensure your oral health is protected”. So, one should always visit a licensed and trained dentist to have their teeth whitened.
What Teeth Whitening Is Effective?
The safest and most effective teeth whitening is that done by, or is performed under the prescription of, a licensed dentist. You may find whitening products in the markets at unbelievable prices. However, you should beware of them as they may do more harm than good. Some formulas may even lead to long-term complications such as tooth sensitivity and weakening of the enamel, leading to tooth decay.
How Long Does Whitening At The Dentist Take?
According to the NHS, the results of teeth whitening are not permanent. You may need to get your teeth whitened after a few months, particularly if someone doesn’t maintain optimal oral hygiene. If you follow your dentist’s oral hygiene-related advice, you can expect the result of your teeth whitening to last up to three years.
What Products Do Dentists Use For Whitening?
Dentists in the UK typically use carbamide peroxide for whitening teeth. This product, when activated using light, releases hydrogen peroxide (0.1% – 6%). Hydrogen peroxide penetrates beneath the surfaces of the teeth and chemically dissolves the stains. This results in the exposure of a pearly white, fresh tooth surface.
Can You Brush Your Teeth With Whitening Gel?
You may find several whitening gels and toothpastes to remove teeth stains. Most of them contain abrasives that physically remove adherent teeth stains. Other brands contain mild chemicals that may help with whitening. However, these toothpastes and gels are only effective for mild stains. If someone has heavy teeth stains, they should consider professional teeth whitening.
Is At-Home DentalWhitening Better Than Professional Whitening?
Many people find at-home teeth whitening convenient, as they can do it in the comfort of their home. However, when it comes to effectiveness and safety, professional teeth whitening is much better than domestic ones. So, if you want quick cosmetic dentistry results while ensuring safety and effectiveness, you should consider professional whitening.
Professional teeth whitening can truly transform your smile and appearance. However, for the best results, you should visit an experienced and qualified dental professional for this treatment. If you’re in Middlesbrough, you should visit Cleveland Orthodontics for all your dental care needs. Whether you need braces, general dentistry services, or cosmetic dentistry, we are there for you. Our qualified dentists will ensure that you enjoy the best aesthetic outcome of your professional whitening and walk away with your dream smile. Contact us today for a consultation and let us take care of the rest.
