Teeth Whitening:
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whiting is a treatment that is designed to brighten your smile, by removing any stains and restoring your teeth colour to a whiter shade without making any alteration to the actual tooth.
Teeth whitening consists of bleaching your teeth using peroxide; however the strength of the peroxide varies on the treatment. The stronger the peroxide is the whiter the teeth will be.
There are three main types of teeth whitening options that are available at most dental practices:
Home Teeth Whitening Kit: this is a gradual option where it involves custom made close fitting whitening trays which are designed to fit the individually perfectly allowing them to use it over night to get the best result.
The second teeth whitening option would be Power whitening. Also known as laser whitening, this is a chair-side treatment, which is complete on the same day. In just an hour your teeth can be up to 8 shades lighter.
The final option is both first and second option combined. This is called "Combination whitening" this is to offer the maximum results.
Home whitening kits vs. Laser Whitening.
Laser whitening has a higher level of peroxide and is completed on the same day, usually within an hour, where else the Home whitening kit has a low concentrated level of peroxide and can take up to 5 days to begin to see any obvious results, therefore making the Home whitening kit a more gradual treatment.
Even though the Laser whitening treatment is complete within an hour it increases the chances of side effects such as sensitivity to the teeth, tingly sensation to your gums and teeth, however this is rare and many people do not have any side effects at all.
How bright will my teeth become?
This is mainly down to the individuals’ teeth condition. It also depends on the treatment chosen to whiten the teeth. Laser whitening treatment can go up to 8 shades whiter then the original teeth colour in an hour, where else home whitening kit is expected to take up to 5days before you can see the difference.
Even though teeth whitening will work on everyone, not everyone will have the same dramatic change as not all teeth will respond the same so it’s important to get your teeth checked with a dentist before going ahead so you can find out the possible outcome.
What are the side effects of Teeth whitening?
Many people may never experience any side effects, however some people may develop sensitivity in their teeth during and after the treatment when making contact with anything cold.
Other possible side effects are discomfort in the gums or throat; however these are only temporary so therefore after a few days these sensations should completely disappear.
It’s best to avoid any hot or cold foods and drinks for the first 48 hours so that your teeth do not over react and cause you any unnecessary pain.
Should the side effects continue it is advised that you contact your dentist.
Can Home-whitening Kits be trusted?
Yes, but avoid purchasing kits online, as they may be fake or not as effective as they contain very minimal peroxide. It is advised to visit a dental clinic to purchase a Home teeth-whitening kit to avoid any disappointment or any damage to the teeth as many people who have purchased teeth whitening kits online from an unknown brand have compliant of burns made to their lips and gums or not change at all.
How the teeth are protected during the whitening.
If you are carrying out a dentist approved home kit then no damage is likely to happen to your teeth and gums during the whitening treatment as there is very low concentration of peroxide and therefore no protection is needed.
During the laser whitening treatment in a dental practice the dentist should make sure the lips are not touching the teeth so that they do not get damaged while the treatment is carried out.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies, depending on the treatment chosen, the dental practice and the product chosen.
At our London dental practices, teeth whitening begin from as little as £150 up to £299 guaranteeing you whiter teeth.