Sport a Pristine ​“Teeth Whitening” Smile this Summer

As the warmer months fulfil their duty, providing longer days and a temperate climate to show off a little more flesh to, every dental surgery has one question rise in popularity:

Can you tell me more about teeth whitening please?

The summer sunshine seems to intensify celebrations – weddings, engagement parties, outdoor BBQs and, of course, the annual holiday. People want to look their best, and while there may be an element of keeping up with the Joneses, there’s also the fact that cosmetic dentistry is now much more affordable. This is perhaps one reason that teeth whitening is in such high demand.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening uses special chemicals that are able to penetrate deep into the tooth. These break down the bonds between the staining particles, making them small enough to be flushed out of the teeth.

There are different methods of teeth whitening available, including in-office and at-home treatment. You might also choose a combination, with at-home treatments followed by a final treatment in the dentist’s office.

It’s essential to go to a qualified professional for your treatment. While the chemicals used are very safe when they are used correctly, there is a risk of damage to your teeth and gums if they are handled by an untrained individual. This is why we don’t recommend choosing cheap treatments from a beauty salon, even if they advertise a dental professional is on site.

Why do teeth stain?

Your teeth will stain naturally over time but the modern diet of convenience food and drink, coupled with smoking and high sugar intake, can escalate imperfections. The most common culprits include:

• Various forms of smoking and tobacco

• Dark-coloured drinks including tea, coffee, red wine and cola

• Improper care, including forgetting to brush and floss

• Ageing due to teeth’s enamel wearing thin

Enamel forms the outer layer of each tooth which covers a secondary layer, called dentin. It’s the reflection and dispersion of light off the enamel surface, combined with the dentin colour underneath, that depicts the visible pigment of your teeth.

Discolouration affects the vibrancy of your teeth and a whitening procedure will help to illuminate your pearly whites once again – just what the dentist ordered for a twinkling smile this summer.

So what do you need to know about teeth whitening?

With effective laser treatments, it’s a relatively quick process at the clinic or – for those who prefer the DIY route then – there are home teeth bleaching kits available.

The technique is perfectly safe and stains will be removed by lightening your teeth to a suitable shade of whiteness.

Depending on the current level of stains and the desired shade of white, you may need to have more than one cosmetic treatment.

There are two types of teeth whitening procedure you should be aware of:

• Vital whitening – gel is applied to the tooth surface where live nerves are present

• Non-vital whitening – a procedure used for root-canal treatments where the tooth no longer has live nerves

Vital whitening works directly on the tooth surface whereas non-vital whitening works by a whitening agent being placed inside the tooth.

Teeth whitening is more effective against surface stains, caused by the common culprits mentioned earlier.

Some people may be troubled with stains that occur inside the tooth itself – intrinsic stains. These stains are usually caused at an early age, when the teeth are still developing. Often, it’s the result of too much fluoride or excess use of certain types of antibiotics.

Whilst some forms of teeth whitening may work in the case of intrinsic stains, it’s always best to talk in detail with your dentist to ensure you have a realistic expectation of the results.

Are there any side effects to teeth whitening?

Other than a slight feeling of tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation for a couple of days, you should feel no pain or experience any side effects. It is not recommended for pregnant women to undergo a procedure to whiten teeth.

It is possible to overuse teeth whitening treatments, and this could lead to irreversible damage to the tooth enamel. This can leave the teeth looking translucent and glassy. There is a very low risk of this happening if you follow your dentist’s advice. It’s more likely to see this adverse reaction in patients that have gone to an unqualified practitioner, or who have attempted to manage their treatment at home.

Can teeth whitening fail?

Yes, it is possible for this treatment to fail. Your dentist should be able to advise you if this is likely to happen. Teeth whitening might fail if you have discolouration as a result of damage to the tooth pulp or as a result of certain medications. If you are not a good candidate for teeth whitening, we can help you to find a treatment plan that works for your needs.

What are the alternatives to teeth whitening?

If you don’t want to undergo teeth whitening, or if your dentist thinks that it won’t be effective for you, there are alternative treatments available. You might choose one of the following treatment plans to help you achieve a brighter and whiter smile.

• Dental hygiene cleaning. If your staining is only on the surface of your teeth, you might benefit from a dental hygienist cleaning. This treatment uses a concentrated stream of air, water and polishing particles to gently lift stains from your teeth without the need to use tools against the teeth. It can leave your teeth looking brighter and whiter.

• Composite bonding is a cosmetic treatment that can change the shape, colour and appearance of your teeth. It is commonly used to treat thinning enamel and can also help to conceal small chips and cracks in the teeth. A soft, tooth-coloured material is applied directly to the teeth and shaped before it is set with UV light.

• Veneers offer a simple way to quickly upgrade your smile without the wait. Thin shells or porcelain are applied to the front of your teeth to change the shape, colour and alignment. This is a great option for those who also want to address the alignment of their teeth, or when teeth whitening would be ineffective.

How do I get started with teeth whitening?

For more information, including teeth whitening prices, please call the practice on 024 7668 6690. We recommend an initial consultation to learn more about the treatment and find out if you are a good candidate. We will guide you through the treatment plan so that you can feel confident that it will achieve the results you are looking for.