Teeth Whitening
WHITEN YOUR SMILE
Tooth whitening is a simple and affordable way of making your smile more appealing and youthful.
Teeth whitening removes stains and discolouration from both the outside and also just beneath the surface of the enamel. Tooth bleaching is a great way to finish off your orthodontics or just make your smile more youthful, attractive and appealing.
Common Questions
Is tooth bleaching safe?
Yes. Tooth bleaching was accidentally discovered when the product was being used to treat patients with gum disease. So not only does it lighten teeth it also tends to reduce the amount of plaque around your teeth (temporarily). It has been used repeatedly on the same patients for some years now and there is no evidence of long term enamel damage if you use a professionally supplied product with a neutral pH.
How does it work?
The bleaching gel is an Oxidizing agent that penetrates the pores on the enamel oxidizing both the staining inbetween the microscopic rods that make up enamel and it also penetrates to the yellowish dentine layer with time.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect is sensitivity of the teeth. If this occurs we can recommend products to help and may ask you to bleach your teeth more slowly or for a shorter period. The second commonest problem is sore gums, sore throat +/- a white mark on the gums. This only occurs if too much bleach is used and has been applied sloppily at home.
Why can’t I just use a whitening toothpaste?
Teeth whitening toothpastes are ‘stain-removers’ and do not actually lighten the enamel. It is a good idea to avoid the more abrasive ‘Smoker’s’ brands as they will accelerate the thinning of the enamel. Tooth BLEACHING agents actually lighten discolouration from within enamel and dentine, not just superficial stains on top of the tooth.
Is it safe to have whitening done in a Beauty Salon?
Teeth whitening is an ‘Act of Dentistry’ and as such it is illegal for anyone other than a dentist to sell or perform it. There are other reasons you should see a professional.
- Our bleach is safe. It has a neutral pH. (There have been serious incidents reported in the Dental Press whereby unregulated tooth whitening agents with very acidic products has led to extreme loss of enamel)
- Beauty Salons mostly use Chlorine Dioxide which is more commonly used as a pool cleaner!
- Dentists are trained to spot decay (which need treating before whitening) and dentine exposure as well as crowns/veneers and white fillings (which will not change colour with tooth whitening) in addition to being able to advise on other oral conditions.
Is Laser Teeth Whitening better?
The main difference between the two is that the light used for ‘In Office Laser Bleaching’ dries teeth out leading to a temporary lighter shade (dry teeth are much lighter), but after rehydrating for a day or two they darken again. Incidentally it is not even a laser, it is just a light.
Also it is normal to have to use a Home Bleaching kit AFTER ‘Laser Bleaching’
so there seems to be very little advantage if any.
Benefits of home whitening (over laser whitening)
- Longer lasting – Professional ‘home teeth whitening kits’ provide more permanent results over a longer time scale
- Lower cost – usually 60% less
What age do I need to be?
The law states that you need to be over 18
How much can I whiten my teeth?
You are in complete control with home whitening. if you want them whiter just continue for a little longer. Once you have had tooth whitening with us you can simply order replacement bleaching gel syringes from us.
Are there any tooth shades are more complicated
- All natural teeth will whiten.
- Some more profound darkening like dead teeth and teeth stained by metal fillings are very hard to improve with bleach alone.
- Most people’s teeth that have gradually darkened with age and stained with tea, coffee, red wine and cigarettes will respond well.
With home bleaching, you are in control of how light you want your teeth.
If you opt for Enlighten Evolution it guarantees you will achieve a B1 shade, which is nice and bright.
How long will it last?
Research shows that results last up to 4 years, then you can re-whiten your teeth to top up the effect.
Once you have had tooth whitening with us you can simply order replacement bleaching gel syringes from us.
Are there any other circumstances in which teeth should not be bleached?
Yes.
- Pregnant or breast feeding women
- People with pre-existing very sensitive teeth
- Allergy to Hydrogen Peroxide
- Tooth decay
- exposed dentine may need to be covered first or treated with Enlighten’s desensitising agent. We can advise you on the best whitening system and regime for sensitive teeth.
What do I do next?
Call and book a FREE bleaching assessment. On payment of a deposit we can start the process by having professional whitening trays made.
Ready to get started?
We’re here to provide information, advice, support and expert treatment. Contact us today to discuss our teeth whitening treatments.
Or call us on 0151 625 0003