Teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures performed by dentists across the UK and other parts of the world.
Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their smile and want to lighten the shade to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing look. It is a simple and effective way for you to get the smile of your dreams.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Teeth Whitening: What is it?
- Why you need tooth whitening treatment
- Is all teeth whitening the same?
- How long does this take?
- What are the side effects and risks?
- Reasons Why Teeth Whitening Affects Your Personality
- Popular Types of Whitening Procedures
- Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Average Cost of Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening: What Is It?
Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and tartar from your natural teeth to visually lighten the shade.
Professional teeth whitening treatment is performed by your dentist or dental hygienist and usually uses a bleaching agent and a special light to activate the bleach.
However, there are also several other methods both at-home remedies and dental treatments that can be effective at removing stains.
Why You Need Tooth Whitening Treatment?
Over time, your teeth can gradually become discoloured and affect your appearance, which can, in turn, affect your self-esteem.
Two types of tooth discolouration can be treated with teeth whitening procedures: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic staining is caused by a diet high in sugary and acidic foods as well as foods that stain your teeth such as coffee, tea, and red wine. It is also caused by smoking and poor oral health.
Intrinsic staining can be caused by age, certain medications such as those for asthma or high blood pressure, and certain medical conditions that require head and neck radiation or chemotherapy.
Is All Teeth Whitening the Same?
Different teeth whitening methods can be used according to the severity of the tooth discolouration. However, be aware that not all tooth whitening methods offer the same results.
Professional teeth whitening methods and other methods that involve bleaching agents are typically more effective than natural home remedies and often take less time to see the results.
How Long Does This Take?
The time it takes to whiten your teeth varies according to the type of teeth whitening method you use and the severity of discolouration.
Professional teeth whitening in Canary Wharf can help you achieve a significantly lighter smile in just one session. After a professional cleaning to remove built-up tartar, the whitening process usually only takes around 15-20 minutes but can be repeated multiple times in a single session.
At-home bleaching kits can achieve results after approximately a week of use, while other natural remedies may take several weeks to give you the results you desire.
What are the Side Effects and Risks?
While teeth whitening is considered safe, like any dental procedure, there are potential side effects and risks involved with teeth whitening treatment.
1. Teeth Sensitivity
Increased teeth sensitivity to hot and cold may be experienced by some patients following a teeth whitening treatment. This is usually temporary but if it causes you discomfort talk to your dentist about desensitising toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain mineral compounds that can remineralise your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
2. Irritated Gums
The active ingredients in teeth whitening bleaching gels can cause some gum irritation which is why it is recommended that you visit a dentist for professional whitening as they can provide you with a gum shield to protect your gums from exposure to bleaching agents.
Reasons Why Teeth Whitening Affects Your Personality
A bright white smile can have a positive impact on your personality. White teeth give you a more attractive appearance, boost your mood and make you feel more confident.
It also makes you more likely to smile more which can make you more approachable and friendly which can be a significant asset both socially and professionally.
Popular Types of Whitening Procedures
There are many different types of teeth whitening procedures depending on your budget and the kind of results you want to achieve.
1. At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening kits usually come with a mouth guard that is filled with bleaching gel and applied for up to 30 minutes at a time over several days.
You can also use whitening strips which have a coating of bleaching agent on one side and are placed to the front of your teeth then are either removed or dissolved.
Some natural at-home teeth whitening remedies include making a toothpaste out of baking soda and either hydrogen peroxide or apple cider vinegar to use 2-3 times per week as part of your oral health routine.
You can also use products containing activated charcoal to help break down plaque and remove stains.
For preventative whitening or mild discolouration, consider using over-the-counter remedies such as whitening toothpaste that contain lightly abrasive materials or mouthwash that contains hydrogen peroxide to bond with and break down staining compounds.
2. Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening offers the fastest, safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth by several shades. Dentists can use higher concentrations of bleaching agents, and they provide protective measures for teeth and gums.
Professional whitening treatments usually last longer than at-home kits and natural remedies if you are careful to limit staining behaviours.
3. Laser Whitening
Laser whitening is a relatively new method of teeth whitening as works by using the heat generated by a laser to accelerate and enhance the effectiveness of the bleaching agents which are usually applied at a higher concentration. This can help you to achieve results in under an hour.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
There are many benefits to receiving teeth whitening treatment beyond whiter teeth. Teeth whitening is a cost effective cosmetic treatment compared with other cosmetic dental procedures that can significantly improve the appearance of your smile.
Teeth whitening treatment encourages people to take better care of their teeth to improve their overall oral health. It can have a positive impact on your self-esteem and mental health by encouraging better communication and social interaction.
The Average Cost of Teeth Whitening
The overall cost of teeth whitening depends on the type of whitening treatment you choose. At- home bleaching kits can range from £100 – £500 according to the brand, while professional whitening treatment at the dentist can cost between £200 and £700 for LED whitening treatment and £500 – £1,500 for laser teeth whitening.
Unfortunately, teeth whitening treatments are not covered by the NHS so to find out how you can finance teeth whitening treatment to boost your self-esteem and improve your oral health, talk with your dentist.
