What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening refers to the process of lightening the colour of your teeth. It is a cosmetic dental procedure that targets the removal of stains, discolouration, and yellowing on your teeth, giving you a brighter smile. The process typically involves the use of bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains and lighten the teeth. There are a variety of teeth whitening options available, including professional treatments performed by a dentist and at-home products like whitening strips, gels, and toothpaste.
For more information, check our ‘Teeth Whitening Explained’ video with Dr. Arnold
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents to penetrate the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth) and break down the compounds that cause discolouration. The most common bleaching agents used in teeth whitening are:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This is the most common active ingredient in both professional and over-the-counter whitening products. It breaks down into water and oxygen, which helps lift stains from the teeth.
- Carbamide Peroxide: This is another bleaching agent that is often used in home whitening treatments. It breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea.
For more information on what causes yellowing of teeth, check out our ‘Why Are My Teeth Yellow?’ blog post.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Brighter Smiles:
Achieve a dazzling, brighter smile that enhances your appearance.
- Confidence Boost:
A whiter smile can help you feel more self-assured in social and professional interactions.
- Non-Invasive Process:
Teeth whitening is simple and pain-free, making it a convenient option for most people, with no surgery or recovery time.
- Quick Results:
Professional teeth whitening can deliver noticeable results within 2 weeks.
- Affordable Options:
Teeth whitening is one of the most cost-effective cosmetic dental treatments
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening works by breaking down stains and discolouration on your enamel. The two main methods include:
- In-Practice Whitening:
- Cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that you are proud of, a smile that reflects your personality and style.
- At-Home Whitening Kits:
- Custom-made whitening trays fitted by a dentist to use with whitening gels.
- These gels require daily use for a period of 2 weeks.
Things to Do Before Whitening Your Teeth
- Consult your Dentist
It’s important to talk to your dentist before whitening your teeth, especially if you have existing dental issues, as they can help determine if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening. Whitening may not be suitable for individuals with:- Severe sensitivity
- Gum disease
- Extensive dental restorations, such as crowns or veneers, as these do not respond to whitening agents.
- Understand Potential Side Effects:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity is common. If you have sensitive teeth, you will need to consult your dentist for the best whitening agent options.
- Gum irritation may occur if the whitening gel comes into contact with soft tissue.
- Set Realistic Expectations:
- Whitening can lighten your teeth but may not achieve pure white results, especially for intrinsic stains.
- Maintenance is essential; habits such as smoking or heavy consumption of red wine, tea or coffee can cause teeth to stain over time.
- Whitening treatments may not be as effective on certain types of discoloration, such as those caused by medication or trauma to the teeth.
- Consider Costs:
Professional whitening tends to be more expensive than over-the-counter solutions but offers quicker and more effective results. - Long-Term Care:
- Limit foods and drinks which cause staining.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
Teeth whitening is an effective and accessible way to boost your confidence and enhance your smile. By following proper aftercare and consulting your dentist, you can enjoy a radiant smile that lasts.
Teeth Whitening at Lancashire Smiles Dental
If you are looking for a reliable and reputable dental practice in Lancashire that offers teeth whitening services, you should choose Lancashire Smiles Dental. Here are some reasons why:
- We have a team of experienced and qualified clinicians who can provide you with teeth whitening.
- We use a 3D scan to produce custom-made whitening trays for a perfect fit and to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our teeth whitening procedures.
- We provide a consultation and a smile assessment to evaluate the condition of your teeth and recommend the most suitable teeth whitening option for you.
- We guarantee the quality of our teeth whitening services, and we will follow up with you to ensure the longevity and maintenance of your results.
Book your Whitening Consultation
If you are ready to transform your smile and boost your confidence with teeth whitening, we offer flexible payment plans and financing options to make your smile journey affordable and accessible. To book your consultation, you can call us on 01772 342929, or fill out our online smile assessment form. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you smile with confidence.
Thank you for reading our blog post, and we hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below, or contact us directly. We would love to
