A few years back, teeth whitening was considered a luxury and only reserved for the elite and select few. But not anymore! Today, teeth whitening Solihull has become a popular treatment option among British people, as they become increasingly conscious of their physical and social media appearance. According to statistics, four in ten British adults under 35 have undergone a tooth whitening procedure, and another 48% are considering it in the next 12 months.
If you are concerned about your stained teeth that prevent you from speaking or smiling in public, teeth whitening is an excellent option for you. This blog is the perfect read for you if you want to know more about this treatment and how it can help you get rid of your teeth stains and discolouration. So, read on!
What Is Teeth Whitening?
According to the NHS, teeth whitening is a procedure that helps remove teeth stains and discolouration by using a bleaching agent. Did you know that teeth whitening is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic dental procedures in the UK?
How Does The Teeth Whitening Process Work?
The process of teeth whitening is straightforward, whether it is done at home (at-home whitening) or at the dentist’s (in-office whitening). For both types of whitening, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to prepare custom-made trays for whitening.
In the case of at-home whitening, your dentist will provide you with the impression trays and the bleaching agent for use at home. You will be asked to fill in the whitening tray with the bleaching agent, which is typically carbamide peroxide, and wear it over your teeth for the prescribed duration. You will observe a considerable reduction in the shade of your teeth once you remove the trays.
Another type of whitening is in-office whitening. In this, your dentist will use a stronger bleaching agent. However, don’t worry, it won’t harm your teeth or gums. They will fill the whitening trays with the bleaching agent and ask you to wear them over your teeth. The bleaching agent will be activated using a special light. After about 30 minutes, your dentist will remove the trays. A single sitting of in-office whitening can help whiten discoloured teeth by up to three shades.
Can I Have Teeth Whitening If I Have A Lot Of Tooth Sensitivity?
Many people experience transient tooth sensitivity after whitening. However, it is not permanent and typically goes away in a few days. However, one must avoid teeth whitening if they already have sensitive teeth. This is because a teeth whitening procedure could further exacerbate their problem.
How Effective Is Professional Teeth Whitening From A Dentist?
Compared to at-home teeth whitening, in-office teeth whitening always provides better results. This is because dentists use more potent whitening agents that provide superior aesthetic results. Moreover, dentists are trained to perform such procedures. Therefore, professional teeth whitening will always provide better results than domestic bleaching agents, provided it is done by an experienced and trained dentist.
What Are The Safest Methods For Teeth Whitening?
If you search the internet, you will find many options to whiten your teeth, including over-the-counter bleaching products, dentist-prescribed at-home bleaching agents, and professional teeth whitening. Among these, a professional teeth whitening procedure is the safest. This is because it is performed in a controlled environment by an experienced dental professional.
What Can I Do To Maintain The Results Of Teeth Whitening?
Many people complain that their teeth whitening results are not long-lasting. This can happen when one doesn’t adhere to the dentist’s post-whitening instructions. To enhance the longevity of your whitening results, you should maintain optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing. Moreover, you should also avoid strong-coloured foods and drinks such as curry, red wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco that can stain your teeth again.
Will My Teeth Get Whiter If I Stop Drinking Coffee?
Most of us enjoy drinking coffee. However, while it helps energise us, it also has the drawback of staining our teeth. If you stop drinking coffee, it will certainly help stop further tooth staining. However, it won’t make your teeth whiter. To get your pearly whites back, you will have to visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening. If you have recently undergone professional or at-home teeth whitening, restricting your coffee, tobacco, or tea intake will certainly help slow down re-staining of your teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening At The Dentist Permanent?
No type of teeth whitening, whether at-home or in-office, provides permanent results. A teeth whitening procedure will immediately brighten your smile. However, your teeth will gradually get stained over time, requiring another whitening procedure. However, you can prolong the whitening results of this procedure by maintaining optimal oral hygiene and eating a tooth-friendly, fibre-rich diet.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
Many patients often complain of tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. This is due to the effect of the bleaching agent, which removes a thin layer of the protective enamel layer of the teeth. While this results in the exposure of a fresh, milky white tooth layer, it can also result in transient tooth sensitivity. But one shouldn’t worry too much about it as it’s temporary; it will go away in a few days.
On the other hand, teeth whitening may result in long-term sensitivity if someone uses substandard over-the-counter whitening gels or seeks treatment from an unlicensed professional. According to the British Dental Association, teeth whitening should only be performed by a licensed dental professional.
If you’re looking for a reputable cosmetic dentistry practice in the West Midlands, Solihull Dental Centre & Implant Clinic should be your first choice. Whether you seek cosmetic dental treatment or replacement of your missing teeth, we provide all general dentistry and specialist services under one roof. Book an appointment with us today and let us and let us brighten your smile!
