Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (2024)

By Dr. Laura Hills(January 2023)Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (1)

How to get a beautiful smile with Teeth Whitening

Are you self-conscious about your stained teeth? You're not alone! Many people struggle with this issue, but the good news is that you don't have to live with it. Cosmetic dentistry can help remove strong or dark tooth stains and give you the pearly white smile you've always wanted.

Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that uses powerful but safe bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to remove tooth stains, such as stains from red wine and coffee. Home whitening kits often have inconsistent results, but visiting a cosmetic dentist who can tailor your treatment will yield impressive results. It will make your teeth look much brighter and whiter.

How Long Does It Take To go from yellow to White teeth?

The amount of time needed to remove yellow stains from teeth depends on the type of stains, the bleaching formula used, and the patient's age. Plaque and tartar deposits may be removed in one visit with scaling and polishing, while stains caused by consuming strong-colored foods may require professional whitening. Generally, mild stains can be improved within days, while strong ones may take a few visits.

What Is The Best Way To Whiten Your Teeth?

Professional teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective way to get your teeth white. Dentists use powerful bleaching agents that work faster and more efficiently than at-home products. If you want the best teeth whitening option, visit a dentist.

What Do Celebrities Do To Have White Teeth?

Celebrities and Hollywood stars have multiple options for getting pearly white smiles, beyond professional teeth whitening. For example, if they have permanent stains that can't be removed with bleaching, dentists can use porcelain, veneers, or crowns to fix their teeth. They can also use tooth-colored resin fillings to remove cosmetic defects. This gives celebrities and famous people various ways to address their cosmetic tooth issues.

Does whitening teeth have any side effects?

Teeth whitening is generally safe and effective when performed by a qualified and experienced dentist. However, using a whitening product not approved by a local dental council or going to an inexperienced dentist can cause side effects and long-term complications such as erosion, sensitivity, and cavities. To avoid these issues, it's important to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening.

How to reduce tooth sensitivity after whitening?

Sensitivity of the teeth and gums is usually temporary and stops after the whitening treatment. However, the frequency and severity of tooth sensitivity can be affected by the techniques used, the quality of the product and a person's response to the whitening materials and methods.

There are several products or techniques that are most often used to treat teeth sensitivity also known as dentin hypersensitivity:

  • Use a lower concentration of whitening product.
  • Reduce the amount of tray bleaching wear time.
  • Increase the time between individual bleaching treatments.
  • Avoid whitening for an extended period.
  • Use a desensitising treatment or varnish applied chairside in dental office.
  • Prescribed gel or toothpaste for tooth sensitivity
  • Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush, using lukewarm water.
  • Change diet by avoiding hot or cold foods for a day or two after whitening.
  • Use desensitising agents (which is supplied as part of your kit) 10 to 30 minutes prior and after each bleaching.

Does it hurt when you get your teeth whitened?

When performed by a dental professional whitening procedure are normally pain free. If there are any sensitive teeth we use strategies to minimise that. These would include using a lower concentration of product or use the desensitising gel that come in your whitening pack or sometimes using a desensitising toothpaste.

How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth With Gel?

Only undertake any whitening after consultation with your Dental Professional. To reduce the need for frequent teeth whitening, maintain good oral hygiene, eat a healthy diet, and visit the dentist regularly for check-ups. This will help you avoid frequent teeth whitening. Occasional top up of whitening will maintain your bright white smile.

What happens If I Leave Teeth Whitening Gel On for too long?

The tooth bleaching formula dissolves stains from the outer enamel layer of teeth. Always follow the advice of your dentist. Applying the gel for too long can lead to tooth erosion, permanent sensitivity, and even cavities.

Does Teeth Whitening actually really work? Is it just a gimmick?

Yes it does. Teeth whitening is effective, especially when done under the supervision of a dental professional. It can remove stains such as tea, coffee and red wine and give you a dazzling smile. However, if you choose at-home whitening gels or strips, be sure to select a reputable brand that has been approved in the UK. Poor quality whitening products may not work and can cause long-term complications.

How To Eliminate White Spots when using Whitening Strips?

Whitening strips work similar to at-home whitening gels. Simply place the strip on the affected tooth surface and follow the manufacturer's recommended application time. Applying the strip for too short a duration may not give the desired results, while applying it for too long may cause tooth sensitivity. After a few days, any white spots should settle, however always ask your dentist if you have concerns.

How Do You Whiten Teeth In A Simple And Inexpensive Way?

There are various whitening formulas available on the market to suit different budgets. You can also try natural whitening techniques such as oil pulling or charcoal. If you are looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist in Godalming / Guildford area, consider Iosis Dental Clinic. We offer a range of high-quality but affordable whitening solutions with guaranteed results. Book a free consultation appointment with us to remove your tooth stains and achieve your dream smile.

Additional resources

Christine's tooth whitening journey - part 1

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (2)

Christine's tooth whitening journey - part 2

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (3)

Christine's tooth whitening journey - part 3

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (4)

Christine's tooth whitening journey - part 4

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (5)

Christine's tooth whitening journey - part 5

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (6)

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know (2024)

FAQs

Tooth Whitening UK – everything you need to know? ›

Teeth whitening is effective, especially when done under the supervision of a dental professional. It can remove stains such as tea, coffee and red wine and give you a dazzling smile. However, if you choose at-home whitening gels or strips, be sure to select a reputable brand that has been approved in the UK.

What is the best way to whiten your teeth UK? ›

Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours at a time, which can shorten the treatment period. Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide.

Who is not suitable for teeth whitening? ›

Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.

Is it better to whiten teeth at night or morning? ›

The pores in your teeth are slightly more open and can more easily allow stains in. Smile Brilliant and dentist professionals recommend whitening before bed as it reduces the opportunity for staining and gives your teeth the night to begin rehydrating and remineralizing.

How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›

Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.

How do you get super super white teeth? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

Am I supposed to brush my teeth before I whiten them? ›

We recommend that with any form of whitening that teeth are brushed beforehand. This is to ensure that any plaque (this sticky surface layer on your teeth) is removed and that any whitening agent present in the strips or gel gets the closest contact with the teeth.

Why shouldn't you brush your teeth right before whitening? ›

Wait before applying Whitestrips: It's essential to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying Whitestrips. Brushing can temporarily weaken your enamel, making it more sensitive. Waiting allows your teeth to recover and minimizes the risk of sensitivity.

Do you brush your teeth first before whitening? ›

Here is a recommended approach and measures from our experts for the most effective dental care and hygiene: Brush your teeth well before applying whitening trays to ensure that they are clean and free of surface debris. Apply the whitening gel in accordance with the product's directions.

Why do my teeth look weird after whitening? ›

Post-Whitening Dehydration

As these agents work to eliminate stains, they also extract moisture from the enamel, causing a temporary loss of water content. This dehydration leaves behind a porous and less mineralized surface, causing white spots on teeth after whitening.

Why can't you drink water after teeth whitening? ›

After you whiten your teeth with Philips Sonicare teeth whitening products, acidic or staining foods and drinks are more easily absorbed by your teeth. This can lead to discoloration, and this why it is advised to wait 30 minutes after whitening before eating or drinking.

What are the dos and don'ts after teeth whitening? ›

Don't Consume Foods that Can Stain Your Teeth

For both over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening, the first few days after treatment are the most critical. Avoid dark foods/liquids, drink through a straw when you can, don't smoke, brush/floss frequently and you should be looking great.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

What do dentists recommend to whiten teeth? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.

What is the best thing to whiten your teeth with? ›

Teeth-whitening strips and gels have the potential to achieve better results in a quicker time frame than whitening tooth paste. That's because strips and gels are applied to your teeth for an extended period of time, which offers a more concentrated whitening process – also called the “bleaching process” by some.

What is the safest and best method of teeth whitening? ›

Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth.

References

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