Transform Your Smile: The Ultimate Guide to Teeth Whitening for Lasting Results

Name: The Implant and Cosmetic Smiles Clinic
Address: 27 Bedford Square, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, LU5 5ES, England
Telephone: 01582 518 100
Price range: $

We often think of teeth as being a dense and solid material, like porcelain, but they are actually much more porous, like a sponge. This means that staining doesn’t just happen on the surface, but can also penetrate deep into the tooth material.

Small pores in your teeth allow staining particles to enter the tooth where they get stuck, leading your teeth to become darker and discoloured over time. Some habits can make this issue even worse, such as smoking or regularly drinking red wine.

Brushing your teeth can only do so much to remove surface stains. The stains that are stuck deep in your teeth can only be fixed with teeth whitening. In this guide, we’re looking at the role of teeth whitening in modern dentistry. We’ll explore the options available and then offer our recommendations for how you can amplify and prologue the effects of your treatment.

What is teeth whitening?

If you want to remove the stains that are deep set within your teeth, you need to explore professional teeth whitening. Over the counter methods available in the shops won’t be as effective, as they do not contain high enough levels of the whitening chemicals needed to shift stains.

Professional teeth whitening uses special chemicals which are able to penetrate deep into the tooth and then break apart the bonds between the staining particles. This makes the particles small enough to be flushed out of the tooth.

This process should only be handled by a professional, as the chemicals involved have the potential to do harm if they are used incorrectly. Overuse of whitening substances can cause your teeth to become more sensitive.

They could also take on a translucent appearance. The chemicals also have the potential to cause chemical burns on your gums, cheek and tongue if used incorrectly. This is why it is essential to only turn to your dentist for professional whitening.

What types of teeth whitening are available?

When you visit your dentist to learn more about teeth whitening, you’ll be presented with a few different options. You might choose in-chair teeth whitening, where the whitening substance is applied in your dentist’s office and then a strong light is directed at your teeth to amplify the results.

You could also choose home teeth whitening. Your dentist will prepare custom trays for your teeth and you will apply the whitening solution at home. Weaker solutions are available for overnight use, or you can choose a stronger solution that is designed to be applied during the day. It’s also possible to choose a combination of the two, often starting with at-home teeth whitening before returning to your dentist’s office for a final in-chair treatment.

Is teeth whitening effective?

Teeth whitening can be incredibly effective for a wide range of discolouration problems. If you have staining related to food, drink and other lifestyle habits such as smoking, you could be an excellent candidate for teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening doesn’t last forever, and the staining can return if you continue consuming the same food and drink choices that caused the original staining. Thankfully, it’s easy enough to top up your treatments to keep the staining away.

It’s important to have realistic expectations about what teeth whitening can achieve. It cannot address discoloration that is caused by injury or trauma. If the pulp of the tooth is dead, this can cause the tooth to take on a darker colour, and this cannot be addressed with teeth whitening.

How to make teeth whitening more effective

If you want to make your teeth whitening treatment more effective, or if you want to prolong the results, there are additional steps you can take to protect your teeth.

You could start with a trip to the dental hygienist for an Airflow scale and polish. This will help to remove surface stains from your teeth so that your teeth whitening treatment can better penetrate the tooth.

Next, you should switch to a sensitive toothpaste after your treatment to help avoid one of the most common side effects of teeth whitening which is sensitive teeth.

In the weeks following your whitening treatment, try to avoid habits like smoking and drinking very dark drinks like coffee, tea, coke and red wine. This will slow the rate at which the staining returns. You could also try adding teeth whitening strips into your routine to help keep on top of the staining and slow the rate at which your teeth develop stains.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is very safe when it is handled by a professional. You should always follow your dentist’s instructions, particularly when using at-home treatments.

There is a temptation to amplify the results by leaving the solution on for much longer, but this can cause damage to your teeth or increased sensitivity. Repeating the treatments too often could also lead to painful sensitivity and a permanent change in the appearance of your teeth, leaving them looking glassy and translucent.

There is also the risk of chemical burns to your gums if the whitening tray is not designed for your mouth. This is why we always recommend choosing professional teeth whitening.

If you’re ready to explore teeth whitening with the Implant and Cosmetic Smiles Clinic, get in touch to book your appointment today. We can guide you through the process involved in achieving a whiter and brighter smile.