Is Cosmetic Tooth Whitening Safe for Your Teeth?

Everyone wants a brilliantly white smile, but food, drink, and age can discolour your teeth leading many people to seek cosmetic tooth whitening treatment. But, is cosmetic tooth whitening safe?

1) What is Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Cosmetic tooth whitening treatment is a process of bleaching your teeth with a specially formulated whitening compound to gradually lighten your teeth several shades. While this may not help to achieve bright white teeth, it can make a significant improvement to your smile.

2) How does it Work?

Discolouration can be removed from both the surface of the tooth with a professional cleaning and from inside the tooth using a bleaching compound that penetrates the pores of the enamel to dissolve and disperse stains.

Most bleaching compounds contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which reacts in your mouth to create oxygen. The oxygen enters the tooth through the pores of the hard enamel outer layer to dissolve superficial surface stains.

3) Teeth Whitening Methods

There are several different methods that you can use at home to whiten your teeth, as well as several techniques used by dentists for professional teeth whitening in Ruislip.

  1. A) External Bleaching

During external bleaching treatment, your dentist will first protect your gums with a special shield or gel before applying the bleaching tray. The bleaching compound is applied to the inside of a hollow mouthpiece, similar to a sports guard, and then placed against your teeth for a period of time determined by your dentist.

Some external bleaching agents are light or heat activated, so your dentist may also shine a special light onto your mouth to accelerate the bleaching process. Your dentist may also give you home an at-home whitening kit to maintain your teeth between appointments.

  1. B) Internal Bleaching

Internal bleaching is typically used to treat discolouration due to root canal treatment. You dentist will open up the site of the root canal, then insert bleaching agent inside the hole. The hole is then temporarily filled.

You will need to return to the dentist after approximately one week to remove the filling and change the bleaching agent. This step may need to be repeated multiple times until the desired shade is achieved.

4) How long does it take for Teeth Whitening Treatment?

The time it takes for teeth whitening depends on the level of discolouration, the shade you wish to achieve, and the health of your teeth. Staining due to smoking or trauma usually takes longer than discolouration due to food and beverages.

Most teeth whitening treatments can be done in-chair in under an hour; however, extensive staining may require multiple treatments and additional visits.

5) Is Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Permanent?

Cosmetic teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to discoloured teeth. Though the whitening treatment can last for years, poor oral hygiene, smoking and consuming dark coloured foods and beverages can cause your teeth to become stained again.

6) Can Any Dentist Whiten Teeth?

Any dentist can perform a teeth whitening treatment if they are registered with the General Dental Council. This includes dental hygienists and dental therapists who do not need a prescription or referral to administer teeth whitening treatment.

To check if your Dentist in Ruislip is registered for teeth whitening, you can consult the online register.

7) How much does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of whitening can vary according to the severity of discolouration and the types of whitening treatment used. It is estimated that whitening treatment can cost between £150 and £1,000.

Laser whitening and Zoom LED whitening are usually more expensive than simple bleaching treatments. To find out the cost of whitening your teeth, talk with your local dentist.

Final Thoughts

While at-home whitening can be an affordable alternative, the safest way to whiten your teeth is with a professional whitening treatment at the dentist. A dentist can make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough to withstand a whitening treatment, they can protect your gums to avoid irritation, and they carefully control the duration and intensity of the treatment to prevent accidental injury.

If you are interested in having a teeth whitening treatment, contact your local dentist for an appointment and look forward to a lighter, brighter smile.

Author Bio

Quality Dental Group is one of the leading Dental Groups with clinics in Ruislip, Fulham, Worthing, Shoreham, Coulsdon and Brighton. As a State-of-the-art dentistry, Quality Dental offers private and NHS treatments that are effective, and long-lasting.

Visit www.qualitydentalgroup.co.uk to know more.