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? ›

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 you need to know about teeth whitening? ›

Whitening treatments are usually not covered by health insurance. Some chemicals used in teeth whitening can cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. It's important to always use products as directed. If you have mild tooth staining, consider adding a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash to your oral care routine.

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

Your dentist will give you a teeth whitening kit, with trays and gel, to take home. The tray should be worn as recommended by your dentist and most people wear them overnight. It may take a few weeks to achieve the shade of white you're looking for.

Is teeth whitening safe in the UK? ›

Teeth whitening by a dentist (or under the prescription of a dentist) is the only safe and effective way to ensure your oral health is protected.

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.

What are the cons of teeth whitening? ›

Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Gainesville for more information or a consultation about your specific concerns.
  • Tooth sensitivity. ...
  • Doesn't work on all teeth. ...
  • May exacerbate certain conditions. ...
  • Temporary. ...
  • Don't use if you're pregnant.

What not to do before teeth whitening? ›

Avoid eating food or drinking beverages that can stain your teeth. Anything that might leave stains should be avoided. That includes black teas, coffee, red wine, blueberries, and anything else that can stain your teeth.

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.

What whitens teeth really fast? ›

In-office whitening procedures like Zoom Advanced Power whitening can see immediate results because dentists use a 35% solution of hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with a "light source directly on the teeth to break up all the molecules that cause staining and discoloration," he explains.

How to whiten teeth without damaging enamel? ›

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

Is Crest whitening banned in UK? ›

The most straightforward answer is NO! Any teeth whitening strips containing over 6% of peroxides can be harmful to your teeth. Crest's white teeth strips thoroughly surpassed that limit, using levels of 15%, and because of that, this brand of whitening strip has been declared illegal in Europe.

How do celebrities get white teeth UK? ›

The way most people, especially celebrities, have such white teeth, is pretty simple: cosmetic dental work. There are many ways of improving your smile with dental work, with some more invasive than others, including: Braces. Crowns.

How much does the average UK dentist cost for teeth whitening? ›

Cost of Teeth Whitening in the UK

Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening: On average, this can cost you anywhere from £200 to £600. The price may be higher in the swankier parts of London but lower in smaller towns. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits: These are generally more budget-friendly, ranging from £150 to £400.

Are electric toothbrushes better at whitening? ›

Electric toothbrushes remove surface stains from teeth more effectively than manual toothbrushes. Oscillating electric toothbrushes are generally the best for teeth whitening compared to sonic-powered toothbrushes.

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.

How fast does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

As the baking soda only removes stains from the surface level of the teeth and not the enamel it can be passable at removing light stains such as coffee and food, but you might not notice a big difference for four to six weeks.

Is it worth getting my teeth whitened? ›

According to some studies, having whiter teeth can make you appear younger, more attractive, more employable and more successful. Just think of the instant boost of confidence that could bring to your day-to-day life.

What are the side effects of teeth whitening? ›

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›

Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.

How long does teeth whitening last? ›

The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.

References

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