Table of contents
1. What is teeth whitening?
2. How teeth whitening works
3. Cons of over the counter whitening
4. Pros of professional whitening
5. Why should I get my teeth whitened by a Dental professional and not use an over-
the-counter shop bought product?
6. Are you a good candidate for teeth whitening?
7. Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment designed to brighten your
natural smile by reducing the appearance of stains and discolouration. Over time,
factors such as food, drink, smoking, ageing, and certain medications can cause
teeth to darken. Professional teeth whitening by your dentist offers a safe, effective
solution by using clinically approved whitening agents under dental supervision,
delivering noticeable, even results while protecting your teeth and gums.
This blog helps to explain why professional teeth whitening with a dental professional
is the safer option over using over-the-counter whitening products that can be
purchased from a supermarket or pharmacy.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment which uses chemicals to lighten the
colour of your natural teeth. Whitening can reduce stains and discolouration from
coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, ageing, and certain medications.
Professional teeth whitening uses clinically approved whitening agents to break
down these stains, helping your smile look brighter and more refreshed. When
carried out or supervised by a dental professional, whitening is a safe and effective
way to enhance your smile while protecting your tooth enamel and gums.
How teeth whitening works?
Professional teeth whitening uses a safe whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen
peroxide, to lighten the natural colour of your teeth. The process works by:
- Penetrating the enamel to reach deeper stains within the tooth.
- Breaking down the stains caused by food, drink, smoking, and ageing.
- Lightening the tooth colour without damaging or removing tooth structure.
- Professional teeth whitening is carefully controlled by dental professionals to
protect your teeth and gums. - Creating a brighter and more even looking smile.
Over-the-counter whitening
- Poor fit – “One size fit’s all” trays or whitening strips can lead to patchy or
inconsistent whitening. As everybody has different sized jaws, it is very
unlikely these whitening trays will feel comfortable in the mouth. - Irritation – Incorrect use can cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
- Less effective – Lower whitening strength often means less noticeable
results. In the UK whitening products sold in shops are limited to 0.1%
hydrogen peroxide to ensure safety. - No dental assessment – Underlining issues like decay or gum disease are
not addressed, therefore untreated prior to whitening. - Enamel risk – Incorrect product use can damage enamel or worsen existing
sensitivity.
Professional whitening
Teeth whitening carried out by a dental professional is a much safer and reliable
option with guaranteed results. Clinical before photos may be taken on your initial
consultation process to ensure whitening progress is being made throughout your
journey.
- Safer treatment – Supervised by a dental professional at all times to protect
your teeth and gums. - Better results – Stronger, clinically approved whitening agents for more
noticeable whitening. Professional whitening products use a higher
percentage of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide than over the
counter. These products with a higher percentage can only be provided on
prescription by a dental professional. - Even finish – Custom made trays ensure consistent, natural looking results.
- Tailored treatment plan and care – Treatment is customised to your teeth,
goals, and sensitivity levels. - Longer lasting results – Professional whitening tends to last longer with
proper aftercare. - Expert guidance – Your dentist can advise on maintaining results and
reducing sensitivity.
Why should I get my teeth whitened by a Dental professional and not use a shop bought product?
When it comes to deciding whether you should get your teeth whitened by a Dental
Professional or buy a whitening kit from a shop, it is very important you carry out
your research. Although shop bought whitening kits may seem like they are a more
affordable option, there are many reasons for their price tag. There are many
different products on the market, but they will never be able to deliver the result you
are looking for in a safe way.
- Results – Professional teeth whitening uses stronger but carefully
administered chemical agents which can lighten teeth up to 16 shades. Shop
bought kits use a low whitening agent or use a “blue light technology” which is
just a placebo effect. The bright blue light is often just used as a timer rather
than an activating agent. - Customisation – Most of shop bought products are usually “one size fits all”
which is not true. Everyone has a different sized jaw, which usually varies in
width. Using a whitening tray that doesn’t fit your mouth correctly, may lead to
the whitening agent to spill out of the edges, or not even meet the teeth at all.
Dental professionals use custom made trays by taking impressions, this way it
ensures the gel stays on the teeth, providing an even, effective coverage
without leaking. - Safety and protection – Sometimes, you may not be applicable to undergo
teeth whitening. It is advisable that you have your dental health checked first
to ensure you are suitable for whitening. Whitening may not be applicable if
you have dental caries, or poor gum health. A dentist will ensure to carry out
any treatment confirming your mouth is stable to start whitening treatment. - Long lasting results – Professional dental treatments can often last longer,
usually up to 2 years with regular reviews
Are you a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Not everyone is a candidate for teeth whitening. You are usually a good candidate for
teeth whitening if:
- Your teeth are healthy and there is no tooth decay present or active gum
disease. - Your discolouration is from staining from tea, coffee, wine, smoking or some
food. - You do not have front white fillings, crowns or veneers.
- You are not pregnant or breast feeding.
- You do not suffer from severe teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening is an effective cosmetic treatment that can significantly enhance the
appearance of your smile when carried out safely and correctly. While over the
counter whitening products may appear convenient and more cost effective, they
often deliver limited and uneven, with potential risks to your enamel and gums. In
contrast, professional teeth whitening is carefully assessed and supervised by a
dental professional to ensure both safety and optimal results. Ultimately, choosing
professional teeth whitening ensures not only a brighter smile but also the protection
of your overall oral health.
You can contact Toftwood Dental Practice to arrange a consultation to discuss
teeth whitening in more detail.
“This content is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for
personal advice”