It’s no wonder patients often ask their dentists, “Can my teeth be whiter?” Fortunately, the answer is usually, “Yes!”
Whiter teeth help us to face the world with a confident smile, radiating good health and youthful energy. These days, we all want a smile that looks clean and fresh. A smile to reflect the pride we take in our own well-being.
Tooth whitening is, however, a treatment that requires proper consultation and professional expertise. Because it is a dental procedure, a qualified dental professional should always supervise whitening treatments.
How do I get whiter teeth?
The first step is to book a consultation with your dentist.
In line with European regulations, only dentists are legally allowed to prescribe the use of cosmetic tooth whitening products that contain up to 6.0% hydrogen peroxide (or the carbamide peroxide equivalent).
Effective tooth lightening at home:
- At-home tray whitening: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to make custom trays to fit exactly. At home, you add bleach to the trays and wear them for a prescribed length of time daily, usually for a period between two weeks to a month. The trays are comfortable and have reservoirs for the correct application of the gel.
Why aren’t my teeth white?
As we get older, the youthful shine of our teeth becomes duller and the colour darkens.
There are three main reasons for discolouration:
- The enamel of our teeth is stained by the pigment in some food and drink, such as coffee, red wine or curry.
- Dentine, the material beneath tooth enamel, becomes yellower with age and shows through the enamel.
- Trauma to the tooth, medical or dental treatments, can lead to discolouration too.
Your dentist will be able to identify the nature of your tooth discolouration, and suggest solutions.
Consult your dentist to find out if you are a suitable candidate for a whitening procedure:
- Remove stains with safe professional cleaning under prescription.
- Use professional levels of bleach in custom-made cosmetic trays for effective whitening.
- Access safe accelerated whitening treatment in the dental surgery, using a special LED light.
Your dentist will be able to explain the procedures to you, and discuss realistic outcomes.
What is “tray whitening”?
Tray whitening is an accessible and effective way to whiten teeth.
Tray whitening is a treatment that you can do in the comfort of your own home, while under the supervision of a dentist. At home, you add bleach to the trays and wear them for a prescribed length of time daily (or at night), usually for a period of two weeks to a month. The trays are comfortable and have reservoirs for the correct application of the gel. The active ingredient in the gel is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Because of the high concentration, to be used legally in Europe the gel must be prescribed by a dentist.
What’s the procedure for tray whitening?
The procedure for tray whitening is very straightforward.
You will need several appointments to consult with the dentist, to have impressions taken for the trays to be made, and for follow-up.
- The first step is to make an appointment for a tooth-whitening consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums to decide if you are a suitable candidate for treatment. If, for example, you have very sensitive teeth, tooth whitening may be painful. Your dentist will also check to see if there are other dental problems, such as a build-up of tartar or cavities, that need to be sorted out before whitening can be effective. Your dentist will match the current colour of your teeth with a sample and discuss the lighter colour you can realistically hope for.
- If you decide to go ahead with whitening treatment, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth. Custom ‘trays’ are made to fit your teeth so there is a short waiting period before you can begin. The advantage of having well-made trays is that the gel will cover the surfaces of your teeth properly, and not leach out onto the soft tissues of your mouth. The quality and fit of the tray are very important.
- At another appointment, your dentist will check the fit of the trays and show you how to fill them with gel and wear them. You will be told how many hours a day you need to keep the trays in, and for how many weeks.
- During a follow-up appointment, your dentist will check the colour of your teeth, review your oral health, and discuss after-care with you. To benefit from the treatment, you’ll want to reduce future staining.
- Looking ahead, your dentist will be able to supply you with more gel and, provided your teeth stay in the same place, you may reuse the trays, so keep them safe.
Can I whiten both upper and lower teeth at the same time?
Yes, this is what most people do.
Most people wear trays on their upper and lower teeth at the same time. However, it may feel a little uncomfortable as you get used to wearing the trays.
Some people prefer to alternate the times when they wear the upper and lower trays. If you do find it uncomfortable to wear both trays at the same time, then discuss options and times with your dentist. It is important for effective and safe treatment to follow the timings that your dentist has set for your needs.
Does tooth whitening hurt?
Usually, tooth whitening doesn’t hurt…
…but some people feel it more than others.
In some cases, tooth whitening can cause pain, especially if the patient already has sensitive teeth. Once you’ve taken the trays out, the pain should ease.
Before beginning the procedure your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth, testing for sensitivity and looking for cracks so that the treatment is comfortable. Also, when your dentist is planning the treatment, it is a good idea to discuss both the concentration of the gel, and the timing, prescribed for you, if you think you may be sensitive. If you are undergoing treatment, and you’re feeling pain, then contact your dentist as soon as possible for advice.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes, if your dentist is involved in the process!
Teeth are live, so they can be permanently damaged is they are not treated with care.
It’s not a good idea to take unnecessary risks with your teeth, gums or the soft tissue of your mouth. We advise against letting anyone who is not a dental professional try to alter your teeth in any way, which includes DIY with tips or kits off the internet.
Tooth whitening may cause increased sensitivity. If whitening trays are left in for longer than the prescribed time, then the bleach may leach into the pulp which can cause damage. It is important to always follow the times that your dentist sets for your treatment, and to only use the gel that the dentist prescribes for your use.
Do whitening toothpastes and products make a difference?
Over the counter products help to maintain your teeth.
The products for sale in high-street chemists or supermarkets are helpful, especially after you have had your teeth professionally polished or whitened.
Once tooth discolouration has been professionally lightened, and your teeth are the best colour they can be, then good toothpastes, regular flossing and mouth rinses may help you to keep your mouth fresh and your teeth bright.
Your dentist can give you advice about which products you can use regularly to maintain your smile.
Will my teeth look white after treatment?
Think of ‘whitening’ as restoring the natural colour of your teeth.
Very few people have naturally white teeth. Tooth colour varies, from yellow-ish, to beige, to ivory. Tooth whitening will lighten your existing tooth colour, but it can’t change it totally. Therefore, if your teeth are yellow, they will become a lighter shade of yellow as the stains are removed.
It is important to remember too that tooth whitening treatments only work on natural teeth. If you have crowns, veneers or implants, their colour will not be improved.
Whitening products that can be bought over the counter contain or release less than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (or the carbamide peroxide equivalent). The results are therefore limited by the weakness of the bleaching agent. They may, however, help maintain a fresh appearance. It is good to check ingredients though, follow instructions carefully, and be aware that abrasive materials in some whitening products can erode tooth enamel.
Visit your dental hygienist or therapist regularly, as a professional polish will reduce staining and shine up the enamel.
What about using home-made recipes for whiter teeth?
Although tooth enamel is the hardest material in our bodies, it can be damaged.
Dentine, the pulp and the roots of teeth can be damaged too. Or gums and other areas of the mouth.
Our advice is to speak to your dentist first to find out about professional treatments. You may cause permanent damage with chemicals, abrasives or even natural acids.
Repair treatment can be costly and may not restore your teeth to their original condition. It’s best not to risk harming your teeth or gums.
What else do I need to know about tooth whitening?
Let the buyer beware!
Although legislated in the UK and Europe, there is still unethical and illegal trading in this sector. The incorrect application of whitening gels, or excessive exposure to heat lamps, can permanently damage the teeth, gums and mouth.
Your priority should be to get treated by a professional in a safe environment. If you do not live close enough to a SpaDental practice to make an appointment with us, we recommend you contact a reputable dentist nearby for advice. Always check to see that your clinician is registered with the GDC.
You can trust your dentist. A dentist is a highly-qualified professional who provides safe, regulated treatments. Your oral and general health are your dentist’s priority.
In the right hands, tooth whitening is a safe cosmetic procedure to lighten and brighten our teeth. During our life, food, drink or even medications can cause yellowing. It is also simply one of the consequences of ageing. But professional tooth whitening can make our teeth look cleaner and fresher.
Our take-home tooth whitening treatment uses prescribed gels with customised mouth trays, so the results are much more effective than is possible with shop-bought kits. Because the mouth trays have a superior fit, the high-quality lightening gel has good contact with your teeth. The process usually takes two or three weeks, wearing the trays daily.
