Perfect white teeth are something so many of us strive for. Whether we’re emulating the stars on our favourite television shows or simply want to make our teeth the best they can be, teeth whitening has become an increasingly popular solution. Who wouldn’t want gleaming white teeth and the best smile they can have?
Teeth whitening is not seen as a specialist treatment, but it’s vital to get it done by a professional. As it’s only recently become a phenomenon, there’s not a great deal of information about how to do it safely, and some people have even put themselves in danger looking for a quick fix or opting for a home solution.
Before you make a decision about teeth whitening, it’s important to know all of your options — ones that will make sure you get the spectacular smile that you want safely and effectively. In this post, we go through the five things you should know if you’re thinking about teeth whitening.
- Get a Professional Opinion
With the rise of teeth whitening, many businesses have swooped in promising fast and cheap teeth whitening. However, the reality is that a lot of these treatments are untested, unlicensed and actually rather dangerous. Rather than reach for a cheap and potentially unsafe treatment kit found online, it’s always best to go to a dentist first. They’ll be able to advise you how best to proceed and ensure you get the best results without risking damaging your health.
- There’s More Than One Way to Do It
When you opt for professional teeth whitening, you have a choice of two options. The first option involves taking a gum mould of your teeth. Once this has been done, the mould is used to make a teeth whitening tray. A bleaching agent is applied to the tray before it’s put over your teeth, which then works to get rid of stains, leaving your teeth whiter. This can take a few days and you’ll need to come back for a few visits to complete the process.
The alternative option for a bright smile is laser whitening. This method is much faster and involves your dentist applying a whitening gel to your teeth and shining a laser on them. This helps to remove stains and can be done within two hours. If you’re not sure which is the best treatment for you, many dentists offer a free no-obligation consultancy appointment, where you’ll be able to discuss your options.
- Teeth Whitening Only Works on Real Teeth
This might sound obvious, but all teeth whitening methods only work for real, natural teeth, as they need enamel to be effective. If you’ve got veneers or crowns, you’ll find that while your natural teeth will get whiter, others won’t. This is also true if you have fillings. Even if these fillings or veneers are coloured the same way as your natural teeth, whitening won’t work on them. If you have fillings or crowns and are looking for a brighter smile, speak to your dentist about alternative options to teeth whitening.
- It’s Not the Only Way to Get Sparkling White Teeth
Teeth whitening is not for everyone. If you have existing dental issues, teeth whitening may not be effective. You’d have to get these issues looked at before teeth whitening could realistically be an option. We mentioned veneers earlier, and these could be a more appropriate choice for some people. Veneers are a layer that fits over your existing teeth, hiding stains and discolouration, and giving your teeth a healthy white shine. They last longer than teeth whitening treatments and could be ideal if you’re looking for a more permanent solution.
- You Can Maintain the Glow at Home
While we’ll always advise going straight to a professional to get your first teeth whitening procedure, it’s not always practical to go every time you feel your teeth need a boost. There are some safe methods you can try at home to maintain that dentist-fresh glow for weeks after your appointment. Teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes are a proven and safe way of keeping up the glow before your next teeth whitening appointment. Your dentist will be more than happy to recommend products and suggest safe ways you can keep your teeth white at home.
Ultimately, whatever route you take to achieve your new smile, make sure you do your research, know all the facts and go to a licensed dentist you can trust.
Keep shining!
Ana Kukreja is an owner and practice manager at The Dentist and helped set up the Walsall practice with her husband Dr Rikki Dhody. She’s passionate about dentistry and helping patients get the smile they want and deserve.