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“After years of being scared of the dentist, I recently went to Thames Street Dental to have my teeth checked, get a scale and polish, and to get my teeth whitened. The Dentist was very professional and explained everything to me prior to performing each treatment. Fortunately, despite not visiting the dentist in years, my teeth were reasonably healthy. However, the dentist did indicate that I was brushing too hard, and could see it was visible from my gums. I also purchased a home teeth whitening kit, which I now use, and within a week have already noticed a huge difference in the colour of my teeth! Many thanks, Thames Street Dental!”
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The colour of our teeth is determined by our genes and our age. As we get older our teeth naturally become more yellow – our lifestyle can also cause teeth to be stained. For example – drinking tea or coffee, eating some foods and smoking all cause staining. If you are thinking of whitening your teeth, please see the following information to help you make an informed decision.
Teeth whitening lightens teeth and helps to remove staining and discolouration. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because it can greatly improve your smile. Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them a lighter shade. It can lighten the existing colour by several shades but it is unlikely to make them brilliant white. At Thames Street Dental we offer home bleaching kits. This involves taking a set of impressions of the teeth to make custom fit bleaching trays. Our dentists will then show you how to use the teeth whitening bleaching kit in the comfort of your home, at your own leisure. One of the benefits of using a home bleaching kit is that you can top up your whitening treatments whenever you wish as long as you have your trays and enough bleach.
Note: It is important your teeth and gums are healthy before teeth whitening is carried out hence we do advise a through dental examination is carried out first. See the following blog posts for more information:
There are many toothpastes on the market which claim to help whiten your teeth. Whilst these toothpastes may help remove some light surface stains, whitening toothpastes do not contain the same ingredients as the products we use for teeth whitening, and so do not result in the same outcome. The concentration of bleach required to safely and effectively whiten teeth cannot be found in a toothpaste.
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure and should only be performed by a qualified Dentist or another regulated dental professional. An incorrect concentration of beaching gel could cause harm hence why it should only be prescribed by a Dentist. Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening – this is illegal if there is no qualified dental professional present, and it may put your oral health at risk.
A single treatment of teeth whitening will not keep your teeth that shade forever – Your eating, drinking and smoking habits can cause the teeth to discolour again. For this reason, we advise all patients that the whitening effect may last up to one year. However, it is easy and cost-effective to repeat the treatment. If you wish to have your teeth whitened again, you do not need to pay the full price again – Simply come back to Thames Street Dental and purchase additional bleach – You can use your existing trays, so maintenance of teeth whitening is very cost-effective!
It is important to know that your existing dental restorations will not change colour. If you have any fillings, crowns or veneers on your front teeth you may wish to have them replaced to match your new shade after the whitening treatment has been completed. This can be discussed further with the Dentist during your consultation appointment.
There is a small risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation if the whitening is not completed correctly. We will spend enough time to educate you well on how to carry out whitening to ensure that the risk of sensitivity or gum irritation is minimal. If you do experience sensitivity, please do let us know and we can prescribe a desensitising toothpaste if necessary.
We recommend purchasing teeth whitening treatment and kits through a qualified and GDC registered Dentist, as there are many dangers with unregulated teeth whitening.
Here at Thames Street Dental, we only use high quality teeth whitening products such the Award Winning Boutique teeth whitening kits and Enlighten teeth whitening kits.
There are several factors that can cause teeth to become discoloured, including ageing, consumption of certain foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, and red wine), smoking, and poor oral hygiene. While these are the most common factors, there are many lesser-known causes of tooth discolouration. For example, certain medications may cause the teeth to become darker in colour. Antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure medications may all lead to tooth discolouration due to chemicals that become deposited within the enamel of the teeth over time. Beyond these medications, cancer treatments such as radiation therapy may also contribute to changes in tooth colouration.
Professional bleaching involves the use of special whitening products that contain higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The dentist will apply these products to your teeth and activate them with a special light or laser for maximum whitening effect. This method can produce dramatic results in a single visit, but you may require multiple visits to achieve your desired level of whitening.
Yes, teeth whitening is a safe procedure when done under the supervision of a dental professional. However, if you choose to use at-home whitening kits, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your teeth or gums.
The results of teeth whitening can vary depending on the individual and the type of treatment used. Generally, the effect of teeth whitening lasts between 6 months to 2 years.
Teeth whitening is generally safe for most people, but it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with sensitive teeth or gums, or those with severe tooth decay or gum disease.
Some people may experience temporary side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after undergoing teeth whitening. However, these side effects usually subside within a few days.
While there are several natural remedies that claim to whiten teeth, such as baking soda or apple cider vinegar, there is no scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. It is always best to consult with a dental professional before trying any home remedies.
To maintain your teeth whitening results, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid consuming staining foods and drinks, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Yes, you can. At-home teeth whitening is a convenient and cost-effective way to get rid of stains, yellowing and discolouration, as well as to give your smile a brighter look. Though the results may take longer than professional treatments such as in-office bleaching, the effects are still noticeable. The process starts with a consultation where your dentist will assess your oral situation and discuss possible solutions for you. To ensure maximum safety, they will then suggest which products would be suitable for your case.
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