Frequently Asked Teeth Whitening Questions

9 December 2021

It’s no secret that some people are self-conscious about their teeth. It can be difficult to feel confident in front of others if you don’t have a bright, sparkling grin. When you smile during dates, job interviews, or informal conversations with a neighbour, you may feel the need to cover your mouth with your hand.

A beautiful smile, on the other hand, is no longer difficult to acquire. You may only need to whiten your discoloured teeth on occasion. If you’re embarrassed to smile for the camera because of your discoloured teeth, your self-esteem will improve after just a few teeth whitening sessions at Etwall Dental Practice.

When it comes to teeth whitening, you have numerous options. Over-the-counter whitening products, whitening toothpaste, and prescription-based whitening treatments are all available. In-practice professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, is a more suitable solution. It has the ability to improve your smile – and your life – in a safe and efficient manner. Here, you’ll find all of the questions we’re regularly asked by those who are considering teeth whitening.

Do teeth whitening treatments work?

Teeth whitening is effective when performed by a competent dental expert. To brighten the teeth, a peroxide-based gel is used. When these compounds decompose, oxygen is released. This whitens your teeth by penetrating the hard, outer surface (enamel).

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes, if done correctly, teeth whitening is safe. Anyone who isn’t a registered dental expert isn’t allowed to perform whitening operations. Dentists, dental hygienists, therapists, and technicians who are registered with the General Dental Council are considered dental professionals.

What’s the difference between professional whitening and over the counter whitening?

Only 0.1% hydrogen peroxide should be present in store-bought whitening procedures. In the United Kingdom, it is unlawful to sell any kits with a greater level than this. Low doses of peroxide don’t produce the same long-term results as professional whitening.

Whitening treatments administered by a dentist can contain up to 6% hydrogen peroxide, which must be administered by a competent dental practitioner and your appropriateness assessed prior. Some over-the-counter kits are abrasive, causing the enamel to wear away. Your teeth may appear whiter at first, but this can lead to tooth surface loss in the long run.

What’s the difference between in-practice and at home teeth whitening?
You have the option of having your teeth whitened at home or in the dentist’s practice. Your dentist will perform the whitening for you in the practice, and you’ll see results in approximately two hours. After that, you’ll need to use a top-up kit at home for about a week to keep the results permanent. In the case of at-home teeth whitening, your dentist will provide you with a whitening kit that you can use at home. It takes two to three weeks for this to take effect.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Although teeth whitening is painless, some slight irritation is usual during or after the initial treatment. After a few days, things should be back to normal. If it doesn’t, speak with your dentist, who will be able to provide you with more information. If you do have sensitivity, your dentist can recommend toothpaste and other things that will assist. Anti-sensitivity chemicals are added into the gels of high-quality whitening treatments used by dentists to prevent this from occurring.

Am I suitable for teeth whitening?

Many people can benefit from teeth whitening, but some people may be ineligible if they have gum disease or other dental health issues including tooth decay. Before beginning treatment, you’ll need to meet with your dentist to check the compatibility of your teeth.

Will teeth whitening change my restorations?

No, teeth whitening is only effective on natural teeth. Fillings, crowns, and dentures, for example, cannot be whitened.

How long does teeth whitening take?

If you choose in-practice teeth whitening, the procedure takes about two hours to complete, but the effects must be maintained with a top-up kit for about a week to guarantee they are permanent. It takes two to three weeks for at-home tooth whitening kits to work.

How much whiter will my teeth look?

The results of teeth whitening vary depending on your specific teeth. Following an initial appointment, your dentist will be able to give you an estimate of the likely outcomes. Whitening products for use in the clinic, can whiten your teeth by up to six shades.

How long does teeth whitening last?

When done correctly, whitening effects should last a long time and just require easy touch-ups every six to nine months, which may be done at home. These will be provided by your dentist if they are required. If you started with a home-whitening kit, you can continue to use it as needed.

Teeth Whitening Treatments

We offer a variety of teeth whitening treatments at Etwall Dental Practice. Each one slightly different, catering for any given situation. Those treatments include Enlighten Evolution™, Pola™ Whitening and Home-Based Whitening.

Maintain your oral health or get expert medical advice from Etwall Dental Practice. If you feel as though you may be interested in our cosmetic treatments, please get in touch with us via phone on 01283 733391 or fill out our contact form and a member of the team will get back to you to discuss treatment options.