Written by Dr Pradeep Sharma for Doctify
A smile. Easily given, gratefully received. One can transform your face. It makes sense then, to care for that smile the same way you do your hair or your nails. Keep them clean and, if they need a bit of extra love, take them to a professional to really make them shine.
Teeth whitening is a quick way to spruce up your smile – but do you know what to expect at a teeth whitening appointment? Here to enlighten us is Dr Pradeep Sharma.
Why get your teeth whitened the first place?
Teeth whitening adds instant brilliance and glamour to your teeth. Plus, it’s a simple, quick, effective and non-invasive way to enhance your smile.
The treatment increases self-esteem and boosts confidence – it also helps with creating lasting first impressions. And most people don’t realise this but, when people invest in their smile, they are more likely to maintain their overall oral health.
What should you know before having the procedure?
The first thing to remember is that this procedure is a form of dentistry and therefore should only be carried out by a dentist.
Teeth whitening is a pain-free way to lighten and add lustre to your teeth. This involves the application of whitening material either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach the teeth. During this procedure oxygen gets into the enamel of the teeth and makes it shades lighter.
What happens during the teeth whitening?
There are two main ways to have your teeth whitened, either in surgery or at home.
In Surgery
This will give you instant results and will require just over an hour of your time. The concentration of peroxide is higher in the in surgery whitening products, hence resulting in a sparkling smile immediately. A special light may be used to expedite the process. The dentist will protect your gums in order to safely carry out your teeth whitening.
At Home
The so-called “at home teeth whitening procedure” is often used as a way to top up the in surgery whitening. The dentist will create a customised clear dental tray and whitening material will be supplied. You will place the whitening material on the trays and wear them for a few hours or overnight for approximately 1-2 weeks.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe as long as it is on the prescription of your dentist. For at least 2-3 days after the procedure, it is best to avoid anything which may discolour your teeth such as:
- smoking
- drinking coffee
- tea
- coloured beverages including alcohol such as red wine or blackcurrant
- eating foods containing coloured additives
- food and drink containing turmeric such as curries and lattes
Can anyone not have the procedure?
Teeth whitening does not lighten the colour of any “false” teeth such as crowns, veneers, dentures or bridges and/or fillings.
Teeth whitening will last approximately 18 months to 2 years however the whiteness may decrease with time and is affected by smoking and/or consuming food and drink that can stain teeth.
Special offer
If you book through Doctify, Dr Sharma would be pleased to offer 50% off teeth whitening. The perfect Christmas present to treat yourself to this December!
