5 things you wish you’d known before having your teeth whitened

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If you have unsuccessfully tried to whiten your teeth or are considering having your teeth whitened, you might be interested in a few hard facts about this treatment. Whilst it can be extremely beneficial to the vast majority of people, if it is done incorrectly or for the wrong reasons it can result in you wasting your time and money and possibly damaging your teeth. Before making any decisions on treatments, it’s a good idea to be informed and what better place to start than with the five facts below:

1. Not all discolouration can be whitened: Many people believe that any type of tooth discolouration can be improved with whitening, but this is not always the case. Some discolouration, such as intrinsic stains or discolouration caused by medications, may not respond to whitening treatments.
2. Whitening doesn’t work on restorations: Whitening treatments only work on natural teeth, and have no effect on restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have your teeth whitened whilst you have veneers, crowns or fillings in situ, it can result in uneven teeth colour, which may be less aesthetically pleasing than your previously discoloured teeth.
3. Professional whitening is more effective than doing it yourself: While there are many over-the-counter whitening kits available, research shows that teeth whitening at the dentist provides more noticeable and longer-lasting results. It is also safer, as dentists can control the concentration of the bleaching agent.
4. Potential for tooth sensitivity and gum irritation: Teeth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. These side effects are more common in people who already have sensitive teeth or gum disease. This is why it is so important to have your teeth whitened professionally, as your dentist can advise on any possible side effects and make sure you are suitable for treatment.
5. The importance of aftercare: Maintaining the results of teeth whitening requires proper aftercare. This includes avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee and red wine, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Failing to look after your teeth properly after whitening can result in them becoming more stained and discoloured than they were before you started treatment.

If any of these facts have shocked you, or they ring true following your own unsuccessful attempts at teeth whitening, then you might like to take the following steps to get the pearly bright teeth you have always wanted.

• Always make sure you undergo teeth whitening at the dentist. This ensures that your teeth, mouth and gums are suitable for treatment and that you end up with a new shade that is right for you.
• Bear in mind that teeth whitening doesn’t work on veneers and crowns, so if you have any of these dental restorations, be sure to speak with your dentist to find out what your best option is in terms of whitening your smile.
• Take on board any advice that your dentist gives you, both in terms of how to administer whitening treatment if you opt for the professional at home kits your dentist provides, or in terms of how to look after your teeth during and after treatment. This advice is provided to ensure that you get the best results, so it makes sense to follow it closely.
• If you have tooth sensitivity, particularly whilst having your teeth whitened, your dentist should be able to provide you with some sensitivity gel or toothpaste which can ease your discomfort, but it is important that you use this as directed to get the most effective results.
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing daily to prolong the results of the whitening treatment. Regular check-ups with your dentist can also help maintain a healthy, white smile

If you are ready to get your teeth whitened, then now is the time to do some more research. Look online, or ask at your local dentist practice, to find out more about the different types of treatment available. For example, there are at home whitening kits that your dentist can provide you with. These kits comprise custom made trays that you add whitening gel to and apply to your teeth, typically overnight, for a series of days or weeks to get the desired whitening effects. Then, there are more powerful in-chair treatments available only at a dental practice. These use a higher concentration of bleaching agents to considerably lighten the teeth in just one treatment. These can also be used to complement or top up at home whitening treatments.

For more advice on how to get your teeth whitened or to book in for teeth whitening at the dentist you can search for Riverside Dental Spa, a dental practice in Vauxhall, London.