Our clinic based teeth whitening Guildford has created quite a stir recently, in the best possible way of course! So we have put together this FAQ article to answer some of the most common questions in our clinic. Like how it works and the role of home kits. We hope you find it useful!
How does dental whitening work?
Most dental whitening is carried out using chemical methods; free radical oxygen from sources like hydrogen peroxide are used to chemically change the compounds in the tooth. This alters the way light interacts with the compounds, making them look brighter or whiter. It is much the same way that peroxides affect keratin in the hair, creating that bombshell blonde look.
This is true both for in-clinic whitening and at-home kits, the difference is how concentration of peroxides in the whitening gel is regulated. In the clinic, 30% concentration is acceptable under professional guidance, whereas at-home kits are often less than 5%. This significantly increases the time required to alter the enamel shade. What would take weeks at home can be completed with 40 minutes in the chair!
Are there long-term consequences?
The most common side effect of dental whitening is increased sensitivity. This usually occurs within the first 48 hours after treatment and is caused by the dehydration of the tooth.
When performed by trained professionals, lightening procedures are very safe.
Prior to teeth whitening Guildford, we always perform a full check up before carrying out any cosmetic procedures and addressing underlying health concerns. Providing a cosmetic lick of paint, so to speak, to active decay would be irresponsible and significantly reduce the effectiveness of any lightening procedure, whilst also sacrificing long-term tooth heath. It is this general oversight and putting our patients first that makes clinic procedures so much safer and reliable with repeatable, predictable results.
What about over-the-counter or online home kits?
Over-the-counter home kits are readily available as well as online; they come with pre-made trays usually small, medium and large as well as brief information. They can be an effective method, but are prone to unintentional or over-enthusiastic misuse.
There’s also an issue with kits produced overseas that may not comply with UK legislation, particularly in terms of the concentration of bleaching agents. These can easily cause blistering to the gums and lips; this is exacerbated by using an off-the-shelf bleaching tray even if the gel is less concentrated and focused on the enamel surfaces.
Do I have to change my diet or avoid coffee?
There are ideas about eating a ‘white’ diet and avoiding coffee, red wine, turmeric and a wide range of other foods impacting on the colour of your teeth. But there is no evidence supporting that this is effective. Your teeth can become particularly susceptible to receiving new staining during and immediately after teeth whitening Guildford so smoking and red wine should be avoided.
Are there home remedies for dental whitening?
Every so often a TikTok star or tweet will advocate bicarbonate of soda, activated charcoal or even coconut oil on teeth as a lighting product. Please do not engage in these options; they are not substantiated and in some cases could even be harmful.
