In our modern world, where TV, magazines and social media are the centre of attention, we are constantly bombarded with people sporting the most impressive set of pearly white teeth. It’s common knowledge that most celebrities have had work done on their teeth to make them white, yet this doesn’t stop us from feeling inadequate about our own teeth.

Teeth whitening is a popular, painless and effective cosmetic dentist procedure carried at many dental practices in the UK. At Farnham Road Dental Practice we use teeth whitening with Enlighten technology, which has been around for at least 10 years with highly reliable results.

How teeth become discoloured

As we grow older, our teeth tend to become yellow and discoloured. There are several causes behind this process and most are not usually immediate oral health concerns. However, yellow and discoloured teeth can affect the aesthetics of your smile and make you look older than you actually are.

Teeth are subject to wear and, as the enamel wears away, the inner layer of the tooth is exposed, causing teeth to appear yellow. Certain medications can also make teeth appear yellow and cause stains. Moreover, some people are genetically predisposed to have yellow and stained teeth, though in most cases it is a matter of diet and lifestyle. If you drink too much tea, coffee and red wine, you may have yellow and discoloured teeth. Finally, patients who smoke or use tobacco products are also more likely to experience tooth discolouration.

How can Enlighten help?

There are now many teeth whitening products on the market, but we always recommend whitening your teeth with the help of a dentist, as this is the only safe method and has been proven to produce the best and most long-lasting results. At Farnham Road Dental Practice, we use the Enlighten system. This treatment involves wearing custom-made whitening trays to gradually improve the shade of your teeth. You wear the trays overnight or for a few hours during the day for two to three weeks, depending on the shade of whiteness you wish to achieve. At the end of the treatment, you can proudly display your new smile.