Want whiter teeth? Here’s why you should always use your dentist

Your smile is the first thing most people notice about you. In an age where we are constantly under pressure to share pictures of ourselves on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, it is hard to avoid being in front of the camera and having your smile put on display for the world to see. In addition, celebrity culture promotes shiny white smiles. The result is that more and more people are seeking teeth whitening treatment in order to feel better about their appearance. Here’s why you should always have your teeth whitened by a dentist.

How teeth whitening works

If you have tried using one of the many teeth whitening toothpastes available in your local supermarket or chemist, you will have no doubt found yourself disappointed with the lack of any visible results – but why is this?

Over time, our teeth naturally become discoloured. This is a result of the food and drink we consume on a daily basis, as well as other factors such as smoking and general oral hygiene. Age also causes our teeth to lose their whiteness.

Although the enamel that protects our teeth is the hardest natural substance in our body, it is also porous. This means that gradually, staining can affect not just the surface of the teeth but also affect the colour from within. Over the counter products are not able to penetrate the enamel and deal with this deeper staining.

Only stronger products that have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are able to achieve truly effective results. They work by penetrating through the surface and reacting with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together.

Is teeth whitening treatment safe?

Although it is now one of the most common cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening is considered to be a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist. It is illegal for anybody who is not a registered dentist to offer teeth whitening services due to the risks to your oral health.

Provided it is carried out under the supervision of a dentist, teeth whitening is completely safe. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination before commencing any treatment to ensure that you are suitable. They will then prepare a tray that is specially made to ensure that ensure that your gums are fully protected.

Whether you choose to have your teeth whitening done in surgery or use a take home kit, a dentist will only use approved, sterile substances and equipment that conform to the strict healthcare regulations that are in place to protect patients. Your dentist will also be able to ensure that the correct concentration of the active ingredient is used to ensure there is no risk to your oral health.

What are the risks of illegal whitening products?

If you choose to use an illegal teeth whitening service or products, you are putting your oral health at risk, as well as risking wasting your money. In many cases, kits that are available from unauthorised sources will not contain enough of the active ingredients to have any real effect. On the other hand, there is also a risk that the concentration may be too strong, which can potentially cause irreparable harm to teeth and gums

Even if the substance is of the correct strength, if a dental professional isn’t doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly. This means some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity and pain.

Here at Bridge Dental & Implant Clinic in Derby, we offer a full range of safe and effective teeth whitening treatments that guarantee exceptional results. To find out more or to book a consultation, call to day on 01332 916351.

Posted by Bridge Dental and Implant Clinic on 13th June 2019, under News,Teeth Whitening