Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world. Garden View Dental Care in Buckinghamshire offers two options for whitening treatment, and a consultation with a cosmetic dentist will help to determine the best option to suit your needs.
Although it is a very popular procedure, many people still have questions about teeth whitening treatment. We have collected some common questions and answers below. If you have any other queries, please get in touch with our Buckinghamshire clinic.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening involves the use of a gentle dental bleaching gel to remove stains such as those caused by tea, coffee, red wine, or smoking from your teeth.
Do I need to see a dentist for teeth whitening?
Absolutely. This is the most important thing to remember. Legally speaking, only a qualified dentist can carry out whitening treatment, which is classed as dentistry by the GDC (dentists’ governing body). Beauty parlours offering the treatment do so illegally, and using unlicensed providers or products of unknown origin purchased through the internet can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums.
How long does treatment take?
That depends on which method you choose. At Garden View in Buckinghamshire we offer two teeth whitening options:
1) Home whitening
This involves the use of custom-made mouth trays and bleaching gel. You carry out the treatment at home under your dentist’s supervision. All you do is place a small amount of gel in the trays and wear them overnight for two weeks.
2) Power whitening
This option is carried out by your dentist at our Buckinghamshire clinic. You sit back and relax whilst a lamp is used to activate the bleaching agent in the gel. Power whitening takes just one hour.
Can anyone have whitening treatment?
Most people aged 18+ are suitable for whitening. If you have suffered enamel erosion you may experience increased sensitivity, so your dentist will discuss whether whitening is suitable for you. You need to be in good oral health for treatment, and if you are pregnant it is best to avoid whitening.