Our smile can be a huge part of our appearance. We accentuate it with lipstick, perk it for photographs and look at it in the mirror almost every day. If tooth discolouration is becoming a concern for you and you are interested in teeth whitening treatment, speak to a dental professional like us.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening treatment involves the bleaching of your teeth to help lighten them in colour. While it cannot achieve a brilliant white, it can lift the existing teeth colour to several shades lighter.
Who Can Provide Teeth Whitening Treatments?
As teeth whitening is a form of dentistry, it is important that it is carried out by a dentist who is registered with the General Dental Council. As orthodontists, we are dental professionals who have qualified as a dentist and then undergone further specialist training in orthodontics.
It can also be carried out by registered dental hygienists and dental therapists on prescription of a dentist.
While there may be some beauty salons who offer teeth whitening, they are not allowed to carry out the treatment if there is no dental professional present. This is to reduce potential risks to your oral health. DIY home teeth whitening kits can also be a risk, so we advise you to avoid them too.
Risks of Salon Teeth Whitening and At Home Kits
Certain at home teeth whitening kits won’t include sufficient whitening product to be effective. In addition, when not fitted by a dental professional, the mouthguard can be at risk of not fitting properly and therefore, may allow bleaching gel to escape onto your gums and into your mouth. This can present the risk of blistering and sensitivity.
Salon teeth whitening carried out by staff who are untrained or don’t have dental qualifications is illegal and can put your oral health at risk.
Teeth Whitening Consultation
If you are interested in teeth whitening treatment, book an appointment to speak to with a dental professional like us so we can advise if this is the right choice for you. There are cases when teeth whitening can be unsuitable for a person, such as if you have gum disease, crowns, dentures, fillings or veneers.
During a consultation, do not be afraid about asking questions as it is important to feel as informed as possible. Ask your dental professional about the types of teeth whitening treatments available, how they work and the results you can expect from them. It may also be helpful to ask if the treatment is guaranteed for a period of time.
While finding out all the information, it is equally as important to ask about the risks involved with different teeth whitening treatments. If you choose to go for teeth whitening treatment, ask for your treatment plan and an estimate of the price to be written down for you.
Benefits of a Dental Professional
When reflecting on the risks of salon teeth whitening and at home teeth whitening kits, having teeth whitening treatment completed by a dental professional is the safest option. With this type of procedure, it is so important to go with someone who is qualified and trained to keep you safe.
If you have any questions regarding our teeth whitening in London, please contact our team who will be more than happy to help you.