Teeth Whitening

I don’t like the colour of my teeth, is there anything I can do about it?

First of all, you’re not alone, there are lots of people who don’t like the shade of their teeth, so don’t feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t like to open their mouth much when they talk or smile for photographs. There are very few people lucky enough to have perfect teeth naturally; most will have had a little help from the professionals. With London teeth whitening, you could get your confidence back and enjoy a more youthful appearance, so give the Pearl Dental Clinic a call to discuss your options.

What is teeth whitening and how does it work?

The modern teeth whitening process is a quick and painless way of removing stains and bleaching teeth to a polished, natural-looking finish. The most popular whitening procedure involves a strong gel that is applied to the teeth and a blue curing light – used to activate the gel. Bleach components in the gel go to work breaking down the stains on the enamel surface of the teeth, without damaging its surface or internal structure at all. It usually takes three applications in one sitting, and then sometimes an extra sitting to get the best results.

The gel and curing light are tremendously effective at brightening the outer appearance of teeth and you’ll really be able to see the difference – which can be as much as eight shades, more in some cases. Of course, this depends on what colour they were to before the procedure, but most conditions affecting the colour of the teeth can be treated with teeth whitening, and you’re not likely to be disappointed with the results.

Can I have it if I smoke?

Lots of smokers will admit to having a greater need for teeth whitening than perhaps most people, this is because the nicotine and other chemicals in the cigarettes are not only terrible for your health in general, but they also leave the teeth an unattractive yellow colour. If you’re a heavy smoker, you’re probably aware that it’s doing some damage to your teeth, but did you know it’s also very dangerous for your gums? Like the rest of your body, the gums will be starved of oxygen if you smoke, this can lead to gum disease and even some types of oral cancer. Teeth whitening can return yellow teeth to their natural whiteness, but you can avoid them reverting to their original unhealthy state by brushing regularly and throwing the cigarettes away.

What other things can affect my teeth?

There are several types of food and drink that can alter the colour of your teeth if consumed on a regular basis. Red wine is a common cause of dark or stained teeth – just think of spilling it on your beige rug or down your shirt, its strong colour makes it very difficult to remove. This affects your teeth in a similar way, and brushing just won’t be able to break through layers of stains that have built up over time. Tea or coffee will also leave a lasting stain on your teeth if you have one or two cups a day over a long period. Most superficial stains from everyday foodstuffs won’t have a lasting effect, but dark colours are best avoided if you don’t want to be left with a grey, unpleasant smile.

Damaged teeth can also appear dark or discoloured; this is because the nerve endings and blood vessels are not supplying enough blood to the centre of the tooth so it can keep regenerating the outer mineral layers. Sometimes this is the result of oxygen depletion from smoking, but more often than not it happens due to a fracture or crack that has damaged the inner workings of the tooth.

The natural aging of the teeth can make a huge difference to the shade of their surface enamel, most people will find that as they get older their teeth take on a darker hue or have a yellowy tint, even if they’ve maintained a rigorous cleaning routine all their lives. Although this can’t really be avoided, teeth whitening is a great way to turn back the clock a few years and keep your smile looking it’s best.

Can’t I whiten my teeth myself at home?

There are lots of home kits that offer teeth whitening at a budget price, unfortunately they rarely make good on their promises, perhaps because you get what you pay for. Most DIY whiteners don’t contain enough – or sometimes any – bleach to make a significant and obvious difference to the colour of your teeth, therefore they might make them look slightly more polished but won’t have a lasting effect. Chewing gums or toothpastes are even less effective because they concentrate on brushing the stains away, rather than breaking them down with bleach, this means they often contain harsh abrasives that can damage the enamel if used to vigorously.
If you’re after a beautiful white smile, the best thing you can do is spend a little extra to get dramatic results in no time at all. A professional teeth-whitening procedure can rejuvenate your smile and save you time and effort in the long run.

Is there any pain?

Slight discomfort or mild sensitivity is probably the worst it’s going to get, but you won’t need an anaesthetic or painkillers afterwards because this is not a surgical procedure. As long as the gel is kept away from the teeth there should be no problems, and any tenderness following the treatment shouldn’t last more than a few days. If you’re worried about the procedure, talk your fears through with your dentist beforehand and they will reassure you that it’s a non invasive treatment that millions of people have undergone. Make sure you attend your follow-up appointment if you’ve never had your teeth whitened before, and listen to all after-care instructions given to you.