What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth whitening is a dental procedure that can help restore the natural enamel to a lighter finish, after staining or discolouration has developed over a period of time. The process works by applying a bleaching gel to the surface of the teeth and allowing it to gently break down the dark molecules that are making the enamel appear discoloured. Tooth whitening is a very low risk treatment, mainly because it doesn’t contain a surgical element, there are no incisions, anaesthetic injections, or stitches, and there is only a short healing period, which shouldn’t be uncomfortable enough to disturb your daily routine. Most whitening procedures take less than an hour to give impressive results, although you may need to return for further treatment if your teeth are very badly stained.

Whitening your smile is very popular among dental patients today, as people realise that they don’t have to live with a discoloured, unattractive smile, but they also don’t have to undergo costly, invasive surgery, that can take months to recover from. Of course, no one’s teeth are naturally brilliantly white, but don’t underestimate the affect a dull, stained smile can have on your confidence, there are lots of people in the UK who are afraid to open their mouths in public for fear that others will see their teeth. Enlighten teeth whitening is a great way to get your confidence back and make people notice a brighter, healthier you.

What does the treatment involve?

Even with such a low-risk procedure, your dentist will still give your teeth a thorough examination, to make sure there are no underlying problems that need treating first, such as gum disease or cavities (dental caries). If there are no issues preventing your from going ahead with the procedure, your teeth will be carefully cleaned – sometimes by the dentist themselves, or by a specially qualified oral hygienist – in preparation for the bleaching gel; this removes any barriers or plaque acid that has built up, which would hinder the whitening performance. When the teeth are sufficiently clean, the gel can be applied; a generous amount is layered over the enamel, usually only on the teeth that show when smiling or speaking, then it is exposed to a blue curing light, designed to gently heat the active ingredients in the gel, to encourage optimum whitening. After about fifteen to twenty minutes, the bleaching solution is removed and a second layer is applied. There are three applications altogether, to give the gel a chance to really penetrate the stains and significantly alter the shade of the enamel.

When each layer has done its job, your teeth will be cleaned again, to get rid of any tiny traces of bleach and to make your smile look its best when you leave the clinic. Most patients find that this treatment takes around an hour to complete, then you are free to go home or back to work, and carry on your day as normal.

Are there any side-effects to tooth whitening?

There are a small number of side effects to be aware of, but none of them are extremely painful or life-threatening at all.

Sore gums – This can happen if the gel touches the soft tissue in the mouth; there is a certain percentage of peroxide in the solution, which can cause sensitivity and minor burning – characterised by small white patches on the gums. This might sound worrying, but the problems should disappear within a few hours, a day at the most, and they shouldn’t cause too much discomfort. Furthermore, it’s typically home whitening kits that prove more troublesome, simply because they don’t use professional grade bleaching gel, which has a high viscous level, to keep it from sliding off the teeth and onto the gums.

Sensitive teeth – Although the bleach doesn’t penetrate too deeply into the structure of the teeth, it can sometimes cause them to feel more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. As with sore gums, this isn’t significantly harmful to your health, but can be uncomfortable for a few hours after the treatment. Try to avoid eating or drinking anything that has an extreme temperature and you should be fine after a short period of time.

Allergic reactions – This is incredibly rare, but there are cases of patients suffering allergic reactions to the bleaching gel; sometimes the peroxide can cause a negative response like this, albeit in a very small percentage of cases. Chances are, you won’t be allergic, but it’s best to mention any past reactions to your dentist before they begin the whitening procedure, just to be on the safe side.

Relapse – Some patients may find that the treatment doesn’t give them the results they were hoping for, and after they leave they clinic they will notice a darkening of the enamel, as the teeth begin to rehydrate following the procedure. This is a natural process, which can lead to some degree of reversion to the original colour, although it’s not likely that the teeth will return fully to their previous state. Unfortunately, it can’t be predicted who will see the better results, it’s just a matter of genetics and luck, but it might help to return to the clinic for further treatment, especially if you have developed deep layers of staining.

How much does Enlighten tooth whitening cost?

Tooth whitening is one of the cheapest restorative treatments on the market, costing around three or four hundred pounds at a reputable surgery. That might still sound like a lot of money, but you have to consider that the results should be long-lasting and you won’t need to return to the clinic every year for a top-up, in fact, most dentists will provide you with a home-whitening kit to keep your teeth looking their brightest all the time. A good point to remember is; try to book with a dental surgery, rather than a beauty salon; surgeries are likely to have more health and safety guidelines, as well as better training for their staff. Salons might be cheaper, but they probably won’t give you the results you’re looking for.

If you are interested in Enlighten tooth whitening treatment, call the Pearl Dental Clinic now, to book an appointment, you’ll be on your way to a brighter, whiter smile in no time.