7 facts about Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening Facts
Who doesn’t like white teeth? A smile with white teeth is always in vogue. If you haven’t got white teeth, it is still easy to change that with Teeth Whitening. It is simple, safe and effective. No wonder Teeth Whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure.
A recent UK survey showed a growing demand for cosmetic procedures like Teeth Whitening and the demand in the UK is even set to outstrip that in the US. The main reasons driving the current demand include the desire to improve self-esteem, feel confident, and to look younger. Special events such as a milestone birthday or wedding were also noted as popular reasons for seeking cosmetic procedures, along with divorce, starting a new job or a new relationship.
Even though Teeth Whitening is growing in popularity, there is a lot of dubious information around. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, here are some facts for a safe and satisfied Teeth Whitening experience.
1. Whitening toothpaste is not effective
There are two types of Teeth Whitening – Chemical and Mechanical. Chemical Teeth Whitening is done with Hydrogen Peroxide gel (tray whitening) and in the right concentration, it is the safer and effective option. Mechanical Teeth Whitening uses abrasives to scratch the surface stains and brightens teeth.
There is a regulatory restriction in the UK on the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide in ‘over-the-counter’ substances like toothpastes. Maximum allowed is 0.1%, though the optimal concentration for Teeth Whitening is around 6%. The low permitted strength, and the fact that toothpaste is in contact with teeth only for a few minutes, mean there is no chemical effects from Teeth Whitening toothpastes. So, they rely solely on mechanical effect from abrasives. Unfortunately, abrasives scratch just not the surface stains – precious enamel is abraded too. This can even result in permanent damage to teeth. Recently popularised charcoal toothpastes have similar coarse abrasives and are not safe for Teeth Whitening.
Home whitening using Hydrogen Peroxide gel in trays is the gold standard for safe and effective Teeth Whitening.
2. Whitening needs top up
Teeth naturally gets darker with time. This is mostly due to the food and drinks we have, which can change the colour of teeth over time. Whitened teeth are no different to unwhitened teeth. Also, the mineral content of the teeth changes with time to make them appear darker. That’s why young teeth are brighter than old teeth.
A simple top up regime can maintain the whiteness of your whitened teeth. After the initial course of Teeth Whitening, the achieved colour can be easily maintained with monthly top-ups. All that is required is just a night of Teeth Whitening once a month. This helps to ‘catch up’ any lost colour and keep your teeth whiter.
The top up can be done using the same tray that you would use to do your initial Teeth Whitening. However, something to keep in mind is the future dentistry you may have. For example, if you need to have a crown or a large filling in the future, the shape of your teeth can change. If this happens, you may need a new top up tray (it’s easy to make this), as the previous one may not fit properly.
3. Whitening won’t work on your dental work
If you have dental restorations, like crowns or fillings, these won’t change colour with Teeth Whitening. Teeth Whitening works only on natural teeth.
Teeth Whitening works by oxidising the organic matrix found within the teeth. This process cannot happen in ‘lifeless’ materials like dental fillings or crowns. They will stay the same colour through the Teeth Whitening process. So, it is essential to identify any existing fillings or crowns that show when you smile, before deciding to have Teeth Whitening. If there are existing restorations, they can end up being a different colour after completing Teeth Whitening. How much this stands out depends on your initial tooth colour, as most of the times the tooth-coloured restorations would have been made matching your existing teeth colour. It’s not the end of the world though!
If the restorations are to stand out, but you still want your teeth whiter, you can easily have these restorations changed to match your future teeth colour. It is best to assess and plan this in advance, so you are not left surprised later by the need to change your existing dental work.
4. It’s not about the brand – it’s all about the content
There are some fantastic Teeth Whitening brands around. Is one brand better than the other?
Not really. The success of Teeth Whitening depends on what’s in the gel. All professional Teeth Whitening products contain the same stuff – Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide, and different strengths of these. In the UK, there is a restriction on the maximum concentration of peroxide in the gel, to ensure safety. Most brands are close to this maximum allowed strength, to get the best possible result safely. In short, they all work the same way.
However, what could be reassuring is that some popular brands have strict quality control measures to ensure you get the proper stuff. The right gel in the right concentration, that works predictably. Here at Clark House Dental, we use Boutique Teeth Whitening, which is one of the popular brands in the UK.
5. Whitening lights are gimmicks
Definition: Gimmick – A gimmick is a novel device or idea designed primarily to attract attention or increase appeal, often with little intrinsic value.
Whitening lights are just that. They don’t offer any extra value to the Teeth Whitening process. A lot of research show that the whitening with or without lights shining on teeth have no difference. What the whitening light does is dehydration of teeth – dry them out.
When teeth are dry, they tend to appear brighter. You may have noticed this if you have had a long dental procedure. The teeth tend to dry out when they are not constantly bathed in saliva and will appear chalky – whiter! The lights use the same principle to make the teeth ‘whiter’ in a few minutes. Unfortunately, it is not long-standing. As soon as the teeth rehydrate, the ‘whiteness’ begins to fade.
6. Whitening can be done by dental professionals only
In the UK, the General Dental Council classifies Teeth Whitening as a dental procedure and it must be provided by registered dental professionals only.
Why is that? Simply because Teeth Whitening in the wrong hands is not safe. Before whitening your teeth, you will need an assessment to ensure the teeth are healthy to have the process. Only dentists can confirm the healthy status of your teeth. You really don’t want to put the gel on teeth with hidden cavities – that’s a sure way to initiate pain and subsequent problems. Also, dentists can ensure the safety and reliability of the gel they provide. They have a professional obligation to only use CE marked authentic dental materials. There is a lot of counterfeit stuff that you don’t want anywhere near your teeth!
In the UK, the approved dental professionals to provide Teeth Whitening are the dentists. Under their guidance, dental hygienists and dental therapists can also provide Teeth Whitening. It is illegal for anyone else to offer Teeth Whitening.
7. Whitening is not for under 18
In the UK, the General Dental Council doesn’t generally permit Teeth Whitening for patients under 18.
It is not just that Under 18s aren’t ideally placed to make decisions on treatment solely for cosmetic purposes. Also, Teeth Whitening on young teeth carries higher risk for side effects. The structure of the young teeth means the gel can travel further towards the nerves within the tooth. This can cause severe sensitivity and other problems, so the Teeth Whitening is best avoided in young individuals.
However, Teeth Whitening can still be justified in patients under 18 if the existing undesired tooth colour has been seriously impacting the individual.
The above facts should help you make informed decisions when looking to have Teeth Whitening. In summary, Teeth Whitening is a safe and effective procedure to improve your smile. However, it needs to be carried out by professionals after a proper assessment and by using authentic gel with the right strength.
If you are looking to whiten your teeth, we offer FREE consultations for Teeth Whitening in Plymouth.