Many people worry about the appearance of their teeth, and yellow or discoloured teeth are a very common cause for concern. However, they may not know about the process of teeth whitening and how it works, which this guide aims to explain in detail.

Who Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for?

Teeth whitening is suitable for most people with a good standard of dental health. However, if you have crowns, bridges or dentures of any kind, you should speak to your dentist before deciding to whiten your teeth. This is because, as Ask the Dentist explains, the gels used to whiten teeth have no effect on any kind of false tooth. Therefore, you might need to replace dentures or crowns to match your whitened teeth, which can be expensive.

Where Should I Get My Teeth Whitened?

When choosing to get your teeth whitened, there are a few methods that you may consider: going to a cosmetic dentist, going to a beauty salon, or buying a home whitening kit. However, going to a reputable and qualified cosmetic dentist is by far the best method. Only dentists can provide teeth whitening methods that contain a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide. They are also more experienced and know exactly how to carry out the treatment with no harm to your teeth.

What Happens During Teeth Whitening?

The Oral Health Foundation explains the process that a cosmetic dentist uses to whiten teeth. They will apply a gum shield to protect your gums, and then they will put a custom device around your teeth which applies the whitening fluid—usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You may need three or four treatments. Teeth whitening is not painful, and when carried out by a professional, it is not bad for your teeth.

How Can I Get the Most out of My Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Teeth whitening does not last forever, and you may need to get the process repeated in a few months or a year, depending on your lifestyle and oral health. However, if you take precautions, such as not smoking and avoiding red wine, you can make your white teeth last longer. There are also certain foods and drinks to avoid, as Bupa describes, such as cola, coffee and balsamic vinegar. If you want more advice on how to make your teeth whitening last as long as possible, ask a cosmetic dentist.

Getting your teeth whitened by a qualified cosmetic dentist can be a huge source of confidence. If you are at all interested in teeth whitening, you should speak to your dentist about your suitability and about the options available to you.