Want Teeth Whitening That Actually Works? You Need To Go Pro

Do you long for a beautiful white smile? If so, you’re not alone. 

The popularity of teeth whitening products has gone stratospheric in recent years!

So much so that the global teeth whitening market (valued at US$ 6,140.75 million in 2020)  is forecast to reach a revenue of US$ 8,207.2 million in 2026, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 45%.

And in the UK, dentists claim that 75% of Brits regularly ask about teeth whitening treatments and actively request celebrity smiles.

Further in the article, we will discuss why professional teeth whitening is the best way to achieve a whiter smile; but first, let’s take a quick look at why teeth change colour and how teeth whitening works.

Why do teeth discolour?

Teeth become stained and discoloured due to dark pigments from food and drinks, certain antibiotics, and habits like smoking. They also darken with age as the tooth enamel thins to reveal the yellow/brownish dentin below.

So, how does teeth whitening work?

Most teeth whitening products contain a bleaching agent – hydrogen peroxide. When peroxide penetrates the tooth enamel, it triggers a chemical reaction called oxidation that breaks down the stain compounds, lifting them away from the tooth enamel and lightening them. The result is teeth that look cleaner and whiter. That’s the theory anyway.

Actual results from a patient in practice – a few shades lighter wouldnt you agree!

teeth whitening that works

Why are people obsessed with whiter teeth?

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment in the UK fuelled in part by social media and countless high-profile celebrities flaunting dazzling white smiles. In addition, the glut of over-the-counter products means that access to a whiter, brighter smile has never been easier.

There are plenty of perks that come with a whiter smile, including:

  • improved confidence
  • a more attractive looking smile
  • more successful dating; and
  • a more youthful appearance

And did you know the chances of landing your dream job increase by 10% when you have a white smile?

The dilemma of teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways of improving your overall appearance. But with so many products readily available at chemists and supermarkets, many adults are hesitant about investing in more costly professional teeth whitening treatments from their dentist.

People mistakenly assume they can get the same results from cheaper tooth whitening kits available on the high street and internet, but that’s rarely the case, as we explain below.

Why go down the route of professional teeth whitening?

In essence, professional teeth whitening treatments are faster and more effective than over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products.

OTC vs pro teeth whitening – speed and effectiveness

A visit to your local supermarket will reveal aisles overflowing with different teeth whitening products. Most of them promise extra strength, easy use, and faster whitening. But, if you’ve tried any of the products, you probably found that they failed to live up to expectations.

OTC whitening pastes, rinses, and kits contain bleaching agents such as carbamide or hydrogen peroxide that claim to remove surface stains and deeper stains, similar to professional teeth whitening treatments. But the significant difference is the potency of the chemicals.

Here’s the critical fact…

In the UK, over-the-counter whitening pastes, rinses, and whitening trays ((not to be confused with dentist prescribed at-home whitening trays) are legally only permitted to contain just 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or lower.

Consequently, it can take several weeks or months before there is any noticeable difference (if at all). Moreover, the results may only last a couple of weeks. Not only is this disappointing if you want whiter teeth for an upcoming event. But over time, you could end up spending more on store-bought products that failed to produce the desired results than if you had opted for professional teeth whitening in the first place.

Dentists can raise the bar

Conversely, UK dentists are legally permitted to use and prescribe teeth whitening products to their patients containing significantly higher levels of hydrogen peroxide. This inevitably means proven and effective results in a considerably shorter time.

Teeth whitening performed by a dentist in the clinic, for example, can take as little more than an hour. Because the hydrogen peroxide concentration is 10% or above, most patients will see a noticeable difference right away. However, the degree of whiteness depends on their natural tooth colour.

Dentists can also prescribe customised whitening trays for patients who prefer the convenience of whitening teeth at home. These trays mould tightly to the mouth’s contours, ensuring even coverage of the gel. Because dentists can use whitening gel containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide, equivalent to 18% carbamide peroxide, patients can expect noticeably whiter teeth, usually within 14 days of use. What’s more, patients can keep their trays and top up their whiteness whenever they want simply by purchasing additional whitening gel from their dentist.

More reliable results

While teeth whitening treatment may seem a simple process, that’s really not the case.

With at-home teeth whitening products, you never know what you’re going to get. It’s difficult to tell how white your teeth will become, how long before you see any results, or whether you will even notice a difference.

Teeth whitening strips, for instance, may not cover all of the teeth, producing uneven whitening or a striped effect. Moreover, ill-fitting OTC whitening trays mean that saliva can compromise the bleaching solution, making it even weaker and less effective than before. 

To get reliable and long-lasting results, patients need professional-grade products coupled with the expertise of a dentist. They can assess your teeth to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. In some cases, profoundly stained or dark teeth fail to respond to teeth whitening, and dental veneers may be a more appropriate treatment.

There’s no guesswork involved when you work with a dental professional. Dentists know just what to do to help achieve your dream smile. They can also offer personalised recommendations to help keep your teeth looking white and clean for as long as possible after treatment.

Increased safety

Whitening teeth is safer when you place your smile in the hands of a dentist. A dentist will conduct a dental examination to ensure your mouth is healthy before going anywhere near a whitening agent. The same can’t be said when you opt for OTC products. Should the whitening gel come into contact with sore and tender gums, it can cause aggravation, stinging, and even chemical burns. This is why the dentist will resolve any gum disease or cavities before offering teeth whitening services.  

Your dentist will also point out that dental fillings, veneers, and crowns cannot be whitened and may need redoing after treatment, so they blend naturally into your newly whitened smile.

Indiscriminate use of whitening kits can also affect dental tissues putting your oral health and teeth at risk. Overuse of products purchased on the internet containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide can weaken the tooth enamel, cause white spots to appear, and give the teeth a translucent appearance. 

Professional teeth whitening is the best way to whiten your smile

Don’t take chances with your smile and oral health. We can help you achieve a beautiful white smile with professional teeth whitening from Foxbury Dental. We offer convenient and affordable teeth whitening with customised teeth whitening trays and Zoom whitening gel tailored to your desired whiteness and level of tooth discolouration. After a few weeks, you’ll be the proud owner of a brand new beautiful white smile.

Your smile is the best accessory. Why not make 2022 the year you enjoy showing it off. Give us a call to book a teeth whitening appointment and take the first step to a whiter, brighter smile.

Contact Foxbury Dental on 01858 455100 or check out our OFFERS PAGE here. We also offer a range of payment and finance plans to help patients spread the cost of their treatment with us to make it fit with your everyday life.

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