The facts about Teeth Whitening
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at lightening the natural color of your teeth and removing stains and discoloration. It involves various methods and products that can be used to achieve a brighter and more attractive smile. Teeth whitening treatment is often coupled with other cosmetic treatments like composite bonding, veneers and dental crowns. Consulting with one of our expert dentists can help ensure the right treatment and achieve the best possible results.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that aims to remove stains and discoloration from teeth, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. Whether performed in a dental clinic or at home using whitening kits, teeth whitening treatments are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth. The process involves the application of a whitening gel that breaks down stains on the tooth surface, revealing a whiter smile. While teeth whitening is generally safe and effective, it’s essential to understand the process and be aware of any potential risks involved. Consulting with a dentist can help ensure that you choose the right treatment for your needs and achieve the best possible results.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses a whitening gel to remove stains and discoloration from teeth. The gel contains active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down into oxygen molecules. These molecules penetrate the tooth enamel and dentin, lifting stains and whitening the teeth from within.
When you undergo teeth whitening, the process typically begins with a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or debris. This ensures that the whitening gel can work effectively. In a dental practice, a protective barrier is applied to your gums to prevent irritation from the whitening gel. The gel is then carefully applied to your teeth. For at-home treatments, a custom-fit mouth tray is provided, which you fill with the whitening gel and wear for a specified period, usually at night.
The duration of the whitening process varies depending on the type of treatment and the level of staining. In-practice treatments can deliver results in as little as one hour, making them ideal for those seeking immediate improvement. At-home treatments, on the other hand, may take several days or weeks to achieve the desired level of whitening, offering flexibility and convenience.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening offers several benefits that go beyond just improving the appearance of your smile. Here are some of the key advantages:
Enhanced Appearance
Brighter Smile: Whitening can significantly brighten your teeth, contributing to a perfect smile and making your smile more attractive.
Youthful Look: A whiter smile can give a more youthful appearance, as teeth tend to yellow with age.
Psychological Benefits
Positive Self-Image: A brighter smile can improve your self-image and how you perceive yourself, contributing to overall psychological well-being.
Happier Disposition: The increased confidence from having a whiter smile can lead to a more positive and outgoing personality.
Social and Professional Benefits: Enhanced self-confidence can positively impact social interactions and professional situations.
Non-Invasive Procedure
No Surgery: Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that doesn't require surgery or extensive dental work.
Quick and Painless: Many whitening procedures are quick and involve minimal discomfort, especially professional treatments.
Customisable Treatment Options
Variety of Methods: There are various methods available, including in-office treatments, take-home kits, whitening kits, and over-the-counter products, allowing you to choose what suits you best.
Personalised Plans: Professional treatments can be tailored to your specific needs and sensitivity levels, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Safe and Effective
Professional Supervision: When done under the supervision of expert dentists, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to improve your smile. All professional treatments are performed by dentists registered with the General Dental Council to ensure safety and compliance.
Reliable Results: Professional treatments are typically more effective and provide more consistent results than over-the-counter products.
Improved Oral Hygiene Awareness
Motivation to Maintain: After whitening, patients feed back that they are more motivated to maintain their oral hygiene to keep their teeth looking their best.
Healthy Habits: This can lead to better overall oral health, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
Minimally Time-Consuming
Fast Results: Professional in-practice whitening can yield noticeable results in just one session, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
Flexible Options: Take-home kits and other products can be used at your convenience, fitting into your daily routine easily.
Removes Stubborn Stains
Effective on Common Stains: Teeth whitening can effectively remove stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and staining foods.
Improved Aesthetic: Removing these stains can greatly improve the aesthetic of your teeth and overall smile.
Affordable Cosmetic Enhancement
Cost-Effective: Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, the teeth whitening cost is relatively affordable and offers a good return on investment in terms of improved appearance and confidence.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
There are several types of teeth whitening treatments available, each offering unique benefits:
- In-Chair Whitening: This professional teeth whitening treatment is performed in a dental clinic. It involves applying a high-concentration whitening gel to the teeth and activating it with a special light. This method can deliver results in just one session, making it a convenient option for those seeking quick results.
- At-Home Whitening: This option allows you to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home using a whitening kit. Whitening kits typically include a mouth tray and a whitening gel that you apply to your teeth for a specified period. This method offers flexibility and can be tailored to fit your schedule. It is important to use reputable products to avoid issues like sensitivity and gum irritation.
- Laser Teeth Whitening: This advanced professional treatment uses a laser to activate the whitening gel applied to your teeth. The laser enhances the effectiveness of the gel, providing faster and more dramatic results. This method is ideal for those looking for a high-impact whitening treatment.
- Natural Teeth Whitening: For those who prefer a more natural approach, there are various methods using ingredients like activated charcoal, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. While these methods can be effective, they may take longer to deliver results and should be used with caution to avoid damaging tooth enamel.
Process of Professional Teeth Whitening
The process for teeth whitening can vary depending on the method you choose, whether it’s a professional in-practice treatment by expert dentists or a professional take-home kit. Here’s a breakdown of both:
Professional In-Practice Whitening
Consultation and Examination
Initial Assessment: Expert dentists will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy and determine if you are a good candidate for whitening.
Discussion: The dentist will discuss your goals, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
Pre-Treatment Preparation
Cleaning: A thorough cleaning may be performed to remove plaque and tartar, ensuring the whitening agent can work effectively.
Protection: Your gums and lips will be protected with a barrier or a special gel to prevent irritation from the whitening agent.
Application of Whitening Agent
Whitening Gel: A high-concentration hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel is applied to the teeth.
Activation: The gel may be activated using a special light or laser to enhance the whitening effect.
Treatment Duration
Time: The gel is left on the teeth for a specific amount of time, usually upto 30 minutes, and may be reapplied in multiple sessions during the same visit.
Observation: The dentist will monitor the process to ensure optimal results and to minimise sensitivity.
Post-Treatment
Rinse: After the treatment, the gel is removed, and your teeth are rinsed.
Sensitivity Management: If you experience sensitivity, the dentist may apply a fluoride treatment or recommend specific products for relief.
Professional Take-Home Kits
Custom Tray Fabrication
Impressions: Your dentist will take a 3D digital scan of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays.
Tray Production: The trays are made to fit snugly over your teeth, ensuring even application of the whitening gel.
Instruction and Whitening Gel Application
Gel Instructions: The dentist will provide a professional-grade whitening gel, usually containing carbamide peroxide.
Application: You’ll be instructed on how to apply the gel to the trays and wear them for a few hours a day or overnight.
Treatment Duration
Time Frame: Treatment usually spans a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the desired level of whitening and the initial color of your teeth.
Follow-Up
Check-Ins: Your dentist may schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter smile under the supervision of a dental professional. By following the detailed steps and recommendations, you can enjoy significant whitening results while minimising potential risks and discomfort. Always consult with your dentist to determine the best approach for your specific needs and circumstances.
Typical procedures
There are two main procedures associated with Inman aligner treatment which allow us to be able to give you the beautiful smile that you deserve. One of them is the use of attachment technology and the other is known as IPR. More details of each are given below:
Before & After
What our patients ask about Teeth Whitening
Got one more? Contact us now or book in for a consultation and and we will be happy to assist.
Teeth whitening is one of the most safest and non-invasive procedures in dentistry as long as it is be carried out by a registered and highly trained dental professional. Unregulated teeth whitening carried out by non dental professionals is not only illegal in the UK but is also unsafe and could cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.
Broadly speaking there are 2 main types of tooth whitening either “At home” whitening or “Combination” whitening which involves at home and an in-surgery component to the whitening process.
At home whitening is process where your dentist will provide you with custom made whitening trays that fit your teeth like a like a glove and a home whitening kit with full instructions and demonstration on how to use it. You would then follow the instructions and commence whitening your teeth every day for approx. 4-6 weeks.
You would either carry out the whitening for 1 hour per day (if using a “day whitening” kit) or overnight if using a “night whitening” kit.
“Combination whitening” is a process that follows the home whitening protocol exactly as described above but with the additional in surgery where your dentist would apply a higher concentration of whitening gel onto your teeth for atleast 1 hour to helps boost and enhance the effects of the home whitening. This protocol of whitening will allow your teeth to become whiter at a faster rate and may also give you a slighter whiter result overall.
The main whitening ingredient in 'day' whitening kits are 6% Hydrogen peroxide (Which the maximum legally permitted in the UK at the time of writing).
Whilst in 'night' whitening kits the main ingredients are either 10% or 16% Carbamide Peroxide. These are tried and tested formulations that are safe and effective as the process is managed by a qualified dental professional
Tooth whitening carried out by a dental professional using the correct products is a perfectly safe procedure that does not damage the enamel in any way whatsoever.
For those interested in the science behind the process, the whitening gels penetrate the enamel through microscopic pores and binds to the stain molecules and breaks them up the via a ‘free radical’ chain reaction. This allows the teeth to look a lot brighter without altering the enamel in anyway.
The will vary depending on many factors such as but not limited to how well you follow the instructions, the porosity of your enamel, how long you whiten for, your diet and in particular the types of chromatic foods that you consume, how much you smoke, how often you consume tea, coffee, red wine, curries etc. Dependant on all these factors some peoples teeth will whiten 8-10 shades whilst others' will whiten only a couple
This again depends on your life style and diet. On average you can expects 20-30 fade back in 6 months ifyou havent topped up
We would advise that you top up atleast one night or day per month after your main intensive course of whitening has been completed. If your diet is particularly high in consuming tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and currries then we would recommend you top up more regularly.
If you have an upcoming important social engagement/wedding etc then you can do a 7-10 day consecutive course to help boost the whiteness of the teeth again prior to the big event.
Any artificial surfaces on teeth such as those covered by fillings, crowns, bridges, veneers, implants will not whiten. Only the natural tooth enamel will whiten.
If you want them whiter then you would need to consider veneers or crowns.
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Testimonials
Monica had an unpleasant experience with her dentist at a young age whilst undergoing Orthodontic treatment. Sadly, this altered her perception of visiting the dentist during adulthood. She decided to visit Zental Dental Cricklewood in London when she was in need of an emergency dentist. Monica shares her brave story and explains why she continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Monica had an unpleasant experience with her dentist at a young age whilst undergoing Orthodontic treatment. Sadly, this altered her perception of visiting the dentist during adulthood. She decided to visit Zental Dental Cricklewood in London when she was in need of an emergency dentist. Monica shares her brave story and explains why she continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Monica had an unpleasant experience with her dentist at a young age whilst undergoing Orthodontic treatment. Sadly, this altered her perception of visiting the dentist during adulthood. She decided to visit Zental Dental Cricklewood in London when she was in need of an emergency dentist. Monica shares her brave story and explains why she continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Monica had an unpleasant experience with her dentist at a young age whilst undergoing Orthodontic treatment. Sadly, this altered her perception of visiting the dentist during adulthood. She decided to visit Zental Dental Cricklewood in London when she was in need of an emergency dentist. Monica shares her brave story and explains why she continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Marlon lost confidence with his smile as he suffered from teeth crowding. He decided to visit Zental Dental Barnet in London and undergo Orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a clear aligner system or invisible braces that can be removed anytime. Marlon shares his brave story and explains why he continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Marlon lost confidence with his smile as he suffered from teeth crowding. He decided to visit Zental Dental Barnet in London and undergo Orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a clear aligner system or invisible braces that can be removed anytime. Marlon shares his brave story and explains why he continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Marlon lost confidence with his smile as he suffered from teeth crowding. He decided to visit Zental Dental Barnet in London and undergo Orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a clear aligner system or invisible braces that can be removed anytime. Marlon shares his brave story and explains why he continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Marlon lost confidence with his smile as he suffered from teeth crowding. He decided to visit Zental Dental Barnet in London and undergo Orthodontic treatment. Invisalign is a clear aligner system or invisible braces that can be removed anytime. Marlon shares his brave story and explains why he continues Trust in Calm with Zental.
Meet the experts who will treat you
Mira has a special interest in General & Cosmetic dentistry, smile makeovers, Smilefast, teeth whitening & Invisalign.
Dr Mira Morcos completed her studies at The Royal London School of Medicine & Dentistry in 2008. Her passion for providing beautiful healthy smiles has led her to complete an array of further postgraduate training.
This has been focused on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, as well as endodontics (that’s root canal treatment to you and me) travelling as far as San Francisco to learn from some of the best dentists in the world.
Mira also enjoys restoring smiles with cosmetic orthodontics such as Invisalign and is always up to date with the leading technology available to use for her patients.
In addition to high quality dental care, Dr Mira’s inviting, calm and gentle nature ensures that even the most nervous of patients feel very comfortable.
Dr. Hemel is passionate about creating healthy, natural-looking smile transformations that not only enhance patients' appearances but also boost their confidence and overall happiness. He believes prevention is key to a healthy smile, and empowers his patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain optimal oral health.
With a calm and friendly demeanor, Dr. Hemel puts even the most nervous patients at ease. He understands that visiting the dentist can cause anxiety, and is committed to providing a gentle and relaxing experience for everyone.
Dr. Hemel's dedication to dentistry began with his undergraduate studies at King's College London, a world-renowned dental institution. There, he further honed his skills by winning a runners-up prize in sedation dentistry, demonstrating his expertise in ensuring patient comfort during procedures. His academic excellence continued during his foundation training year, where he received the prestigious award for best foundation presentation within his deanery. Dr. Hemel is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Aesthetic Dentistry at King's College London, further solidifying his commitment to providing patients with the most up-to-date techniques and materials for achieving natural-looking, beautiful smiles. Dr. Hemel is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dentistry by regularly attending courses and conferences. This ensures that he can offer his patients the latest advancements in dental care.
In addition to his dental expertise, Dr. Hemel is trained in facial aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, Profhilo, and skin boosters. This allows him to rejuvenate the entire face, creating a balanced and harmonious appearance.
Dr. Hemel utilises his training in Invisalign®, composite bonding, veneers, and smile makeovers to craft personalized treatment plans for each patient. His holistic approach to facial aesthetics allows him to rejuvenate not just patients' smiles, but their entire faces, creating a natural-looking and fresher appearance.
While dentistry is Dr. Hemel's passion, he also enjoys travelling and fitness outside of work.
Dr Hemel looks forward to welcoming you and helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile!
Dr Sabreen Bedi graduated In Dentistry from Kings College London in 2017, havingentered through a selective and prestigious postgraduate course aftercompleting her BSc Biomedical Sciences. Sabreen ispassionate about dentistry and wants to make visits to the dentist as stress-free and rewarding aspossible. Her approach to dentistry focuses on creating a relaxing and safeenvironment for her patients, and guiding them towards better oral health..
Sabreen thoroughly enjoys improving her skills withpost graduate courses and working towards the gold standard. She is finishingher Masters in Aesthetic Dentistry at King’s College London, and completing aPost Graduate Diploma in Injectables in Facial Aesthetics. Sabreen has a keeninterest in Cosmetic Dentistry as well as Restorative Dentistry. Throughout hercareer, she has practiced in South London, Hastings, as well as volunteeredabroad in Ghana and the Philippines.
Outside ofdentistry Sabreen loves cooking, gardening, nature and traveling with her husband.She also enjoys origami, mindfulness and everything Japanese!
Zarah qualified from The University of Manchester and completed her foundation year with Thames Valley. Here she progressed her dental skills in cosmetic restorations, root canal treatment, extractions, veneers, crowns and dentures. She has been fortunate enough to have gained experience shadowing highly esteemed dentists over the past few years while carrying out further post graduate training. This has allowed her to further develop her skills and appreciate an interest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Zarah prides herself in providing a high - quality service with a strong focus on transparency and a warm and honest approach. She enjoys taking the time to understand her patients and help ease their anxieties with her calming and friendly nature.
Outside of dentistry, Zarah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, staying fit and is a big Harry potter fan!
Yousif graduated from Barts and the London School of Dentistry. He has a passion for delivering the highest quality of care in a friendly and relaxed environment.
He has a particular interest in endodontics (Root canal treatments) and loves improving a patient’s confidence through their smile, whether this be through cosmetic restorations or crown and bridgework. He will also be providing Invisalign treatment to broaden the options available for his patients.
His friendly and calm mannerisms will ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout each appointment
For as long as Ina can remember, she wanted to be a dentist. She graduated top of her class from Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in Kaunas on a scholarship, and is now finishing her 4 year Masters in Clinical Dentistry from King’s College London.
Having achieved all she could in the mixed and private practice roles early on is her career and craving new challenges Ina took the opportunity to become Head of the Dental Department in King Edward’s Memorial Hospital, working as a Senior Dental Officer in Stanley in the Falkland Islands. During Covid she was the sole provider of dental care for all 3000 inhabitants of all the islands.
Ina has spent four years learning about Fixed and Removable Dentistry from the UK’s greatest experts. Through her experiences Ina has developed a global attitude, treating every case individually, ensuring a truly compassionate approach in the areas of Cosmetic dentistry, Restoration of Wear and Implantology.
In her free time Ina enjoys flying out of Cranfield Airport gaining her Private Pilots License, writing and hiking.
Parth graduated from King’s College London and is currently undertaking further education for a Diploma in Restorative and Aesthetic dentistry.
His calm, caring approach makes even the most anxious patient comfortable during appointments and tailors treatments to his patients’ needs.
Parth enjoys carrying out a range of general dentistry, and in particular has an interest in aesthetically restoring teeth and oral surgery. He also strives for perfection in composite bonding and straightening teeth with Invisalign.
In his spare time, he enjoys a variety of sports including football, cricket and the occasional extreme sports like skydiving and scuba diving! He enjoys a range of other activities and travelling, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Tosin graduated from the University of Birmingham and thoroughly enjoys the variety that comes with working in general practice. She particularly appreciates the positive impact aesthetic and restorative dentistry can have on her patients. She therefore chose to build on her clinical skills through further study and has developed a love for creating natural, beautiful smiles using tools such as Invisalign, whitening and bonding.
Tosin always puts her patients’ best interests first and believes it is important for every patient to be involved in the planning process to ensure treatment is well-tailored to their personal needs and preferences. This combined with her gentle nature, bubbly personality and keen eye for detail allows her to create a relaxed and friendly environment where patients can be sure that they will receive consistently high-quality treatment.
When she’s not at work, Tosin enjoys travelling to new places and spending time with friends and family. She likes to keep fit at the gym and good food is also one of her passions, so she will happily indulge in a nice meal at a restaurant. Tosin loves music and plays the piano and alto saxophone.
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