Do you dream of a brighter, whiter smile? Then you are far from alone – teeth whitening treatment is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world, and when carried out by a dentist is a very safe and reliable way to enjoy a mini smile makeover – sometimes in as little as an hour.
At Denchic Dental Spa in North London, teeth whitening is popular both as a standalone procedure and as the perfect complement to other cosmetic dental treatments. Many people, for example, after straightening their teeth with discreet cosmetic braces, enjoy the extra brightness boost that whitening gives to their brand new smile.
Teeth whitening may be carried out in a dental practice, may take place at home using customised mouth trays and dental bleaching gel, or may involve a combination of both of these options. No matter which option you choose, the most important thing to remember is that, just like with any form of cosmetic dentistry, you need to consult a fully qualified dentist.
Unfortunately, there are still unscrupulous beauty parlours providing unlicensed whitening treatment. This is both dangerous and illegal; the General Dental Council has carried out numerous successful prosecutions of unlicensed providers who perform illegal dentistry, but it still pays to be vigilant when shopping around for treatment.
Remember: only a dentist can prescribe treatment, and whilst another suitably qualified dental professional such as a hygiene therapist, hygienist, or clinical dental technician who has undergone proper training may carry out the treatment, a dentist always needs to supervise it.
Teeth whitening products used by dentists are safe and effective. In addition, your dentist will ensure that you have no underlying health concerns such as gum disease that need to be treated first, to minimise the likelihood of any sensitivity.
Most common tooth stains – nicotine, tea, and red wine, for example – can be effectively removed by teeth whitening procedures, but your dentist will always undertake a thorough clinical assessment prior to whitening to ensure that it is the most effective option.
Permanent stains can be addressed in other ways – for example, using porcelain veneers.