Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down stains on your teeth. These chemicals penetrate the enamel to lighten the color of the tooth, leaving you with a brighter and whiter smile.

Professional teeth whitening can last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on your habits. Certain habits like smoking or consumption of stain-causing foods and drinks (like coffee or red wine), can make results fade faster. Regular maintenance, such as top-ups, helps extend the results for a longer period of time.

Professional whitening treatments usually take about 1-2 hours in the dentist’s chair. For at-home whitening kits, it can take several days or weeks, depending on the strength of the product and how often you use it, you can also stop using it once you are happy with the results.

Natural methods include brushing with baking soda and oil pulling. However, these methods are far less effective than professional treatments and should be used with caution. We always advise to see a professional when consider tooth whitening.

To get professional teeth whitening, you can book an appointment with your dentist. Many dental practices offer in-office whitening or take-home kits for patients. Over-the-counter whitening products are also widely available at pharmacies but are not as effective do to lower strengths of whitening.

Yes, when done under the guidance of a dentist, teeth whitening is safe. However, overuse of at-home products can cause tooth sensitivity or damage to the enamel, so it’s important to follow instructions carefully and ensure you are being advised by the dentist accordingly.

Teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, especially if you have sensitive teeth already. This usually goes away after a day or two. Using products designed for sensitive teeth can help minimize discomfort.

Teeth whitening works best on natural teeth. It may not be as effective on crowns, fillings, or veneers. If you have these dental restorations, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment. This can result in teeth with different colours.

Yes, but you should be cautious. Dentists can recommend whitening treatments specially formulated for sensitive teeth, or you can use products that contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents to minimize discomfort.

The cost of teeth whitening varies. Professional whitening treatments at a dentist can range from £200 to £600, while at-home kits or over-the-counter products can cost between £20 and £100.

To prevent staining, avoid the following drinks for at least 48 hours after whitening:

• Coffee and Tea – These can stain teeth quickly.
• Red Wine – Known for its strong staining properties.
• Sodas and Dark-Colored Juices – Especially colas and berry juices.
• Dark Alcoholic Beverages – Like beer and cocktails with dark mixers.
• Acidic Drinks – Citrus juices can weaken enamel and increase sensitivity.

For the best results, avoid these foods:

• Dark Sauces – Soy sauce, tomato sauce, and curries.
• Colored Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, and pomegranates.
• Tomatoes and Beets – High in pigments that stain.
• Chocolate – Contains dark pigments and sugar.
• Colored Candy and Sweets – Often have dyes that can discolor teeth.

Yes, here are a few helpful tips:

• Stick to a “white diet” with light-colored foods like chicken, pasta, rice, and dairy products.
• Use a straw for drinks to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming any foods or drinks that might stain.