In recent years teeth whitening has become one of the most popular procedures performed by dentists.
There are a number of reasons for this, but the main ones are safety, results and cost. In this blog we’ll discuss these factors in detail and why the teeth whitening process is best performed by a dentist.
Firstly, what is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of bleaching your teeth to make them whiter. It won’t make them brilliant white, but it can lighten their existing colour by several shades.
It’s a type of dentistry that should only be performed after consulting a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist.
Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if a dental professional is not present, and could jeopardise your oral health.
You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits, but these come with their own set of risks.
What happens when you whiten your teeth?
If you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened, you’ll need to visit the dentist several times.
The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a custom-fit bleaching tray and will instruct you on how to use it in conjunction with a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel.
Then, at home, you use your mouthguard to apply the gel for a set period of time over a few weeks.
Dentists can also provide laser whitening. After applying a whitening solution to your teeth, a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. The laser whitening procedure takes about an hour.
Make sure you’re in the safe hands of a regulated dental professional
The safety of teeth whitening is often underestimated. There are a number of products on the market that contain high concentrations of bleaching agents that can damage your teeth and gums if used incorrectly.
Dentists have undergone extensive training to use these products safely and effectively, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands when you have your teeth whitened by a dentist.
If a dental professional isn’t doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly.
Some of the whitening gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk – and it’s also illegal.
Professional teeth whitening gives you better results, and healthy teeth
Results are another important factor to consider when choosing whether to have your teeth whitened at home or at a dental surgery.
Over-the-counter whitening products often contain lower concentrations of bleaching agent than those used by dentists, so they are not as effective. The same is true of whitening toothpastes.
Dentists can also tailor the professional whitening treatment to your individual needs, so you are more likely to achieve the results you want.
Affordable, professional treatment
Cost is another important consideration when choosing teeth whitening treatment.
Over-the-counter, at-home teeth whitening products can be cheaper than visiting a dentist, but they are often not as effective. Dentists can also offer payment plans to make the treatment more affordable.
Get a brighter smile with your dentist
In conclusion, teeth whitening is best performed by a dentist. Dentists are trained professionals who can offer safe and effective treatment that’s tailored to your individual needs. They can also provide payment plans to make the treatment cost-effective.
So if you are considering teeth whitening, be sure to visit your dentist first.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact Genix Healthcare.
The Genix Healthcare clinical team are teeth whitening specialists with a vast amount of experience. We’ll help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us to start your journey to whiter teeth.
