Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments and one of the most searched for online. With so many products and services on the market it is understandable that patients want to know whether it is actually safe.
In the United Kingdom, tooth whitening using products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide must be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a registered dental professional. This regulation exists to protect patients. Products sold in beauty salons or online that exceed the legal limit are illegal and can cause tooth sensitivity, chemical burns to the gums and uneven results. Always use a GDC-registered dentist for whitening treatment.
Professional whitening uses a carefully controlled concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down staining within the enamel. The most common approach at Regent Dental Care is take-home whitening, where custom-fitted trays are made from impressions of your teeth. You wear these for a set period each day using a prescription-strength gel. This delivers gradual, controlled and natural-looking results, and because the trays are made precisely for your mouth the risk of the gel contacting your gums is minimised.
Whitening works on natural tooth enamel. It will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, bridges or tooth-coloured fillings, so if you have restorations in visible areas this is worth discussing before treatment begins. It is generally not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, for children under 18 or for those with certain types of sensitivity. A consultation with our team will establish whether whitening is the right option for you.
When carried out correctly by a dental professional, whitening is considered safe. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which typically settles within a few days. Using a sensitivity toothpaste before and during the process can help. If you are considering whitening, the best starting point is always a conversation with us. You can find details of our Smile Styling service at regentdental.im.