4 Things you Need to Know about Teeth Whitening

A little teeth whitening can make a huge difference to the overall appearance of your smile.

1. Safety First

The most common concern people have about teeth whitening is about safety. That's a good thing, as we should all be cautious about protecting our teeth (if only people were as concerned about sugary drinks!).

However, teeth whitening is a process that has undergone substantial clinical research and has been proven not to damage your teeth. Laws that regulate the use of whitening agents and their strength make sure that any professional offering teeth whitening services is in line with official health and safety standards.

At Seapoint Clinic we use Zoom! whitening treatment. This uses light-activated gel and is a product that is used by dental clinics around the world. Zoom! has a solid track record for delivering excellent results with clear adherence to health and safety standards.

2. A Little Goes a Long Way

We give our patients a whitening kit to take home so that they can bump up the shade of their teeth before a big occasion without having to come back in. This handy kit uses clear retainers and whitening gel to give you all you need for safe and effective whitening at home. This gel is available at reception in case you run out.

When it comes to teeth whitening, everyone's teeth behave differently. While some of us will have instant results, others will find it more difficult to get to the lightest shades. It's important to remember that white teeth look natural when you allow for a little discolouration, so don't become fixated on whitening every last spot

3. Sensitive teeth? No Problem

Teeth whitening is a painless process, but for people who suffer with high sensitivity, it may be best to talk to us beforehand. While the whitening gel works on the teeth, we cover the gums with a protective gel so that the soft tissue is protected. Apart from this, there should be very little that is uncomfortable, but if necessary we can advise a weaker strength of whitening gel used over a longer period (including at-home application). This can make the process even more gentle and should give the same results.

4. Introducing The White Diet

After your teeth have lighted a few shades, the last thing you want to see is that a week of coffee and red wine has brought them right back down again.

The secret to successful long-term teeth whitening is that you leave a gap of 24/48 hours after whitening without eating any staining foods. This is essential for allowing the teeth to regenerate a pellicle layer that acts as a barrier between the porous tooth surface and the discolouring pigments in coffee or red wine. This little tip will make teeth whitening a long-term possibility rather than just a quick fix for a big occasion.