Laser teeth whitening
More and more people pay for brighter, white teeth. But is the whitening of the teeth and is it safe? Here are the answers to ordinary questions about treatment.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It cannot make your teeth shiny white, but it can lighten the existing color from several shades.
Who can make teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a form of dental and should only be performed by a dentist or other regulated dentist, such as a dentist or dentist, with the prescription of a dentist.
Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there is no dental professional and can endanger your oral health.
You can also buy DIY teeth whitening kits, but these may also be dangerous.
What happens during teeth whitening?
If you have your teeth, you must first make 2 to 3 visits to dental surgery.
The dentist will get an impression of your teeth to make a mouth and tell you how to use it with a whitening. Then, using your mouth at home, apply the gel regularly for a certain period of time for a few weeks. Some whitening gels can remain for up to 8 hours at a time, which can shorten the treatment period.
Laser bleaching, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can offer. A whitening product is painted on your teeth and then a light or laser shines on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.
Can a dentist whiten teeth?
Any dentist can whiten the teeth while they are registered in Dental Council. Registered dentists and dental hygienic can also whiten tooth whitening in a dentist’s recipe.
To find out if a dentist is registered, you can check the Electronic Register on the Website of the General Dental Council.
What about houses and beauty salons for teeth whitening?
Go only to a registered dentist for teeth whitening, because whitening by people who are not suitable, for example in beauty salons, is illegal.
Homes also have dangers. Talk to your dentist first before using a house kit.
What are the hazards of homemade kits and whitening of the living room teeth?
Some houses do not contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dentist does not bleach, the target provided may not fit properly so that some of the whitening can leak into your gums and mouth, causing blisters and sensitivity.
Teeth whitening in beauty salons by unsaid staff or staff without dental qualifications endanger your oral health and is also illegal.
Will I pay for teeth whitening privately?
Teeth whitening by a dentist or other dental professional can generally be done privately because it is considered a cosmetic treatment. The cost varies and laser whitening is more expensive than professional whitening.
Find out which dental treatments are available in NHS
How can I learn to get my teeth?
Your dentist will advise you if the whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening is not appropriate, for example if you have a disease or crown.
Find a dentist near you
What should I ask the dentist before proceeding?
Don’t be afraid to ask simple questions about the types of whitening available, what results you can expect and how long it is likely to last.
You may also want to ask them if there are risks – for example, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth.
Try to talk to other people who had the same treatment or visit another dentist for a second opinion until you feel confident. Always ask for a written treatment plan and price assessment before proceeding.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. It can last from a few months to 3 years – varies from person to person.
The whitening effect will not last so long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can stain your teeth.
Will teeth whitening in fake teeth work?
Teeth whitening does not work in dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.
What are the dangers of teeth whitening?
Regardless of the treatment you use, your gums are likely to be sensitive to chemicals used in teeth whitening, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. There is also a possibility of gum burns and some of the bleaching kits used at home can damage the tooth enamel.
What if I’m not happy with the results?
If you are not happy with the results, talk to the dentist who has done your treatment to seek advice.
If you are worried that teeth whitening by a dentist has hurt your teeth, you can contact the Dental complaint service online Or call them at 020 8253 0800. This is a specialized, free and independent service that can help you if you have a complaint about private dental care.
If you think that your teeth whitening has been carried out illegally (ie by someone who has not been hired or enrolled to execute it) you can Report this to the General Dental Council website.
Read more about your teeth and gum care
Page Last Review: January 17th 2022
Next review due: January 17th 2025
