10 Facts Everyone Needs to Know About Teeth Whitening

Are you tired of having dull and stained teeth? If your sparkle has become dim and your teeth are more coffee-coloured than white, you may have considered using a whitening treatment to bring back the shine.

But with several options available, which is the best way to bring life back to your smile?

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the facts you need to know about when considering teeth whitening treatment at Love Teeth.

1. You Shouldn’t Just Rely On Toothpaste

There are lots of great toothpastes on the market today, many of which have properties that reduce surface stains. These can be useful for mild staining; however, when the stains penetrate deep into the surface of your teeth, you’ll need a more comprehensive treatment.

One popular ingredient found in many whitening toothpaste is activated charcoal. This is widely used as a natural alternative to chemicals. The issue is that charcoal can be abrasive. Used over a prolonged period, this can actually damage the tooth’s enamel. It’s important to note that your enamel is the thing that gives your teeth their whiteness, so you need a treatment that won’t harm this.

Although using a whitening toothpaste with fluoride is beneficial in your cleaning routine, it’s also useful to get your teeth cleaned by a hygienist, and to use a professional whitening treatment.

2. Your Teeth Are Absorbent

One of the most important things to understand about your teeth and how they become stained. Every tooth has pores. Just like your skin, these pores are absorbent. If you enjoy food and drink that stains, over time, your teeth will absorb the colour. 

Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, curry, and tobacco are all great examples of the type of things that will leave their mark on your teeth. Gradually, your teeth will lose their bright white appearance and become darker.

Once stained, brushing alone won’t restore their whiteness. Using a professional teeth whitening gel will. This gel will be absorbed by your teeth and the stains will be gently pushed out through the pores.

3. There’s More Than One Way to Remove Stains

Stained teeth can be a thing of the past with the right whitening treatment. At Love Teeth, we offer three fantastic options for brightening your smile:

• Enlighten – An at-home whitening solution that can lift your teeth up to 16 shades to a B1 Vita, the brightest natural white possible
• Philips’ Zoom! – An in-office whitening treatment that uses a light-activated whitener to brighten your teeth by up to eight shades providing immediate results
• Boutique – An at-home treatment that can be used during the day or night

While we’ve got options that suit your lifestyle and needs, we’d always recommend a professional treatment delivered under the guidance of a dentist.

4.  Professional Teeth Whitening Is Safe

The active ingredient in at-home treatments such as Enlighten and Boutique is hydrogen peroxide. While this chemical has widespread uses as a bleaching agent, the quantities used in these whitening products are completely safe, controlled, and comply with all necessary legislation.

During your treatment, your teeth will naturally be rehydrated and remineralised.

Unfortunately, the same cannot always be said of other whitening products that may be available elsewhere. 

When choosing a whitening treatment, it’s essential that you use one that’s recommended by a dentist. While you’ll be using Boutique and Enlighten at home, we’ll ultimately be guiding you through the treatment and will monitor the results before finalising the process.

5. Enlighten and Boutique Use Custom Trays

Your at-home whitening treatment will use custom-made trays. These are made-to-measure and we’ll use digital impressions of your teeth so that your trays fit perfectly. 

Your custom trays will be used to hold the whitening gel that will brighten your smile. Over the course of two weeks, you’ll use your trays daily to gradually restore the glimmer in your smile.

6. Enlighten Uses a Toothpaste That Reduces Sensitivity

Before you undergo whitening treatment with Enlighten, you’ll be given a special toothpaste to help reduce any sensitivity caused by the process. This toothpaste contains Hydroxyapatite (HAP) a naturally occurring mineral form of calcium apatite which is found in the enamel of your teeth. This strengthens the enamel and prepares you for a smooth and successful whitening treatment.

7. Whitening Treatments Restore Your Teeth’s Natual Colour

If your teeth have become stained, whitening treatments are a great way of reversing their appearance. If you’re looking to achieve a brighter smile, we believe Enlighten, Boutique, and Zoom! can help.

It’s important to understand that no whitening treatment can make your teeth whiter than their natural shade. In addition, whitening treatments won’t work on areas of your teeth which have received composite bonding, veneers, crowns, and other prosthetic restorations. 

If you’re planning on having a treatment such as composite bonding and would like to whiten your teeth, talk to us about this first to discuss how we can match the shades for an even shine across your entire smile.

8. Fruit Can Whiten Your Teeth – But Be Careful

Did you know that lemons and strawberries contain acids that acids that can act as a whitening agent? There are lots of natural remedies online that combine fruit with baking soda which can be helpful. 

The problem with these treatments is that the acid from the fruit can be harmful to your teeth when applied directly. Instead of rubbing these home-made treatments into your teeth and risking damaging your enamel, speak to your dentist for a safer option and enjoy your fruit the way nature intended.

Say Hello to a Brighter Smile With Love Teeth

A brighter, healthier looking smile can make you feel good about yourself. We believe that our Enlighten, Boutique, and Zoom! treatments can really enhance your smile and fill you with confidence. 

Our teeth whitening treatments are available at our Cheam, Chessington, Stonecot, and Sutton clinics. Get in touch today to schedule your appointment.