A bright, confident smile can have a tremendous impact on your self-esteem and the way others perceive you. Over time, factors like coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, and even natural ageing can cause teeth to become discoloured or stained. Fortunately, with professional teeth whitening services in London, you can achieve a dramatically whiter smile that looks healthy and rejuvenated.

If you have been considering cosmetic dental enhancements, teeth whitening is one of the safest, most effective, and most affordable ways to boost your appearance.

What Causes Teeth Discolouration?

Understanding why teeth lose their whiteness is the first step towards reversing it. Common causes of teeth staining include:

• Food and Drinks: Dark-coloured liquids like coffee, tea, cola, and red wine can stain the outer layer of your teeth.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco introduces stubborn stains that penetrate deeply.
• Ageing: As you age, the outer enamel layer wears away, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
• Medications: Certain antibiotics, especially tetracycline, can cause intrinsic staining.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can allow plaque and stain-producing substances to build up.

Professional whitening treatments are designed to address both surface and deeper stains effectively, restoring your teeth’s natural brightness.

How Professional Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening treatments involve the use of bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down and remove stain molecules. These agents penetrate the enamel without damaging the tooth structure when applied correctly by a dentist.

The key steps typically include:

• A consultation to assess your oral health and discuss your desired outcomes.
• A custom treatment plan tailored to your needs, ensuring the safest and most effective results.
• The application of protective barriers for gums and lips to avoid irritation.
• The use of high-concentration whitening gels and sometimes specialised lights or lasers to accelerate the bleaching process.

Professional supervision ensures maximum effectiveness while minimising risks like sensitivity or gum irritation.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening Over At-Home Kits

While over-the-counter whitening products are widely available, they come with limitations. Here’s why professional treatments are a better investment:

• Higher Concentration: Professional products contain stronger bleaching agents for faster, more noticeable results.
• Custom Fit: Custom trays prevent leakage of whitening agents, protecting your gums and improving efficacy.
• Expert Supervision: Dentists monitor progress and adjust treatments for optimal results and safety.
• Longer-Lasting Results: Professional treatments can whiten teeth several shades lighter and maintain brightness longer with proper care.

At-home kits may offer some improvement, but they are less reliable, take longer, and often deliver uneven results compared to professional solutions.

Different Types of Teeth Whitening Services in London

At Smile Cliniq, there are several options available to suit different needs and lifestyles.

Home Whitening Kits

After an initial consultation, custom-made trays are created to fit your teeth perfectly. You’ll apply a professional-grade whitening gel inside the trays and wear them for a few hours each day. Over a week or two, you’ll see a gradual, natural-looking improvement in your smile’s brightness.

Benefits include:

• Flexibility to whiten at your convenience
• Lower cost compared to in-office treatments
• Gradual, controlled whitening

In-Office Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening, sometimes called power whitening, involves applying a bleaching agent directly to your teeth and using a special light or laser to activate it. The procedure typically takes about an hour and can lighten your teeth by up to eight shades.

Key advantages:

• Immediate results after a single session
• Professional application for safety and consistency
• Ideal for last-minute whitening before special occasions

Combined Whitening Approach

For the most dramatic and lasting results, some patients opt for a combination of in-office and home treatments. This method capitalises on the strengths of both approaches: rapid initial whitening from the office visit followed by home maintenance for enhanced longevity.

What to Expect During Your Whitening Treatment

When you visit a professional for teeth whitening services in London, your experience will generally include:

• Initial assessment: Your dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, or other conditions that need treatment before whitening.
• Pre-treatment cleaning: Removing plaque and tartar ensures the whitening agent can work effectively.
• Protective measures: Barriers are applied to protect your gums and lips.
• Application of whitening gel: Applied carefully to ensure even coverage.
• Activation process: Some systems use LED lights or lasers to enhance the whitening effect.
• Final polish and evaluation: You’ll see immediate improvement, and your dentist will document the shade difference.

Managing Expectations: How White Can Your Teeth Get?

The final result of teeth whitening can vary depending on factors like the original shade of your teeth, the type of staining, and your treatment method. Generally, yellowish teeth bleach better than brownish or grayish teeth.

Dentists usually recommend matching your teeth’s whiteness to the whites of your eyes for a natural look. Over-whitening can lead to an unnatural, artificial appearance, so a balanced approach is key.

Aftercare for Prolonged Results

Maintaining your new white smile requires good oral hygiene and mindful lifestyle choices. Here’s how to extend the results:

• Avoid staining foods and beverages for at least 48 hours after treatment.
• Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque build-up.
• Use a straw when drinking beverages like coffee or cola.
• Touch-up treatments may be recommended once or twice a year.
• Quit smoking to prevent new stains from developing.

Your dentist may also recommend using a whitening toothpaste approved for maintaining professional whitening results without damaging enamel.

Possible Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Although professional teeth whitening is safe, some patients experience minor side effects, including:

• Tooth sensitivity: Temporary and usually resolves within a few days.
• Gum irritation: Often caused by contact with the bleaching agent; typically mild and short-lived.
• Uneven results: Existing dental work like crowns or fillings won’t whiten, possibly requiring replacement for a uniform appearance.

Using desensitising toothpaste and following your dentist’s instructions can help manage any discomfort.

Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is not recommended for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children under the age of 18
• People with untreated dental issues like cavities or gum disease
• Individuals allergic to peroxide

Consulting with your dentist ensures that whitening is appropriate and safe for your specific situation.

FAQs

🦷 Q: How long does professional teeth whitening last?
🦷 A: With good oral hygiene and minimal exposure to staining foods and beverages, results can last from six months to two years. Regular touch-ups help maintain brightness.

🦷 Q: Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings or crowns?
🦷 A: Whitening agents do not affect the colour of restorations like fillings or crowns. If needed, your dentist can recommend replacing them after whitening for a consistent shade.

🦷 Q: Is teeth whitening safe for sensitive teeth?
🦷 A: Yes, but it’s essential to discuss your sensitivity with your dentist beforehand. They may suggest lower-concentration treatments or desensitising strategies.

🦷 Q: How soon can I eat or drink after whitening?
🦷 A: It’s best to avoid coloured foods and drinks for at least 48 hours to allow the enamel pores to close and preserve your whitening results.

🦷 Q: How much whiter can my teeth get with laser whitening?
🦷 A: Most patients see improvements of 6 to 8 shades after one laser whitening session, but individual results can vary.