It’s absolutely true that our teeth are more than what they do. For many centuries now, the appearance of our teeth has had a lot to say about who we are, denoting certain aspects of our identities, such as our desirability, economic status, and social standing. Today is no different. A gleaming, white smile is still a trademark of health, wealth, and beauty. So much so that very few of us will feel confident about flashing a wide, toothy grin in public if our teeth are yellowed or discoloured.

Thankfully there are a myriad of teeth whitening solutions that range in both price and complexity, giving you a lot of choice when it comes to treating what troubles you about your smile. Given that professional teeth whitening is such an effective way to improve the colour of your teeth and transform your smile, it’s unsurprising that it’s one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments around the world.

The question is, which treatment is right for you?

Know Before You Go

At Shine Dental Clinic, we know the value of a sparkly smile and offer multiple cosmetic teeth whitening treatments to improve the colour of your teeth. As with any cosmetic procedure, the final results will vary from person to person, which is why it’s so important to book a visit with us so that you can have a chat with our friendly team who will happily talk you through your options.

We have also done our best to answer some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to teeth whitening, including:

• What are the causes of tooth discolouration?
• How do you know if you need a professional teeth whitening treatment?
• What is the difference between professional and at-home treatments?
• What teeth whitening treatments are offered at Shine Dental Clinic?
• Are there any side effects from teeth whitening treatments?

What Are the Causes of Tooth Discolouration

Yellowed or discoloured teeth are not always the result of drinking gallons of full sugar beverages from an early age. While it’s true that what we eat and drink certainly plays a role in teeth discolouration, there are a number of reasons that could result in staining – some of which are beyond our control.

A few reasons your teeth may become stained:

• Prolonged consumption of high caffeine beverages (coffee, tea, fizzy drinks, etc.)
• The use of tobacco products.
• A genetic predisposition to discoloured teeth.
• Prescribed medications, like Tetracycline.
• High fevers or illness during childhood.

How do you know if you need a professional teeth whitening treatment?

Are you wondering if you should book yourself in for a professional teeth whitening treatment? Maybe you’re on the fence between the various at-home options and the cosmetic treatments available, which is understandable.

In truth, there’s no black and white way for you to be able to discern which is the better option for your teeth. But a dentist can. Our trained professionals can definitely advise you on why your teeth are most likely discoloured, how deep the staining is, and what the correct course of action is. We always recommend people to book an obligation-free appointment through our Shine Concierge team so that we can assess your overall dental health and offer solutions.

In the meantime, you should follow a thorough cleaning schedule, including an appointment with one of our dental hygienists who can take care of any superficial stains before they become a longer lasting concern.

What is the Difference Between Professional and At-Home Treatments?

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are many professional and at-home solutions to choose from. While there are several main differences between the two, the solution you opt for will depend on your overall dental health and the results you’re looking to achieve.

Here’s a brief overview of each category to give you a better idea of the two.

At-home teeth whitening treatments are typically more affordable and include products like whitening strips, trays, lights, rinses, and brushes. They tend to contain peroxide, which works below the surface to lighten tooth enamel and are used regularly over days or weeks. We are no stranger to at-home treatments and offer our patients supplementary home whitening kits using trays customised to fit your mouth. This way, you can complete your treatment or refresh your results. All of our products are readily available at the Shine Dental Clinic.

On the other hand, professional teeth whitening treatments are performed in a dental office by a professional. These solutions can be more expensive because they are much stronger, more consistent, and change the color of your teeth faster than at-home methods – usually leaving your teeth up to six shades whiter within one or two hours. Importantly, the results are longer-lasting.

What Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Offered at Shine Dental Clinic?

Our cosmetic teeth whitening options are among the quickest ways to transform discoloured teeth into a gleaming set of white pearls that you can show off with every smile. These procedures include Zoom Whitening, Enlighten Whitening, Composite Build-Up, and Dental Microabrasion.

Let’s look at each solution in a little more detail.

1. Zoom Whitening

This is a tried and tested teeth bleaching process that provides safe, super-fast results in a single visit. We simply apply a whitening gel to the teeth and use a white speed lamp to activate the gel and achieve up to six shades whiter in just one hour. After the Zoom is completed, we provide kits so that you can continue your whitening at home.

2. Enlighten Whitening

This solution provides long lasting results with low sensitivity. We first make a customised mold of your teeth so that we can fit you with Enlighten whitening trays to wear overnight for two weeks, followed by a final one hour in-office treatment. The two-week wear time allows the active ingredient to break down stains by chemical oxidation, finished off with the final hour at our clinic.

3. Composite Build-Up

This non-invasive and pain-free cosmetic treatment is apt for chipped, uneven, and discoloured teeth – particularly your front teeth. The process involves prepping, buffing, building up, and polishing your teeth. The build-up includes applying the composite material to the area and using a curing light to harden the resin, before polishing so the new material is blended and invisible. It’s affordable and is completed in one appointment, with no side effects or recovery period.

4. Dental Microabrasion

Dental microabrasion is a restoration technique to correct tooth discolouration. We use a combination of mechanical and chemical steps with minimal invasion to treat slight enamel discolouration and not to restore deep discolouration. There are no drills or injections involved – and the process doesn’t take too long.

Are There Any Side Effects From Teeth Whitening Treatments?

You are most likely longing to embrace your new, brighter smile through the aid of a cosmetic treatment, but if you’re feeling nervous then rest assured. It is completely normal to wonder about any possible side effects and we are here to put your mind at ease.

The good news is that teeth whitening treatments are considered safe. That said, you may experience some side effects, the most common of which is teeth sensitivity. Some people experience some sensitivity following a treatment, especially after their first or second treatment. This sensitivity tends to diminish with time, however we always urge our patients to keep us up-to-date on any sensitivity or other things that they are experiencing after a teeth whitening treatment with us. Our patients’ health and happiness is of the utmost importance to us.

Remember that after any treatment, you’ll still need to take good care of your teeth. The best way to keep your pearlies white is to keep them clean.

Book Your Appointment With Shine Dental Clinic

Your teeth work very hard and the best thing to do if you want to get rid of discolouration or yellowing in favour of a bright, white smile is to book an appointment with one of our dentists.

Our clinic prides itself on treating all patients with the highest standard of care and is equipped with the latest, innovative dental technology to achieve this. We can’t wait to give you back that beautiful, naturally white smile, so call us on 01420 550616 today.