What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening London at ēm dental is a professional cosmetic dental treatment designed to reduce tooth staining and brighten the appearance of your smile. Our whitening treatment is dentist-supervised and tailored to your teeth, helping you achieve a fresher and more confident smile.
At ēm dental, we provide at-home teeth whitening using custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel. Your dentist will explain how to use the trays and gel safely and will review your progress after two weeks.
Teeth whitening can be an effective option for people who want to improve the colour of their natural teeth without changing their shape or structure.
What Can Teeth Whitening Treat?
Teeth can become darker or stained over time for a number of reasons. Common causes of tooth discolouration include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine and other strongly coloured foods and drinks
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Natural changes in tooth colour over time
- Surface staining accumulated over the years
Professional teeth whitening can help reduce certain types of staining and lighten the natural colour of your teeth. The extent of the result depends on the original shade of your teeth and the type of discolouration present.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening can provide a controlled way to improve the appearance of your smile under the guidance of a dental professional.
- Can brighten the appearance of natural teeth
- Uses custom-fitted whitening trays
- Dentist-supervised treatment
- Can produce noticeable results over a relatively short period
- Allows you to whiten your teeth at home following professional instructions
- Treatment can be tailored to your individual needs
Your dentist will assess your teeth before treatment and explain what result you can realistically expect.
Who Is Teeth Whitening Suitable For?
Teeth whitening may be suitable for adults who want to improve the colour of their natural teeth. Before treatment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and consider your oral health and the type of staining present.
Whitening only affects natural tooth structure. Existing restorations such as crowns, veneers, fillings or composite bonding do not whiten in the same way as natural enamel.
If you have existing dental restorations, your dentist can explain how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile and whether another treatment approach may be more appropriate.
When Teeth Whitening May Not Be Suitable
Teeth whitening is not suitable for every dental concern. Active dental problems, significant sensitivity or other oral health issues may need to be addressed before whitening treatment begins.
Your dentist will assess your oral health and discuss whether professional teeth whitening is appropriate for you before treatment.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
1. Consultation and Assessment
Your dentist will assess your teeth and gums and discuss your smile goals. This helps determine whether whitening is suitable and what type of result may be achievable.
2. Custom-Fitted Whitening Trays
Custom-fitted trays are provided for your treatment. The trays are designed to fit your teeth and allow the whitening gel to be applied according to your dentist’s instructions.
3. At-Home Whitening
You use the whitening trays and professional-grade gel at home according to the instructions provided by your dental team. Your dentist will explain how to use the treatment and how long it should be worn.
4. Review Appointment
At ēm dental, your progress is reviewed after two weeks. This allows your dentist to assess the results and discuss any concerns or further recommendations.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
The time required for teeth whitening varies depending on your starting tooth shade, the type of staining and how your teeth respond to treatment.
Some patients may notice a difference within a few days, while the final result develops over the course of the treatment. Your dentist will provide instructions specific to your whitening plan.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Professional teeth whitening is carried out with appropriate assessment and guidance from a dental professional. Your dentist will check your oral health before treatment and explain how to use the whitening products correctly.
Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after whitening. If you experience discomfort or have concerns during treatment, speak to your dentist for advice.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The longevity of whitening results varies between individuals. Your teeth can become stained again over time depending on factors such as diet, smoking, oral hygiene and natural changes in tooth colour.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s advice can help preserve the appearance of your smile. Your dental team can also advise you about maintaining your whitening results when appropriate.
Teeth Whitening and Composite Bonding
If you are considering both teeth whitening and composite bonding, the order and timing of treatment can be important.
Composite resin does not whiten in the same way as natural tooth enamel. Whitening natural teeth before composite bonding may therefore help your dentist select a suitable shade for the restoration.
If you already have composite bonding, your dentist can assess the existing restoration and discuss the most appropriate approach for your smile.
Teeth Whitening and Porcelain Veneers
Teeth whitening changes the colour of natural teeth, while porcelain veneers can alter the appearance of the front surface of teeth.
Porcelain does not respond to whitening in the same way as natural enamel. If you are considering both treatments, your dentist can advise you on the appropriate treatment sequence and shade planning.
Teeth Whitening Cost in London
The cost of professional teeth whitening depends on the treatment provided and your individual needs.
At ēm dental, your dentist can discuss the whitening treatment, what is included and the expected process during your consultation. You can also view our current treatment prices before booking.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Following your dentist’s instructions can help you maintain your whitening results. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Reducing exposure to heavily staining foods, drinks and tobacco can also help maintain the appearance of your smile.
If you experience sensitivity, irritation or any other concern following treatment, contact your dentist for advice.
Why Choose ēm dental for Teeth Whitening?
At ēm dental, teeth whitening is provided under professional dental supervision. Your treatment begins with an assessment of your teeth and gums so that your dentist can determine whether whitening is suitable for you.
Our at-home whitening approach uses custom-fitted trays and professional-grade gel, with a review appointment after two weeks to monitor your progress.
If you are considering teeth whitening in London, you can book a consultation with ēm dental to discuss your smile goals and find out whether professional whitening is right for you.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
How long does teeth whitening take?
Teeth whitening results vary between individuals. Some patients may notice a difference within a few days, while the final result develops over the course of treatment. Your dentist will provide instructions based on your individual whitening plan.
Is teeth whitening painful?
Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after whitening. Your dentist will explain the treatment and how to use the whitening products correctly. If you experience significant discomfort, contact your dental team for advice.
Can teeth whitening whiten composite bonding?
No. Composite resin does not whiten in the same way as natural tooth enamel. If you have composite bonding and are considering whitening, your dentist can advise you on the appropriate treatment sequence.
Can teeth whitening whiten porcelain veneers?
No. Porcelain veneers do not respond to whitening in the same way as natural teeth. If you are considering whitening and veneers, your dentist can advise you on shade planning and the appropriate order of treatment.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
The longevity of whitening results varies depending on factors such as diet, smoking, oral hygiene and natural changes in tooth colour. Following good oral hygiene and your dentist’s advice can help maintain your results.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional teeth whitening is provided following an assessment of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will explain how to use the whitening treatment correctly and advise you about any factors that may affect its suitability.
Book a Teeth Whitening Consultation
If you are considering teeth whitening in London, book a consultation with ēm dental to discuss your smile goals and find out whether professional teeth whitening is suitable for you.