FAQs about Tooth Whitening

FAQs about Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening has gained quite a bit of exposure from devotees of cosmetic dentistry. This simple procedure can brighten your smile and seemingly erase years from your appearance. It’s also a beneficial treatment for patients whose teeth have been permanently stained by certain medications and who are embarrassed to smile.

Before contacting your dentist to set your appointment, read these frequently asked questions.  They will help you determine if this is the right cosmetic procedure for your needs.

1. How Does Laser Teeth Whitening Work?

Concerning laser teeth whitening, London residents should know that it is a process by which the surface of your teeth can be brightened visibly with a bleaching agent. Specially-fitted trays containing the agent are attached to the teeth, and a laser light is used to accelerate the whitening process. This procedure can whiten yellowed teeth, a condition that is caused by aging and aggravated by certain foods, drinks, medications, and smoking.

2. How Long Does a Session Last?

Typically, a whitening session will last 30 minutes to an hour, but the length of your session will depend on the condition of your teeth. During your professional teeth whitening, London dentists can assess if you will need just one treatment to get the results you desire, or if you may require several treatments to get your desired smile makeover.

3. Is Teeth Whitening Painful? What Are the Side Effects?

Because the bleaching trays are fitted carefully to your teeth, you should not experience any discomfort during your laser whitening session. Irritated gums and tooth sensitivity are the most commonly reported side effects for patients who use the at-home whitening kits. If you are having a professional treatment, side effects are quite rare, as the bleaching agent is gentler and is kept away from your gums during the procedure.

4. What is the Average Cost for Teeth Whitening?

The total cost for the procedure will vary depending upon the severity of the discolouration, and how many treatments you will require to restore the brightness of your smile. Professional treatments do cost more than at-home kits, but they can deliver results that are more precise and last longer. On average, you can expect the results to last 3 years, if you avoid food and beverages that stain and tobacco.

5. What Makes Me a Good Candidate for Tooth Bleaching?

Before undergoing teeth whitening, central London dentists can assess whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure. Bleaching can work well on patients who have a yellow discoloration on their teeth due to staining from foods, beverages, and tobacco. Staining from medications, such as tetracycline, can be treated with laser tooth whitening but may need more than one cycle of treatment to create the desired results.

Patients with a history of chronic illness, such as diabetes, should consult with a dentist before attempting any tooth whitening procedure. Pregnant or nursing women, patients with hydrogen peroxide sensitivity, and patients with sensitive teeth or gums should not try a tooth whitening session.

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