Professional Teeth Whitening by Your Dentist: The Advantages

07 / 09 / 2019

Professional Teeth Whitening by Your Dentist: The Advantages

As the ‘new normal’ becomes more familiar, the majority of us are once again prioritising our appearance. It’s perfectly understandable that certain standards slipped during lockdown. With hairdressers and beauty salons closed – and huge amounts of people working from home – how we looked seemed less important. Visible roots, untrimmed locks and ragged manicures were just part and parcel of living through a pandemic.

Slowly but surely, however, things are changing. Bars, restaurants, schools, and offices are gradually re-opening. How we present ourselves to the world is once again important. This is in no way superficial or shallow. There is plenty of scientific evidence to show that what we see in the mirror has an impact on what we feel about ourselves. Put simply, looking good boosts our self-esteem. Of course, nothing transforms anyone’s appearance quite like a bright, healthy smile. So now is the perfect time to think about a visit to a reputable teeth whitening dentist.

Why Choose Lighthouse Dental Practice?

At Lighthouse Dental Practice, we are currently accepting new patients. So if you need to reassess your oral health regime, our team will be happy to help. Perhaps you missed an appointment during lockdown – or your regular dentist is booked up, or only offering urgent care? We provide a wide range of treatments, from general and cosmetic dentistry , to more complex restorative procedures. We also offer the highest standards of patient care to restore and enhance the natural beauty of your smile. So if you’re looking for a teeth whitening dentist based in Suffolk, we’re the perfect choice.

What Causes Teeth Staining?

Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly, there’s no guarantee you’ll have perfect pearly whites. Quite a lot of what we eat and drink can stain our teeth. And simply getting older can have an adverse effect too! It might help to understand that there are three main types of teeth staining: intrinsic, extrinsic, and age-related. Intrinsic staining is when the inner structure of your teeth (the dentine) becomes darker or discoloured. The key causes of this include tooth trauma, over-exposure to fluoride, or the use of tetracycline antibiotics in pregnancy/early childhood.

Extrinsic staining happens when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) becomes discoloured. This is often diet-related, or the result of smoking. Lastly, age-related staining combines both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As we age, our tooth enamel thins, and our dentine naturally yellows. Any physical damage such as knocks or chips, can also cause discolouration.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to address all three types of staining. First and foremost, if you smoke, stop! There are plenty of free, friendly local services that can support you while you try to give up. Next, try to avoid consuming the foods and drinks that are known to stain and discolour your teeth. As you’d expect, dark-coloured foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, curry and beetroot are common culprits. Acidic foods should also be avoided, where possible. This is because acid erodes tooth enamel, making it easier for pigments in food to stain and discolour your teeth. If this has already happened, do not despair. Professional help, in the form of a teeth whitening dentist, can undo the damage and create a bright, white film-star smile.

Why Choose A Professional Teeth Whitening Dentist?

With so many DIY kits available, you might wonder whether it’s worth the time and expense of visiting a teeth whitening dentist. The answer, however, is a resounding ‘yes’! Did you know that to bleach teeth legally in the UK you need to be a trained dentist, hygienist or dental therapist? You also need to be registered with the General Dental Council.

So don’t be tempted to cut corners with over-the-counter whitening kits. There are some temptingly cheap ones available, but it’s almost always a false economy. It’s difficult for such kits to offer the optimum level of whitening ingredients. Too little, and your teeth stay stained. Too much, and you could experience increased sensitivity, blistering, and/or serious damage to your gum line.

What Can A Teeth Whitening Dentist Do?

An experienced teeth whitening dentist will, first of all, assess your suitability before beginning any type of treatment. At Lighthouse Dental Practice, we’ll check thoroughly for any issues that could affect the outcome, such as cavities or gum disease. A reputable teeth whitening dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, and create a bespoke whitening tray tailored to the exact shape and size of your mouth.

DIY whitening strips or gel trays are often too big or too small. One size really doesn’t fit all, and any bleach that comes into contact with the wrong part of your mouth can cause serious damage. In contrast, we will provide you with the correct amount and concentration of whitening gel to add to your tray. And we’ll advise how often and how long you need to wear this. The result? Safe, visible improvements that are personalised to your individual needs. As a rough guide, you should be enjoying whiter teeth – with no painful side effects – in around three weeks.

As you’d expect from a professional teeth whitening dentist, we also offer a range of other advanced cosmetic dentistry treatments. These include white fillings, veneers, and cosmetic crowns. Simply get in touch and we will be pleased to advise which procedures are best suited to your overall objectives.

Get In Touch

Our team is led by Dr Tocca. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and enjoy the bright, healthy smile of your dreams, call now on 01473 257 379. We’ll be happy to arrange a consultation, or provide more information about our teeth whitening service. You can also find out more about our practice by following us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

We are here to help you.
If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team about any of the issues in this article please visit our contact page or call us on 01473 257379.