Are you dreaming of a white smile this Christmas? It’s time for Teeth Whitening!
In the year where we have spent much of our time in the confines of home, it’s impossible to ignore the ever growing presence of pearly white teeth gleaming through our TV’s and social media screens. Now more than ever, each way you turn you are faced with dazzling bright smiles. From Celebrities to Influencers, Sports personalities to Musicians. This constant visual reminder slowly creeps into our minds, inevitably causing us to reflect and compare our own teeth with those that we see, story after story, channel after channel. White teeth are definitely the new black!
At the same time, doesn’t it feel good to smile? Smiling is a natural drug, proven to release endorphins and serotonin, making us feel good from the inside out. It’s a pity when we feel our smile is somehow inferior to those around us. It causes us to avoid, inhibit and hide our happiness in a cloud of self-consciousness. Smile and the world smiles with you, they say! If only my teeth were whiter, you think.
After years of wear and tear, our teeth inevitably lose their sparkle. A variety of factors can lead to tooth discolouration. Certain foods and drinks, smoking and poor dental hygiene can all lead to surface stains. Deep-seated, internal stains are often the result of overexposure to fluoride or taking certain antibiotic medications in younger years. Discolouration can also occur when the tooth enamel wears down, exposing the yellowish dentin layer beneath, which is a common sign of ageing.
There is no wonder therefore, that in recent years, Teeth Whitening in various guises have now become one of the leading oral aesthetics trends. Having a glossy set of gnashers is no longer reserved for the rich and famous. With advances in dental science and technology there are a range of whitening solutions that are within reach of the mainstream public.
If you are dreaming of a white smile this Christmas, we have a solution for you. It’s time for Teeth Whitening!
How do Teeth Whitening treatments work?
Teeth whitening is a popular, affordable, and effective way to improve the aesthetic look of your smile. Since it is a treatment which can permanently alter the structure of your teeth, it should only be undertaken following a proper assessment by a registered dentist. Following outrageous TikTok home whitening videos is not the route to achieving the polished white teeth you are dreaming of! In fact, it will likely cause much more harm than good.
Professional Teeth whitening treatments contain a powerful concentration of Hydrogen or Carbamide peroxide. These bleaching agents oxidise in the mouth to break down and remove surface stains from the tooth enamel, quickly and safely and always effectively. In essence, the tooth is whitened from the inside out, brightening both the enamel surface of the tooth as well as the inner layer of dentine. This method guarantees vast improvements in colouration and longer term results.
Delivery of these bleaching agents tends to be in the form of a gel, which are applied in a custom-fitting trays, usually over a period of 14 days. The trays are uniquely manufactured to fit your mouth thanks to 3D digital scans. This ensures that the whitening product is applied directly to the tooth area while protecting the gums from sensitivity and irritation. After a period of home use, you will return to your dentist who will deliver a booster finishing treatment which completes the process.
There are a wide range of over the counter and online products which claim to have whitening properties. Since they are not prescribed by a dentist, they are likely to be less effective due to the absence of high grade Hydrogen or Carbamide Peroxide ingredients. UK Dental Regulations forbid the use of teeth whitening products which contain more than 6% Hydrogen Peroxide since it can lead to greater tooth sensitivity. Therefore, to achieve the very best results, your whitening treatment should be managed via a dental professional.
What is the difference between over-the-counter teeth whitening and dentist teeth whitening?
It’s difficult to avoid the tempting home teeth whitening products that flood our social media feeds on a weekly, daily, even hourly basis. With attention grabbing prices and mind-blowing before and afters, they seem to offer the perfect solution to our lack-lustre teeth.
However, looks can be deceiving. Whilst there are some benefits to online or over-the-counter whitening systems, it’s important to understand that there are some fundamental differences:
OVER THE COUNTER / ONLINE WHITENING
- Up to 0.1% Hydrogen Peroxide
- Up to 8 Shades whiter
- From £39.99
- Generic Trays
- No shade guaranteed
DENTIST ‘IN CHAIR’ WHITENING
- Up to 6% Hydrogen Peroxide
- Up to 16 Shades whiter
- From £179.00
- Custom Fit Trays
- Shade guaranteed
Are these my only options for teeth whitening?
Actually, we have another trick up our sleeves for you. There is a 3rd tantalising option which may get you salivating! This might well be the solution you need right now to achieve teeth that are whiter than a snowman’s heart this Christmas.
Introducing Lumiwhite…!
Lumiwhite is a luxurious professional teeth whitening system developed by dentists in the UK. Due to its powerful chemical compound, it is only available to purchase from dental professionals. However the whitening can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, assuming your dentist is happy that you are suitable.
- Up to 16% Carbamide Peroxide releasing 5.76% Hydrogen Peroxide
- Up to 16 shades whiter
- Achievable B1 Shade, the whitest natural shade
- Superseal Whitening Trays formed of clear, well-defined, scalloped margins to ensure the gel won’t seep, causing irritation to your gums
- Sodium Fluoride Content to decrease tooth sensitivity and promote re-mineralisation of enamel
- Potassium Nitrate a proven de-sensitiser providing a more comfortable whitening experience
- High water content to prevent tooth dehydration and fade-back, giving optimum results
- Stable at Room Temperature, so there is no need to refrigerate
- Long Lasting Results
- Mirrored case for whitening trays
Lumiwhite, combines the price benefits of at home whitening with the professional results of in-chair whitening, giving you the best of both worlds and a smile to be proud of!
Who is suitable for Lumiwhite Teeth Whitening?
We would love everyone to benefit from Lumiwhite Teeth Whitening however in the interests of your oral health, you should always consult your dentist who will confirm which Teeth Whitening technique is most suitable for your needs. We find that Teeth Whitening systems work well in the cases of:
- Yellow teeth due to aging.
- Tetracycline (antibiotic) stained teeth
- Yellow/Brown teeth due to overexposure to fluoride
- Discoloured teeth due to tooth injuries
- Dietary stains
- Teeth prior to composite bonding or porcelain veneers/crowns.
On the other hand, it is not advisable to undergo any teeth whitening treatment if you fit into one of the following categories:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Patients have underlying oral health issues e.g cavities, extensive or deficient restorations, periodontal problems or other issues which may cause hypersensitivity during whitening
- Patients with intrinsic staining may need to explore other options such as crowns or veneers
- Patients who have unrealistic expectations
- Patients who do not carry out the treatment as directed by their dentist
How long do the results of Teeth Whitening last?
The longevity of any teeth whitening treatment varies depending on how you care for your teeth in the months that follow. If you keep up a good standard of oral hygiene, refrain from smoking and avoid certain food and drinks that cause staining, you will get to enjoy the results for a far greater period of time.
Periodic top ups can be requested if you feel they are required and there are a range of maintenance products to help patients keep their smile bright and beautiful.
There’s no need to dream about white teeth this Christmas. Treat yourself to a Lumiwhite Teeth Whitening kit and have Snowy White for this magical time of year.
