Teeth whitening (2024)

Teeth whitening (1)

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More and more people are paying for brighter, whiter teeth. But doesteeth whiteningwork andis it safe? Here are the answers to common questions aboutthe treatment.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth to make them lighter. It can't make your teeth brilliant white, but it can lighten the existing colour by several shades.

Who can do teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist.

Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but this is illegal if there's no dental professional present, and it may put your oral health at risk.

You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits but thesemay alsocarry risks.

What happens during teeth whitening?

If you have your teeth whitened you'llfirst need to make 2 to 3 visits to the dental surgery.

The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and tell you how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using your mouthguard at home, you regularly applythe gel fora specified period oftime over a few weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours at a time, which can shorten the treatment period.

Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

Can any dentist whiten teeth?

Any dentist can whiten teeth as long as they're registered with the General Dental Council. Registered dental therapists and dental hygienists can also carry out teeth whitening on the prescription of a dentist.

To find out ifa dental professionalis registered you can check the online register on the General Dental Council website.

What abouthome kits and beauty salons for teeth whitening?

Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who aren't qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal.

Home kits also carry risks. Talk to your dentist first, before using a home kit.

What are the risks of home kits and salon teeth whitening?

Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.

Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal.

Will I pay for teeth whitening privately?

Teeth whitening by a dentist or other dental professional can generally only be done privately because it's considered to be a cosmetic treatment. Costs vary and laser whitening is more expensive than professional bleaching.

Find out which dental treatments are available on the NHS

How do I find out about getting my teeth whitened?

Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns.

Find a dentist near you

What should I ask the dentist before going ahead?

Don't be afraid to ask simple questions about the types of whitening treatment available, what results you can expect and how long they are likely to last.

You may also want to ask them whether there are any risks involved – for example, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth.

Try to talk to other people who've had the same treatment or visit another dentist for a second opinion until you feel confident. Always ask for a written treatment plan and price estimate before going ahead.

Is teeth whitening permanent?

Teeth whiteningisn't permanent. It can last from a few months toup to 3 years – it varies from person to person.

The whitening effect won't last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee,which can all stain your teeth.

Will teeth whitening work on false teeth?

Teeth whitening doesn't work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

What if I'm not happy with the results?

If you are not happy with the results, speak to the dental professional who carried out your treatment to ask for advice.

If you're concerned that teeth whitening by a dental professionalhas damaged your teeth, you can contact the Dental Complaints Service online or call them on 020 8253 0800. This is an expert, free and independent service that can help if you have a complaint about private dental care.

If you think your teeth whitening hasbeen carried out illegally (that is, by someone not qualified or registered to perform it)you can report this on the General Dental Council website.

Page last reviewed: 17 January 2022
Next review due: 17 January 2025

Teeth whitening (2024)

FAQs

Do some teeth not respond to whitening? ›

The fact is, not all teeth respond to whitening. Furthermore, it is important to understand what whitening products you use can really make all the difference. Let's consider certain things that might keep your teeth whitening treatment from working.

Why no results after teeth whitening? ›

The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.

Why are teeth more yellow after whitening? ›

Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.

Does teeth whitening actually work? ›

Tooth-whitening works best for people with yellow teeth and is less effective for people with brown teeth. If your teeth are gray or purple, tooth bleaching probably won't work at all. To be sure tooth-whitening is worth your time and money, talk to your dentist before you use an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit.

What type of teeth cannot be whitened? ›

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

What kind of teeth can't be whitened? ›

Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.

How do I know if my teeth can't be whitened? ›

For example, if a stain develops underneath your tooth's semi-translucent enamel, or if it's the result of damage or infection within your tooth, then no amount of teeth-whitening solution will be able to erase them.

When can teeth not be whitened? ›

Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots.

This is because the whitening solutions penetrate into any existing decay and the inner areas of the tooth, which can cause sensitivity. Also, whitening procedures will not work on exposed tooth roots, because roots do not have an enamel layer.

Is there a limit to how white your teeth can get? ›

There's no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on individual factors. However, most dentists use a shade guide to determine the level of whiteness that can be achieved. This guide has 16 shades, with the whitest shade not being pure white, but rather a light shade of grey.

Can teeth be too yellow to whiten? ›

The good news is that even naturally yellow teeth can be whitened, and kept white, if you understand the causes behind tooth discoloration.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›

It's natural for teeth to appear darker as they age, but a bleaching product with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide can help turn back the clock – and a whitening toothpaste is an easy way to get a jump-start.

How long does it take to whiten really yellow teeth? ›

How Long Does It Take Yellow Teeth To Turn White? If you opt for at-home products like dentist-recommended whitening toothpaste and brush twice daily, results can be seen in two to six weeks. There are many types of whitening toothpaste, and their effects can vary.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage. If you choose to whiten your teeth with hydrogen peroxide, do so cautiously.

What whitens teeth the best? ›

Hydrogen and carbamide peroxides are the gold standard of at-home teeth whitening. If you're looking to go a chemical-free route, coconut oil won't cause any sensitivity, according to Dr.

How do people get their teeth so white? ›

Consistent oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at Family Dental Care – Crestwood, play a pivotal role in maintaining white teeth. Removing plaque and tartar buildup prevents staining and helps your smile maintain its brilliance.

Why can't my teeth be whitened? ›

You may not see it, but your teeth may have a dirty biofilm or layer of plaque buildup that is preventing the whitening agents from targeting your tooth stains. Consider teeth whitening after your next routine dental cleaning.

Why are my teeth not white after professional whitening? ›

Darkening or relapse of the tooth shade is expected after whitening. Relapse of shade occurs almost immediately as the freshly whitened dehydrated tooth rehydrates. Repetitive prolonged exposure of the chemical is the only way to achieve optimal results.

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