Why visit our dentist for teeth whitening?

There may be those who consider professional teeth whitening Harley Street, merely as a treatment that focuses on aesthetic value, but there is so much more to improving the look of your smile.

Patients who do opt for teeth whitening Harley Street know and value the role bright and beautiful looking teeth have on the way they look and feel. Consider for a moment just what the positive effects of looking good has on the way you feel about yourself and what this means for your confidence to live a more fulfilling life. More than this is the benefits to oral health which is always a serious consideration.

Patients wanting to brighten their teeth have mainly two avenues to pursue: do-it-yourself by purchasing dental products available off-the-shelf and professional teeth whitening Harley Street in the dentist’s chair. In choosing which avenue is the right one, we at Harley Street Dental Clinic, would like patients to prioritise the safety aspect of teeth whitening in order to not risk the health of teeth. We take a look at why teeth whitening should be left in the hands of a qualified and registered dentist.

Why teeth brightening treatment at the dentist makes more sense

In the same way that a patient would not leave their physical health issues to be treated by those not specifically trained in specialised medical knowledge of healing the human body, so too should a patient only allow a qualified dental practitioner to offer dental care (whether it be for cosmetic dentistry or preventive dentistry).

Brightening teeth treatments may not be equated with the same importance as, for example restorative dental treatment, but the consequences of something going wrong can be dire, like damaging teeth enamel.

In our teeth whitening treatments, we offer patients:

  • The opportunity to check on their oral health

There is always an underlying cause for teeth becoming discoloured. Sometimes these causes are minor like eating foods that cause staining issues. And then there are those times when discolouration is due to a poor oral health issue. Only a dental practitioner can reliably diagnose the cause of discolouration, and if it is due to poor dental health, can implement proper treatment before teeth whitening products can be used.

  • Safety

Brightening teeth is not as simple as the manufacturers of DIY products suggest which is why many who do use such products do not find them effective to do the job. Another reason is that these products often do not contain the right levels of all-important ingredients responsible for brightening teeth. Professional knowledge is required to use ingredients in the correct amounts as well as the accurate process of teeth whitening.

  • Strength of whitening, speed and reliability

DIY teeth whitening can be frustratingly slow and unreliable. Unlike professional teeth bleaching, most DIY products will only offer a limited brightening effect that is inadequate for deeper levels of staining. What is more is that professional treatments offer relatively longer-lasting results. Learn more about how we at Harley Street Dental Clinic approach teeth whitening to provide our patients with quality, pleasing results.

Teeth whitening – achieving a sparkling smile

Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, teeth whitening Harley Street has become one of our most popular services. Whether you’re looking to subtly lighten your teeth or are wanting to achieve more dazzling results, we are here to help.

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There are several options for tooth whitening and the one which is most suitable for you will depend on the nature of your tooth discolouration and the general health of your teeth. Extrinsic staining is caused by things on the outside of your teeth, most commonly plaque which has become calcified into tartar. It can also be caused by enamel staining from smoking, red wine and coffee consumption.

Intrinsic staining is the result of a colour change within the tooth originating from stain-causing particles or bacteria gaining access to dentine through the enamel; this sometimes occurs in ‘dead’ teeth which become darker over time or due to several genetic conditions which result in the build up of coloured metabolic compounds in the teeth. The most common and notable chemical reason for intrinsic staining would be fluorosis from the overconsumption of fluoride.

Operation techniques vs chemical whitening techniques

Certain techniques are only effective at treating extrinsic staining, they work by grinding off a small quantity of the enamel and anything that may be adhered to it. We achieve this with an air based grinding tool alongside a fine abrasive powder. Our skilled dentists and hygienists can significantly improve the shade of your teeth with the minimal loss of enamel.

Chemical whitening techniques work both on extrinsic and intrinsic staining, they can be performed at home or in the clinic  and rely on peroxide based bleaching gel. The concentration of this procedure is tightly regulated in the UK, with only 3% available for home whitening compared to the 20% used in our clinic.

Clinical teeth whitening Harley Street is therefore much faster, allowing a similar shade change to occur in a single session of in-practice lightening that you would achieve in 3 months at home using a lower concentration gel.

Maintaining a bright white smile

Regardless of which techniques are used to lighten your teeth, maintenance of a bright white smile can almost always be achieved by diligent brushing and regular flossing. Unfortunately, this is not the case for several genetic conditions which will require repeated lightening treatments or the use of veneers to permanently resolve the staining.

Getting dental advice before tooth whitening

There is not a one-size-fits-all option for tooth whitening; not only may you be unsure about the type of staining you’re suffering from, but your general dental health and other medical history can affect which treatments are suitable. Veneers and crowns may respond differently to bleaching solutions than natural enamel, leaving them looking significantly different to your natural teeth.  If you already have thinning or weakened enamel, tooth whitening may not be recommended either through abrasion or bleaching, as abrasion thins the enamel further and bleaching makes it more permeable.

To have all your questions answered and to explore the potential of teeth whitening Harley Street, please feel free to get in contact with our clinic. We would be happy to give you advice over the phone.

Teeth whitening; Get the ice look!

Cosmetic dental procedures have been a mainstay of Harley Street Dental, it’s foundation or tradition that we are proud to continue. We provide the latest techniques in stain removal and teeth whitening in Harley Street that can remove many of the everyday wear and tear that we put our teeth through, whether that be from smoking, red wine or just the daily grind.

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Don’t shy away from showing off your pearly whites in photos or during public appearances when you could have a tooth whitening at our clinic. Not only is the change of shade entirely within your control, but we can also use Spot whitening to correct imperfections and dark marks in the teeth. Yes, the treatment we offer is second to none!

The causes of tooth darkening

Our teeth go through a lot and although it is perfectly normal to have a slightly yellowish tint to your teeth (as this is the colour of dentin), it is usually obscured by the opalescence of our enamel. Over time, it is normal for enamel to become more translucent whether that be from acid erosion or simply age. This isn’t something you have to put up with and there are several techniques developed for lightening teeth. These are focused on the different causes of the darkening.

Staining generally is called by substances or calcified tartar forming over the enamel; this can be addressed with abrasion techniques, which grind off the stains similar to a very intense scale and polish. If performed correctly, less than 1 micron of enamel is removed during abrasion teeth whitening in Harley Street. Intrinsic staining is an alteration in the chemical structure of the enamel or underlying dentine, which could be caused by dietary deficiencies, genetic conditions or uncontrolled diabetes. Fluorosis is another example of intrinsic dental staining. These things can be addressed with a bleaching agent which permeates the tooth and chemically alters its structure making it lighter.

How we do things in our clinic

Even if your intention is simply to receive a whitening treatment, all of our consultations start with an in-depth check-up. There are several counter-indicated conditions which will lead us to advise you against tooth whitening, any cavities or loosely fitted filings should be addressed prior to treatment. Similarly, any dental sensitivity needs to be explored before cosmetic procedures can take place.

If you are pursuing chemical lightning using bleaching agents, there are at-home treatment options that you will be able to discuss with our dentist. They can take longer to achieve the desired shade but do so far more slowly over a period of months rather than lightning in the clinic, which is an immediate change, and not always in keeping with our patients taste or wishes for subtle cosmetic procedures. If an abrasion technique is being used, this can only be performed in our clinic but please talk to our dentist about the level of whitening you desire and how quickly you wish to see results.

We are continuing to provide teeth whitening in Harley Street services in line with government infection guidelines so feel free to book your appointment and stay safe.

Refresh your smile with our teeth whitening treatment

Having a discoloured smile can leave people feeling incredibly self-conscious about the way that their smile looks. Brown or yellow stains can make a person appear older than they really are, but at Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to get a brighter smile. If you are not happy with the colour of your teeth then it may be time to think about having teeth whitening Harley Street. Instead of trying to master smiling with your mouth closed, you can receive treatment to lighten the colour of your teeth by several shades and remove nasty stains. We have multiple treatments for you to choose from and even offer a discount for those patients who bring a friend along with them. Whilst treatment usually lightens the colour of your teeth by several shades, it is important to remember that individual results will vary depending on the severity of your circumstances.

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Find the treatment that suits you

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer more than one type of treatment when it comes to teeth whitening Harley Street. At your consultation appointment your dental professional will discuss all of the available treatments and suggest which one will be most suited to your particular circumstances. You can choose to have your treatment carried out within our practice, where it usually takes about an hour. If you opt for this then you will be able to notice an immediate difference in the colour of your teeth when you leave our practice, which means this treatment is ideal for anybody who is looking to brighten their teeth quickly. Sometimes patients prefer to carry out treatment themselves in the comfort of their own home. In this instance your dental practitioner will issue you with a custom-made tray that fits over your own teeth and a bleaching gel. You will need to wear your tray every night for about two weeks to see results, putting a bit of gel inside it before placing it over your teeth each night. In some circumstances people prefer to go for a combination of both of these treatments. 

Discolouration: what really causes it?

All sorts of behaviours and lifestyle choices can end up with you seeking teeth whitening Harley Street. Normal everyday habits such as drinking tea or eating certain foods can cause discolouration over time, especially if you do not follow a strict brushing regime. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day as well as using mouthwash and flossing regularly, to ensure your teeth are getting a deeper clean. Not brushing can lead to discolouration in itself, and this can be made worse with things like alcohol consumption and smoking. Generally the colour of enamel will deteriorate over time and is not overly noticeable at first, but if left untreated can result in the unsightly appearance of yellow or brown stains. If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth then you can arrange to have a consultation appointment with one of our dental practitioners, through our website or over the phone.

Want to undertake teeth whitening? A guide to the procedure from Harley Street Dental Clinic

When you brush your teeth each day, do you feel that they look white enough afterwards?

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If you are like most dental patients, then the answer is no!

With busy daily schedules and highly acidic foods and drinks now commonplace, it is no surprise that many people have a yellow tint to their teeth. Even with brushing and whitening toothpaste, some stains are stubborn and will require a professional to remove them correctly.

Whitening teeth is one of our most popular procedures at Harley Street Dental Clinic and should you want to banish yellow tints for good, come to us!

Our team can offer you 2 systems for teeth whitening Harley Street, and we will choose the one that is most suited to you based on the causes and severity of your staining. We can offer both Zoom and Enlighten, which combine at-home procedures with in-surgery whitening to give your teeth an ice-white smile you won’t be able to stop showing off to all around you!

But what exactly is the process for teeth whitening Harley Street? Read on to find out!

Assessment

Before we begin your teeth whitening Harley Street, our team will need to examine the level of staining to assess the best system for you.

As mentioned earlier, highly acidic foods and drinks can cause staining, but so can medications, smoking and even genetics. Also, we will need to assess your teeth for eroded enamel and exposed dentine. During your assessment, we will also take moulds of your teeth, so you can have a custom-fitted device for at-home whitening.

First session

During your first tooth whitening session, with both Zoom or Enlighten, we will gently paint an oxidising gel onto your teeth and will place a UV lamp to begin removing the stains.

Depending on the severity of the staining, the time that this takes may vary and once it is over, we will provide you with an oxidising gel to wear at home with your customised mouthpiece.

At home whitening

For the next 14 days, you will need to apply the oxidizing gel we provided to the inside of the mouthguard.

Wearing it to bed, it will gently remove the more stubborn stains that are present on your teeth. For the best results, you should also try to refrain from drinking coffee, wine or sodas to prevent stains from reforming on the enamel.

If you feel that there is an issue with the process or if your mouthpiece feels loose, contact us.

Second session

On your second visit, we will once again apply an oxidising gel to your teeth and use UV light to remove the remaining stains.

Regardless of whether our team has used Zoom or Enlighten, your teeth will now be up to 16 shades whiter. Be aware that, as with most gel-based whitening, there is going to be a period of sensitivity, where your teeth may react to hot or cold liquids and food. Given time, this should settle – if it doesn’t, contact us!

Need a way to whiten your teeth? Common questions about Enlighten teeth whitening answered

One of the most popular and oldest forms of cosmetic dentistry is undoubtedly whitening.

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In years gone by, having your teeth whitened by a dentist would have involved abrasion techniques along with harsh bleaching; while many whitening gels do still have some hydrogen peroxide in them, it is much more gentle on the teeth and the gums.

Depending on the underlying cause of the staining, such as acidic foods or smoking, our team will use a different strength of bleaching gel to remove those stubborn stains.

At Harley Street Dental, our team has 2 advanced whitening systems which we use that can remove even the most deeply set stains. Using either Enlighten or Zoom, your teeth whitening in Harley Street will leave you with a smile worthy of the Hollywood elite that does not cause sensitivity issues. What more could you want from a whitening system?

Of course, many people still have reservations about using teeth whitening in Harley Street due to misconceptions about long-term problems. In this article, we answer your questions about the Enlighten system, so you can assess if it is the right one for you.

How is it applied?

Enlighten is applied by our team during 2 sessions 14 days apart.

Our team will take a mould of your teeth to create a tray with which you will apply the whitening gel at home. You must wear this tray to bed for 14 days and afterwards, you need to visit our team for the final stage of the teeth whitening in Harley Street.

How many shades whiter can my teeth get with Enlighten?

Enlighten can whiten your teeth up to 16 shades, but this will vary depending on the level of staining and the underlying cause of the stains.

However, if you want your teeth to look similar to that of a celebrity, our team may be able to offer you a more suitable whitening treatment such as veneers.

Will it make my teeth feel sensitive?

You may have some sensitivity when using this gel; it is an oxidizing treatment, which needs to permeate the enamel to work.

However, our team at Harley Street can provide you with desensitising swabs for those 2 weeks of treatment and advise you on lifestyle tips to avoid any prolonged discomfort.

How long do the effects last?

The results achieved with Enlighten can last indefinitely with the right maintenance.

Wearing the trays used in the initial whitening for one night each month can help to keep your teeth looking whiter, and we can also provide you with a whitening serum to prolong results. Remember, the length of the whitening will depend on your lifestyle choices, so if you want a whiter smile that lasts, you may need to cut back on sugary drinks and smoking.

Can it be reapplied?

It can be reapplied but our team will aim to prolong the effects rather than reapply the gels. Talk to our team if you feel your whitened teeth need sprucing up!

Can yellow teeth become white? A guide to Zoom teeth whitening in Harley Street

One of the most well known and most popular of all cosmetic procedures that we can offer our patients at Harley Street is dental whitening.

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Once a procedure that could cause high levels of discomfort due to the chemicals which were used, whitening has become more comfortable and affordable for many people who may feel a bit of embarrassment related to the shade of their teeth.

And while you may have concerns that whitening options which use gels may set off your dental sensitivity, our team at Harley Street only use the gentlest gels, which will help you get the whiter smile you want, without the discomfort.

When you come to our team for teeth whitening Harley Street, we can offer you 2 different types of whitening gels. The first is Zoom, which utilises custom-fitted plastic trays and at-home treatments to whiten your smile. The second is Enlighten, which also uses trays and an at-home based procedure to get your teeth whiter in as little as 2 weeks! However, our team will help you choose the correct treatment for you.

In this article about teeth whitening Harley Street, our team will answer 5 frequently asked questions about the Zoom whitening system.

Can my yellow teeth really become whiter?

Yes, of course they can.

But depending on the underlying cause of the discolouration and how yellow your teeth are, your teeth whitening Harley Street may take slightly longer. Using Zoom, your teeth can be lightened up to 16 shades in 2 weeks, but the level of whiteness obtained will depend greatly on the initial shade of your teeth.

How does it work?

Our team will paint an oxidising gel onto the surface of your teeth and then, using a specialist light, this will help to break down stubborn stains.

Once you are home, you will be given a set of custom-fitted trays to place a milder whitening gel into, which will need to be worn for 14 days, preferably overnight.

My teeth are discoloured due to medication; can this treatment still work?

Yes, it can, it may just take multiple whitening treatments.

If you feel that the Zoom whitening system is not working as well as you want it to, talk to our team about alternative whitening treatments that we can offer you.

How many shades can my teeth be lightened by?

As mentioned earlier, Zoom whitening can make your teeth up to 16 shades whiter in 14 days.

But this may or may not give you the final shade that you were looking for, and so, additional treatments may be required.

How long will the effects last?

The results of Zoom whitening can last up to a year, but this may be shortened if you smoke or regularly consume acidic products like oranges, sodas, red wine or drink black coffee.

Luckily, our team can provide you with a top-up gel, designed to keep your teeth as white as possible for an extended period of time. What’s not to like about that?

Which teeth whitening method is right for you? A guide to Zoom in Harley Street

One of the easiest and most popular treatments available to boost your confidence when you smile is dental whitening.

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Traditionally performed using a small drill, whitening is now undertaken using a system of oxidising gels, lights and the occasional cleaning with a specific brush head from a dental professional. It can be performed at home, in the surgery (or both) depending on the severity and the depth of the staining that you have.

What are the advantages of attending a dentist to have your teeth whitened? When compared to using at-home whitening kits, there are many. For instance, your smile can be lightened by up to 18 shades in under 14 days!

At Harley Street Dental, we are able to offer our patients 2 different kinds of teeth whitening in Harley Street. The first uses a system called Zoom, and the other is called Enlighten. The difference between the 2? The length of time they take, the stains they can remove and of course, the techniques that they use to whiten your teeth.

In this article, the type of teeth whitening in Harley Street that we will break down for you is the Zoom whitening treatment that our team can offer. Enjoy!

How does it work?

The zoom whitening gel contains 25% hydrogen peroxide.

While that sounds intimidating, our team will ensure that before it is applied to your teeth both your gums, nose and eyes are protected.

Using great care, our team will brush this on to your teeth, and use our special chairside lamp to accelerate the process.

After 15 minutes, your teeth whitening in Harley Street is complete and your smile will look up to 16 shades whiter.

How are the stains removed?

The oxidising gel penetrates the enamel and with the help of the lamp, the hydrogen peroxide in the gel breaks down. This allows oxygen to get underneath those stubborn stains and lift them away in an instant.

Best of all, unlike traditional whitening methods, the enamel and the structure of the tooth is not damaged.

Is there an at-home option with Zoom?

Yes, there is.

To help keep your teeth looking sparkling, our team at Harley Street will create a set of custom-fitted trays for you to take home. We will provide you with a weaker version of the oxidising gel, allowing you to maintain that whiter smile at home.

How long does it last?

This will depend on your lifestyle; if you regularly drink highly acidic products like coffee, red wine or juices, then the effects may not last very long.

On average, the whitening achieved with Zoom lasts 6 months.

Can it be redone?

Yes, it can.

Many of our patients choose to have the process repeated but, in the name of safety, our team will only be able to offer you another Zoom session 8-12months after your last one was performed. Remember, you will have the maintenance kit at home to help you keep that gleaming smile whiter for longer!

Could I use this treatment?

Are you conscious about your yellowing smile? Do you wish you were less self-conscious? Do you wish your smile was brighter, whiter and healthier looking? If you are looking to improve the appearance of your smile through Teeth Whitening Harley Street, then you could end up with a bright new smile. Teeth staining is common as teeth can be stained by some foods, some drinks, the act of smoking and even some medications. This is very common so it can be a good idea to look into a treatment that can help you improve the appearance of your smile. This treatment is safe and can yield excellent results. The results of this treatment can depend on the nature of the staining and how stained your teeth are. If you are looking to feel better about your smile then you could utilize this treatment. This article will run through the different options for teeth whitening as well as what you should do next.

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What treatment options do I have?

There are two options to consider when you want to use the Teeth Whitening Harley Street. Zoom whitening is done in practice and is done through a gel that is applied to the teeth. A lamp is then used to activate the gel so you can enhance the appearance of your smile. We can also offer a home whitening kit which allows you to whiten your teeth at home and yield the results over the coming weeks. You will be given a custom made tray that fits directly over your teeth so you can enhance your smile on your own time and in your own home. You could also opt for a combination of the two treatments. Your dentist will work with you to determine which treatment could be the correct fit for you, your smile and your goals. If this treatment sounds like the one for you then you should read on to the next section to see what you should do next.

What should I do next?

If you do decide that this treatment is the one for you and you think that Teeth Whitening Harley Street could improve the look of your smile then you should get in touch with us here at Harley Street Dental Clinic. We will work with you to ensure that you get the help that you need to improve the appearance of your smile. Your dentist will work with you to ensure that you understand the process and that you are in a position to use this treatment effectively. You could also have a look at our website to see what other treatments that we offer, which you could use in conjunction with this treatment to really enhance your smile. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get the smile that you will be proud of. Many people use this treatment to feel better about their appearance, to spruce themselves up for an event or to simply make their teeth look more healthy. We look forward to helping you with whatever your personal reason it is for wanting whiter teeth.

A brighter smile with teeth whitening in Harley Street

Having discoloured teeth can cause people to be more self-conscious about their smile and lead them to smile less. This can lead to devastating consequences to their social, romantic and business ventures where our smiles tend to be something of a first impression and tell a lot about our personality and mood.

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Teeth staining can be from a number of things, including foods that we eat and beverages that we drink. It also can indicate something about the health of our teeth as well as our age. Teeth generally yellow with age and this is due to the thinning of your enamel which indicates strength and health.

By using teeth whitening in Harley Street, you are not only improving the appearance of your smile by removing stains, you are also allowing a more youthful appearance to your smile by negating the effects of ageing on your teeth.

How does teeth whitening in Harley Street work?

We offer two different kinds of teeth whitening in Harley Street. Firstly, zoom whitening is performed in the dental chair by a professional. A gel is placed directly on the teeth with a protective barrier on the lips and gums to protect them from burning of the bleach substance that is used. A UV light is then directed onto your teeth which has the gel on them which will activate the bleaching process. After an hour, results are seen.

This option is great for those people who have an important event coming up and they want to look their best. You can see immediate results and with proper care, especially after the first 48 hours, you can retain these results for a long time to come.

Why are the first 48 hours so important and what should I do?

Immediately after your treatment, it is best to avoid consuming anything that would stain your teeth as they are more susceptible to picking up this colouration after the bleaching process.

This means that you should do your best to avoid drinking tea, coffee or red wine and avoid eating foods such as curry or anything else that is likely to stain.

What is the other whitening treatment available?

Home whitening is exactly what the name suggests, it is a treatment that is designed to be safe to use in the comfort of your own home. Generally you use it overnight by placing a tray in your mouth with the gel being applied to the tray.

We also offer the Enlighten whitening system that is one of the easiest treatments to use. Please get in touch with us to discuss the availability of this option.

We can offer a combination of treatments to ensure that the end result is as phenomenal as can possibly be. Upon initial consultation, we look to see the degree of staining and discolouration that your teeth have so that we can look at the different solutions that are available to you and recommend the best possible options. This way, you can be confident in the process and the results that can be expected.