Why you need a cosmetic dentist for safe teeth whitening treatment

A cosmetic dentist is an essential port of call for anyone interested in teeth whitening treatment. Harley Street Dental Clinic offers three options for teeth whitening, and all of them begin in the same way – with a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

teeth-whiteningMany people dream of having whiter teeth. In fact, a recent study discovered that 64% of the adult population of the UK were unhappy with the current colour of their teeth. Our teeth are stained for a variety of reasons, and you need to contact a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening to check that it is the most suitable treatment to suit your needs.

Teeth whitening is the most frequent request made of a cosmetic dentist, and most people are suitable for treatment. At our Harley Street clinic we welcome new patients for cosmetic dentistry consultations. Your initial appointment will include a thorough oral health check, because as with any cosmetic procedure teeth whitening should only be carried out on a healthy mouth.

If you have an underlying dental health problem, your cosmetic dentist will either treat you themselves or, when appropriate, refer you to one of their colleagues at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

We have a unique collection of dental professionals and specialists at our Harley Street practice, so whatever treatment you require it can all be completed under one roof.

Visiting a cosmetic dentist is not just a recommendation for teeth whitening treatment; because the procedure is classed as dentistry by the General Dental Council, by law only a dentist can prescribe it. A hygienist or hygiene therapist may carry out the treatment on a dentist’s prescription, but other sources of whitening must be avoided.

Some beauty salons offer the procedure illegally. As well as being an unwise option this can often be unsafe; the GDC has carried out many successful prosecutions of those who carry out illegal dentistry, but more often than not it only comes to their attention when someone has suffered serious damage to their teeth and gums.

By visiting a Harley Street cosmetic dentist, you can be assured treatment will be both effective and safe.

Why a dentist is a must for teeth whitening treatment

Did you know that teeth whitening is the most popular request heard by every cosmetic dentist in the world? Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a variety of options for those interested in teeth whitening, and your cosmetic dentist will help you to choose the best one to suit your needs.

teeth-whiteningIf you remember only one thing about teeth whitening, it’s that you must consult a dentist for your treatment. At our Harley Street clinic we are aware that there are a plethora of products on the market that that claim to whiten your teeth – we are also aware that they are unlikely to live up to their promises.

Most whitening products bought from high street shops are likely to be safe but ineffective. The most harm they are likely to do is to your wallet, because you will have wasted both your money and your time. However, products bought from dubious sources online or offered by unlicensed providers such as beauty therapists can in fact be dangerous.

Often, such products contain dangerously high levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can cause serious damage to your teeth, gums, and mouth. By law, only a dentist – or a hygienist, hygiene therapist, or clinical dental technician on the prescription of a dentist – can carry out whitening treatment.

At Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe it’s best to think about it like this: you wouldn’t call a beautician to fit a dental bridge, nor a hairdresser to place a filling. And you certainly wouldn’t buy your own dental implants from the internet and try the DIY approach (we hope!). As with every other dental treatment, a dentist is vital when it comes to teeth whitening.

When you come to our Harley Street clinic for a whitening consultation, an experienced cosmetic dentist will carry out a clinical health check to make sure there are no underlying problems such as tooth decay present. If there are, your dentist will treat these prior to carrying out whitening.

There are three options for whitening at our Harley Street clinic:

  • Home whitening
  • Power whitening here in our Harley Street practice
  • Combination whitening

Why a dentist is essential for teeth whitening treatment

A dentist is the first – and indeed the only – person you should call if you are interested in teeth whitening. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our experienced cosmetic team have helped scores of patients to remove stains and brighten up their smile with teeth whitening treatment. We offer home whitening, power whitening here in the practice, and a combination of both.

teeth-whiteninh-harley-streetWhy you need a dentist

Whatever you come to Harley Street Dental Clinic for, you can be assured of high-quality, professional, personalised treatment at every appointment. We have a unique collection of specialists here at the clinic who will all work together to provide the treatment you need.

There have been some horror stories in the news recently about unregulated teeth whitening treatment, which often contains a level of hydrogen peroxide that is neither safe nor indeed legal. The whitening systems used at Harley Street Dental Clinic meet the legal requirements for hydrogen peroxide levels and are tried, tested, and safe. A professional, qualified dentist (or a qualified hygienist on the prescription of a dentist) is the only person to consult about teeth whitening, to deliver treatment that is as safe and gentle as it is effective.

Your dentist will also undertake an oral health check before starting treatment, because as with all procedures in cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening must only take place in a healthy mouth. If your teeth are decayed or your enamel excessively eroded, this increases your chances of sensitivity during treatment.

Harley Street teeth whitening options

There are three teeth whitening options available at Harley Street Dental Clinic. All begin in the same way; a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

Home whitening

This option involves using custom-made whitening trays and gel at home. You place a small amount of gel in the trays and wear them overnight for two weeks.

Power whitening

Power whitening takes place in a single, hour-long session here at our Harley Street clinic. Your dentist protects your teeth and gums and uses a special lamp to activate the gel.

Combination whitening

A course of home whitening, topped off with an in-surgery session.

Thinking of whitening your teeth this summer? Consulting a cosmetic dentist is a must

A cosmetic dentist takes no greater pleasure than in seeing a patient walk out of their practice with the smile that they have always dreamt of. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of dental professionals, all of whom enjoy helping patients achieve that dream smile, whatever treatment they may require.

cosmetic-dentistOne of the most commonly-requested cosmetic dental procedures in the UK in general is teeth whitening treatment. At our Harley Street clinic we offer this both as a standalone treatment, and as a complement to other treatments on our extensive cosmetic dentistry menu.

Whether you are seeking a quick course of teeth whitening to brighten up your smile to ensure that you are looking your best for your holiday snaps, or you are interested in more extensive treatment – teeth straightening with the help of our discreet orthodontic systems, for example, or even a complete smile makeover – your journey begins in the same way: a consultation with a cosmetic dentist here at Harley Street Dental Clinic.

Why you must consult a cosmetic dentist

At our Harley Street clinic, we understand that it can be tempting to seek out teeth whitening treatment on your own. After all, there are a plethora of products available on the internet, in high street shops, even from some beauty parlours, all of which claim to whiten your teeth. But these should be avoided.

A cosmetic dentist is an absolutely essential member of your teeth whitening team. There have been horror stories in the news recently of teeth whitening products that contain far more than the legal amount of hydrogen peroxide, which can do very serious damage to your mouth and can leave you in need of extensive restorative dental work. Even in the best-case scenario, these so-called whitening products won’t produce the promised results, and you will be left out of pocket.

The cosmetic dentist you see at Harley Street will check that you are in good oral health before talking you through the teeth whitening options available. The products we use are safe, reliable, predictable, and fast.

Always consult a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening – here’s why

If you’re thinking about teeth whitening, a cosmetic dentist should always be the first person you call. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer two options for patients interested in teeth whitening treatment, which take between two weeks and just one hour.

teeth-whitening-harley-streetWhy you need a cosmetic dentist

Teeth whitening treatments offered by a cosmetic dentist have been extensively tested and have been proven to be effective, reliable and, most importantly, safe. The same cannot be said for the plethora of whitening treatments available from the internet, the high street, and from some beauty parlours. These products are unlikely to have undergone such rigorous testing as those licensed for use in a dental practice, which means that in the best-case scenario they simply won’t work, and you will have wasted both time and money to be left with stained or discoloured teeth.

In the worst scenarios (which have been reported in the media recently) unlicensed teeth whitening products can actually harm your teeth, gums, and mouth. This can result in increased sensitivity, discomfort and pain, as well as leaving you requiring extensive restorative dental treatment. So, whilst these treatments may appear cheaper than those offered in dental practices, they can easily prove more expensive.

The teeth whitening treatment options available at Harley Street Dental Clinic have been used to successfully treat scores of happy patients, and have been proven reliable, long-lasting, and safe. If you want to join these satisfied patients, come into our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

Teeth whitening from a Harley Street cosmetic dentist

There are two options for teeth whitening at our Harley Street dental practice, and both begin with a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.

As well as assessing the nature of staining on your teeth to check that teeth whitening will work effectively, your dentist will also carry out a thorough oral health check. As with any cosmetic procedure, whitening should only be carried out on a healthy mouth.

The two teeth whitening options available at our Harley Street clinic are:

Power whitening in the practice

Home whitening

How a cosmetic dentist can improve your smile – and your life – with a smile makeover

A cosmetic dentist offers treatments that focus on the aesthetic appearance of your smile. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we have a unique collection of dental professionals who can create the smile you’ve always dreamt of. The first step is to join us for a smile makeover consultation.

smile-makeoverWhen you come to our Harley Street clinic for a smile makeover consultation, you will be seen by an experienced cosmetic dentist. They will undertake a thorough clinical examination, as well as finding out what you want to achieve from treatment. Whenever possible, treatment will be designed to fit around your lifestyle as well as your clinical requirements.

Harley Street Dental Clinic offers a huge selection of cosmetic treatments large and small, so we are confident that we will always find the best way to help you, whatever your needs. It is often beneficial to combine two or more treatments from our cosmetic dentistry menu; whatever your requirements, your cosmetic dentist will provide you with a bespoke treatment plan, detailing future appointments, order of treatments, and estimated costs.

Some of the most popular ways a cosmetic dentist can make over your smile include:

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain placed over the front surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance. Think false fingernails for the teeth and you’ll be in the right area. The results will be long-lasting and natural-looking.

Teeth whitening

Carried out by a dentist, this is a safe and effective way to remove everyday stains – such as those caused by tea, coffee, and smoking – from the teeth. You can carry out treatment yourself at home under your dentist’s direction, or can come in for a single, hour-long power whitening appointment at our Harley Street clinic.

A cosmetic dentist is essential for teeth whitening treatment

If you want whiter teeth, a cosmetic dentist is a must. At Harley Street Dental Clinic our skilled cosmetic team offer three options for teeth whitening treatment: home whitening, power whitening here in the practice, or a combination of both.

teeth-whitening-harley-streetWhy is teeth whitening so popular?

Teeth whitening has seen a massive surge in interest in recent years, and any cosmetic dentist is likely to have carried out a number of whitening procedures. This is partly thanks to celebrity culture, and partly thanks to people learning the true value of a beautiful, bright smile.

Our teeth are easily stained, by food and drink including tea, coffee, and red wine, by smoking cigarettes and cigars, and by some medical conditions and medicines. When carried out by a cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and reliable way to remove these stains, restoring the natural brightness of your smile.

Teeth whitening at Harley Street

Our three whitening options at Harley Street Dental practice are suitable for most patients, and in most cases your personal preference will be the deciding factor. They all start with a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, who will assess your oral health as well as checking you are suitable for treatment.

Power whitening takes just one hour and is carried out by a cosmetic dentist here at Harley Street. Home whitening involves using custom-made whitening trays and gel at home for two weeks. Combination whitening starts with home treatment before a final session with a dentist here in the practice.

Why a cosmetic dentist is a must

Teeth whitening products prescribed by a dentist have a long track-record and have been proven to be both safe and effective. Other “budget” whitening options are unlikely to work, and in the worst-case scenario could end up causing damage to your teeth and gums.

Why a cosmetic dentist is a must for teeth whitening treatment

Whiter teeth are one of the most frequently requested procedures from a cosmetic dentist. Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic, we offer several options for patients who would like to lighten the colour of their teeth, from teeth whitening treatment to porcelain veneers.

cosmetic-dentistIf you are looking to lighten your teeth, it’s vitally important that you contact a cosmetic dentist prior to treatment beginning. Type “teeth whitening” into a search engine and you will find scores of results. However, it is a legal requirement that whitening treatment should only be carried out by a dentist. Many of the products available online and even in high street stores may initially seem like a money-saving option – but the long-term costs could be enormous.

Whitening products used in dental practices have been extensively tested and proven to be both reliable and safe. While at best products bought elsewhere will simply have no effect, in the worst-case scenario they can actually be dangerous, causing damage to your teeth and gums. This could result in the need for extensive and expensive restorative treatment from a cosmetic dentist.

When you come into our Harley Street clinic for a teeth whitening consultation, your cosmetic dentist will conduct a careful examination of your teeth and gums. They will do this for two reasons: to check your dental health prior to starting treatment, and to assess the type of staining you are suffering from.

As with any cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening should only take place in a healthy mouth, to lessen the chances of side effects such as sensitivity. Should they spot anything requiring treatment, your cosmetic dentist can do this first.

Some types of discolouration will not be affected by teeth whitening, in which case your dentist may recommend veneers as an alternative. The expert team at our Harley Street clinic will find the perfect solution to suit your individual needs.

How your cosmetic dentist can whiten your teeth

Teeth whitening from a cosmetic dentist is an excellent way to boost the appearance of your smile quickly, safely, and with minimal fuss. Harley Street Dental Clinic’s cosmetic team offer two options for patients who are interested in whitening their teeth.

How does treatment work?

teeth whiteningOur teeth are easily stained by everyday living, and even if we think we have a good oral health routine, tooth staining can still happen. Food and drink, smoking, even some medicines, medicated mouthwashes and medical conditions can all cause stains to develop on the teeth. When it’s carried out by a cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to get rid of these stains.

We offer both home whitening and power whitening here in our Harley Street clinic. No matter which option you decide on, you will still need to come into the practice for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, because we need to ensure you are in good dental health before we treat you. Otherwise, the chance of developing temporary sensitivity are increased.

If we do spot any health issues, your dentist will treat these first. So, while teeth whitening is a great way to boost your smile before a special event (such as a wedding or a big business presentation) do be sure to leave enough time to complete your treatment.

Your teeth whitening options in Harley Street

1 Power Whitening

Power whitening takes place here in our Harley Street clinic. Your cosmetic dentist will protect your lips and gums and will apply teeth whitening gel to your teeth. A special light is used to activate it; you just sit back and relax for an hour while the gel gets to work.

2 Home Whitening

You are given whitening gel and custom-made trays, which you wear overnight for approximately two weeks at home.

Silver to White Fillings

There was a time when, if you found yourself needing a filling, the only option was to have one made of metal amalgam. Metal fillings are very strong and durable, but on the down side are also very obvious, particularly if the tooth that needs filling is near the front of your mouth.

white-fillingsFortunately, times have changed and white or tooth-coloured fillings are now far more common.

White fillings have been around for many years, but were for some time considered less strong than metal amalgam fillings, so not suitable for the back teeth where the strongest chewing forces are exerted. However, improvements in both materials and techniques now means that white fillings are considered almost as strong as metal amalgam, and thanks to the range of materials used are suitable for use anywhere in the mouth.

Many white fillings are made from a composite resin material. As well as being strong, this material will be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth by your dentist, meaning they will blend in seamlessly and will not be obvious. You should remember that this type of material will not be affected by tooth whitening products, so you should speak to your dentist first if you are also thinking about having teeth whitening treatment.

For larger cavities, we are able to create porcelain restorations using our Cerec 3D porcelain milling machine. This option provides strength and longevity, and again your dentist will closely match the colour of porcelain to the natural shade of your teeth for maximum discretion.

Many patients come to us with grey-coloured metal amalgam fillings that they would like replaced with tooth-coloured fillings. While we would never recommend a treatment just for the sake of it, if your metal fillings are old, worn or unsightly, making you shy about smiling, we may be able to remove them and replace them with a strong and durable tooth-coloured alternative.