Why a cosmetic dentist is a must if you want whiter teeth

Teeth whitening procedures are one of the most commonly-requested treatments from a cosmetic dentist. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we offer two options for patients interested in teeth whitening – home whitening and power whitening here in the practice.

Why you need a cosmetic dentist

hsdc-teeth-whiteningIf you’ve been exploring your options for teeth whitening treatment, the chances are you will have stumbled upon numerous products online and on the high street that claim to whiten teeth. Some beauty salons even offer teeth whitening, although by law this should only be provided on a dentist’s prescription.

Products used by dentists have been extensively tested and have been proven to be both safe and effective. If you go for a cheaper option online or in-store, the chances are these products won’t have been subjected to such rigorous testing. While in many cases this means they simply won’t work or won’t produce the results you want, in fact you’ve had a lucky escape. Some unregulated teeth whitening products can actually damage the teeth, gums and mouth, potentially leading to the need for extensive, expensive restorative dental work. In short, teeth whitening from anyone other than a cosmetic dentist should be avoided.

The whitening products used by the cosmetic dentists at our Harley Street clinic are safe, reliable and predictable. We will ensure any temporary side-effects such as increased tooth sensitivity are kept to a minimum, and will advise you on how to deal with any sensitivity should it occur.

Teeth whitening should also only be carried out on a healthy mouth, so whether you opt for home or in-chair whitening, you will still need to call in to our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Should they find any health issues such as tooth decay, they will treat these first.

Why you need a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening treatment

Do I really need to see a cosmetic dentist to have tooth whitening treatment? That’s a question that some patients ask themselves, tempted by whitening products available on the high street or from the internet. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we would always urge you to consult a cosmetic dentist before undertaking whitening treatment – for the sake of your smile and your health.

teeth whitening treatmentTeeth whitening treatment is one of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist will be asked to carry out. It involves the use of special dental bleaching gel to remove the everyday stains that build up on the teeth thanks to drinks such as red wine, tea, and coffee, as well as through smoking and as a side effect of taking some medicines.

When carried out by an experienced cosmetic dentist, teeth whitening is safe, fast and predictable. At our Harley Street clinic we offer three teeth whitening options: home whitening, power whitening here in the practice, or a combination of both. Your dentist will talk you through all the options so that you can decide on the best one for you at your initial consultation.

One of the most important things to remember about teeth whitening is that it should only be carried out on a healthy mouth. If you have tooth decay, gum disease or any other oral health problems, these should be treated prior to starting teeth whitening, to help prevent complications such as sensitivity.

The experienced dental team here at our Harley Street clinic can diagnose and treat any health problems before you start your whitening treatment. We have a team of specialists under one roof who can help with both major and minor oral health issues.

Products used by the cosmetic dentists at our Harley Street clinic have been rigorously tested and proven to be safe and effective. Those available elsewhere are unlikely to have been subject to such intensive testing, and could actually damage your teeth or gums.

Why a cosmetic dentist should always be consulted for teeth whitening treatment

If you’ve stumbled on this post searching for teeth whitening treatment in London, you may wonder if a cosmetic dentist is really necessary. After all, aren’t there lots of products available over the counter or from the internet promising to whiten teeth? And doesn’t the beauty salon down the road offer cheaper treatment? At Harley Street Dental Clinic we believe that it is vital to consult a dentist before starting teeth whitening treatment.

teeth whitening treatmentA cosmetic dentist will only use teeth whitening products that are tried, tested and safe. The products that are used by dental clinics, including our Harley Street practice, are renowned for their high quality and reliability, and have been subjected to intensive testing before being deemed safe to market.

It is true that there are many products available online and from shops and beauty salons that claim to give you whiter teeth. However, these are very unlikely to have been tested as extensively as those used by the cosmetic dentists here at our Harley Street practice.

In the best-case scenario, these products simply won’t have an effect. You will have wasted both time and money and your teeth will still be stained. Some of these unregulated products can, however, be dangerous, especially without a dentist’s instruction on how to use them properly. They can increase sensitivity or even damage your teeth, gums or mouth.

Teeth whitening treatment should only be carried out on healthy teeth, as with any cosmetic dental procedure. When you come for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist at our Harley Street clinic, they will examine your teeth first, and will treat any health problems such as gum disease or tooth decay before starting whitening treatment. This helps decrease the risk of sensitivity during treatment.

Harley Street Dental Clinic offers two teeth whitening options: power whitening from a cosmetic dentist here in the practice, and home whitening using special, custom-made teeth whitening trays.

Why you should always consult a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening treatment

Teeth whitening treatment is probably the most common procedure a cosmetic dentist will be asked about. At Harley Street Dental Clinic, our team have provided teeth whitening treatment for scores of happy patients.

teeth whitening treatmentHere, we look at why you must consult a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening. . .

By law, teeth whitening must only be carried out by a dentist or a hygienist on a dentist’s prescription. However, there are still some beauty salons offering the procedure, as well as numerous products available online and on the high street that claim to whiten teeth.

Many of these products will have a cheaper price tag than teeth whitening from a cosmetic dentist. That does not mean, however, that they do not come with hidden costs.

The teeth whitening products used at Harley Street Dental Clinic have been extensively tested and are completely safe. Products in beauty salons, online and on the high street are unlikely to have been subjected to such rigorous testing.

In the best-case scenario, these products will simply not work. You will feel frustrated that you have wasted your money, but in fact you have had a lucky escape, as some products can actually damage your teeth, gums or mouth. This can result in discomfort, pain and in some cases the need for extensive restorative dental treatment.

Teeth whitening treatment, like all cosmetic dental procedures, should only be carried out on healthy teeth. When you come to our Harley Street clinic for a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, they will be able to identify any oral health problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, which could result in increased sensitivity during whitening. They will treat any health problems first, before carrying out teeth whitening here in the practice or providing you with whitening gel and trays to use at home, depending on your preference.

What To Expect After Teeth Whitening Treatments

People take measures to ensure their teeth stay in good shape, going as far as enduring regular dental appointments. That is why they are more careful and sceptical of dental treatments like teeth whitening.

teeth whitening treatmentsDentists in Harley Street value your teeth and the importance of knowing about dental treatments. That is why they are giving you an idea about things to expect after undergoing teeth whitening treatments.

Gum and Teeth Sensitivity

Cosmetic dental treatments may produce side effects for people with existing sensitive teeth and gums. Your gums and teeth might be reacting from the whitening agents. The pain or sensitivity should go away in a few days. If your discomfort continues, however, you might have to consult with your dentist for appropriate treatment.

Not as white as you think

Some people think that undergoing teeth whitening treatments can give them clear white smiles. Teeth whiteners do not always guarantee such results. The effect varies on the quantity of chemicals used and your teeth’s condition. The deeper the stain, the harder it is to restore your teeth’s colour. Dentists do not use more teeth whitening agents than the prescribed amounts as these might cause damage to your teeth. They do their best to give you a nice, white smile whilst considering your health and safety.

Lifestyle changes

You might have to make lifestyle changes after teeth whitening treatments. Your adjustment will be a bit more difficult if you smoke or drink regularly. Tobacco and spirits cause tooth stains and compromise your treatment. A diet full of sweets, heavy sauces, coffee, tea or other colourful food and drinks may cause tooth discolouration, as well.

Occasional dental visits

Teeth whitening treatments generally last long but they are not invincible. The duration of the effects depend on how well you take care of your teeth. Proper oral hygiene and diet help, but letting a dentist clean your teeth is still the best way to prolong the effects.

Whilst dental treatments can give you instant results, proper oral care post-treatment will still determine their effectiveness. If your teeth need a makeover, cosmetic dentists in Harley Street can help you improve and restore them to their former glory. They provide advice and dental treatments to keep your teeth in good condition. Contact us for more information about our services.

Interesting Impressions About White Teeth

When considering prospective employees or lifetime partners, what do people look at first? Years ago, a pleasant face was the priority. Nowadays, white teeth take precedence over other physical attributes. White teeth increase your chances of finding a job or a partner, according to studies.

People with white teeth have better job opportunities

teeth whiteningPearly whites not only help you land a job, but also give you a leg up in your career. In a study by Dentalcompare, researchers found that white teeth created good impressions for employees. Fifty-eight percent of the experiment’s participants that underwent teeth whitening treatments were more likely to be hired. In addition, 53% of them received higher salary offers; 65% seemed to be more professional, and 61% looked more confident.

Another study proved white teeth as the key for being hired. A survey conducted by Strategy One revealed that 60% of respondents considered stained teeth as more detrimental to a job interview compared to pimples, poorly maintained nails or not wearing a suit. On the other hand, 57% of them were surprised to learn that having white teeth is more important than professional attire. Some people attribute stained teeth to laziness or carelessness, which bodes ill for a career.

People with white teeth are more dateable

White teeth increase your chances of finding love, as proven in a study about people involved in romantic first dates. After the teeth whitening treatments, 54% of participants became more desirable for further relationship, with 59% seen as more outgoing.

In contrast, researchers from universities of Leeds and Central Lancashire ranked oral conditions and found yellow teeth as the most unpopular to the opposite sex followed by widely spaced teeth. Apart from enhancing attractiveness, white teeth are a sign of good health, now a leading requirement for Brits looking for partners.

These studies highlight the importance of keeping your teeth white or at least clean. How you maintain your teeth has a significant impact on your career and love life. Cosmetic dentists in Harley Street can help you when it comes to stained teeth. We provide an array of teeth whitening treatments so you will have teeth and a smile that will attract prospective employers or that looker from accounting. Contact dentists in Harley Street to know more about their services.

Whitening Treatment & the Habits that Ruin Your Teeth

Whilst many consider teeth whitening treatments as minor miracles for stained teeth, such methods do not guarantee long-term results. Your habits or activities may render them ineffective. So if you are recently done with one, you should lessen or avoid doing these things altogether:

Overusing teeth whiteners

teeth whiteningIf you think that using teeth whiteners after dental treatments produces better results, you might want to reconsider. Teeth whitening kits contain bleach and other strong chemicals that may weaken the enamel, harm your teeth and gums, causing the opposite to happen.

Avoid or lessen the use of commercial teeth whiteners after dental treatments. Use them only upon a dentist’s advice, and only in prescribed amounts, as well. Excessive use of teeth whiteners may increase your teeth’s vulnerability against germs, causing more stains.

Consuming teeth-staining diet

Your teeth will become sensitive after a whitening treatment, leaving them vulnerable to stain-causing bacteria. Dentists suggest that you wait for at least 36-48 hours for the whitening agents to take effect before consuming teeth-staining food or drinks.

Avoid food or drinks with a strong colour, including coffee, tea, sauces, mustard, cranberry juice and red wine for several days until the open pores in the tooth close. Rinse your mouth with water right after consuming dark food and liquids for long-lasting results.

Poor Lifestyle

Certain habits may reduce and remove the effect of your teeth whitening efforts. Avoid smoking post-treatment as it causes dark stains to linger in your teeth. Drinking alcohol leaves your mouth dry, allowing stain-causing bacteria to thrive so try to avoid it, as well.

Teeth whitening treatments last for a few years. Overusing teeth whiteners, consuming teeth-staining food or drinks, and poor lifestyle, however, may cause the effects to disappear early. Maintenance is essential to make the effects of your whitening treatment last longer. Cosmetic dentists in Harley Street conduct teeth whitening, dental veneer installations and other treatments for a brighter smile. We can give you advice and assistance, ranging from treatments to maintenance of your pearly whites. Contact us for more information on our wide selection of dental treatments.

Teeth Whitening

If you want a quick and safe boost to your smile, teeth whitening may be the perfect cosmetic dental treatment for you.

teeth whiteningFor a time, bright, white teeth were the preserve of film stars, celebrities and the super-rich. These days, however, things are different, and teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available. It’s simple, affordable and a great way to boost your smile.

The most important thing to remember about teeth whitening treatment is that it should always be carried out by a qualified dentist. While the treatment is available in some beauty salons, this is illegal without a dental professional present. Tooth whitening products can also be bought from the internet, but these are likely to be substandard and can end up damaging your teeth and causing sensitivity and pain. Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is – and it’s certainly not worth risking your oral health for!

Teeth whitening carried out by a fully-trained dentist is safe, reliable and should not cause any discomfort. We offer both in-practice and home teeth whitening, using the popular Zoom tooth whitening system.

The Zoom whitening system used in the practice requires just one appointment, which will last about an hour and a half and is a non-invasive, relaxing procedure. Imagine walking into the practice with stained teeth and walking out less than two hours later with a bright, fresh, white smile!

The home tooth whitening system uses bespoke trays and whitening gel, which you wear overnight for one to two weeks, depending on what your dentist tells you. You will still need to visit the practice so that we can make the trays to exactly fit your mouth.

At the Harley Street Dental Clinic we don’t believe in quick-fix solutions when there is an underlying problem, and we won’t provide tooth whitening treatment without treating any underlying dental health issues first, as this can do more damage than good. However, as we offer a full range of dental treatment, there’s no need to worry, as we can fix any tooth or gum problems before your tooth whitening treatment begins.