Over the past few years at the Wellesley we’ve noticed quite an increase in people wanting to improve their smile with cosmetic dentistry, ‘adult orthodontics’ such as Invisalign and teeth whitening treatments. As always, our priority is the health and safety of our patients and there can be a few pitfalls to using a teeth whitening treatment without dental supervision. We believe that the safest way to whiten your teeth is to do it gradually over a longer period of time, rather than with a single ‘in-office’ whitening treatment at the practice which is why, for the past few years when patients ask us for help whitening their teeth, we treat them with the Enlighten Home Whitening System, which offers the best of both worlds – safe, gradual at-home whitening which is tailored specifically for your teeth and supervised by our team here at the practice. We now use the new EVO4 formula which is Enlighten’s fastest and most effective treatment yet. With precision designed custom whitening trays, EVO4 gives impressive long-lasting results in just three weeks, meaning that you don’t need to compromise your lifestyle to maintain a healthy smile.
Why do we all want whiter teeth?
Many people choose teeth whitening to boost their self-esteem and make a positive first impression. We often get people asking for whitening for a special occasion, such as weddings, important social events – even job interviews, where want to look their best and feel more confident. But it’s not always about having a dazzling smile. As we age, our teeth naturally tend to darken and become stained due to things like food and beverage consumption, tobacco use, and certain medications, which can make us self-conscious. Teeth whitening provides a way to reverse these effects and restore a more youthful-looking smile.
Teeth whitening mistakes to avoid
Although teeth whitening can be highly effective, it is important to be aware of common mistakes to ensure optimal results. One of the most common errors is using over-the-counter whitening products without professional guidance. These products often have lower concentrations of bleaching agents and may not produce the desired outcome. Another mistake is disregarding oral hygiene practices before and after the whitening process. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with routine hygienist treatments, will help to maintain the results and prevent future staining. If you opt for professional whitening, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or dental professional to avoid uneven whitening or potential damage to the gums and tooth enamel. Additionally, avoiding excessive consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco long term, can help prolong the whitening effects. Lastly, it’s important not to expect immediate, drastic results. Patience is key, as teeth whitening is a gradual process that requires consistency and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan.
Handling Sensitivity During Teeth Whitening
Tooth sensitivity is a common concern during and after the teeth whitening process. This sensitivity occurs when the bleaching agents penetrate the tooth enamel and reach the nerves within your teeth. However, there are effective ways to manage this sensitivity. During your initial consultation for an Enlighten Whitening treatment at the Wellesley, we will test your tooth sensitivity and select a treatment based on this, which may include treatment with desensitising gel as part of the treatment process to reduce sensitivity and discomfort prior to – and during – your treatment. By performing the treatment gradually over a few weeks, you can also limit your daily exposure to the treatment which will also reduce the potential for tooth sensitivity.
The Treatment Process
We prefer to use the Enlighten Whitening system because it incorporates both at-home and in-office treatments for optimal results, with a comprehensive and easy-to-follow treatment process. It begins with an initial consultation with one of our dentists who will assess your oral health and determine if teeth whitening is suitable for your teeth. If approved, we will photograph your teeth and take a scan in order to create custom whitening trays moulded to fit your teeth precisely. We will also select the best professional-strength whitening gel treatment for you, based on what we learn during this session..
We will then send you home with some whitening toothpaste and tooth serum in order to prepare your teeth for treatment.
At your second appointment two weeks later, we will treat your teeth with a desensitiser and perform an initial session of in-office whitening using a strong whitening solution that is not permitted for home use. We will then send you home with your personalised whitening kit, complete with your new trays, whitening gel and everything you need. This is to be used every day at home for the next 2 to 3 weeks depending on the amount of treatment required. To begin the treatment, you will fill the trays with the whitening gel and carefully place them over your teeth. The trays should be worn for the recommended duration as advised by your dentist. During this time, the active ingredients in the gel penetrate the tooth enamel, breaking down stains and discolouration.
Once you have completed your treatment at home, you will come back to us for a check-up and a final session of in-office whitening. We will also give you some tips on aftercare and how to keep your teeth white and assist you in maintaining your new smile, with top-up at home treatments as required.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist regarding the duration and frequency of wearing the trays. Overuse of the whitening gel can lead to tooth sensitivity and other potential complications. Regular check-ins throughout the treatment process will allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Teeth whitening aftercare
Once your treatment is complete, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits and follow our post-whitening care instructions.
To prolong the results of your teeth whitening treatment, it is recommended to follow a few simple aftercare practices. Firstly, continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. This will help remove surface stains and prevent the build-up of plaque, maintaining the brightness of your smile. Additionally, using a whitening toothpaste can be beneficial in preserving the whiteness of your teeth.
Secondly, consider avoiding or minimising the consumption of foods and beverages known to stain teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark-coloured sauces can contribute to the discolouration of teeth over time. If you do indulge in these staining substances, rinsing your mouth with water afterward can help reduce their impact on your teeth.
Lastly, scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings is crucial for maintaining your oral health and monitoring the condition of your teeth. Your dentist can provide professional cleanings to remove any surface stains and offer guidance on how to maintain your bright smile.
What if some parts of your teeth can’t be whitened?
If you have some areas on your teeth, such as discoloured fillings which cannot be whitened these can be fixed with a process such as dental bonding, where a composite is added to your tooth. Bonding is quick, pain-free, non-invasive and easily reversible, with the same life-span as a filling and suitable for:
- Disguising Stained or discoloured teeth
- Closing a small gap
- Fixing a chipped or oddly-shaped tooth
- Making short teeth even with other teeth
Ready to brighten your smile?
If you’ve been after a brighter, whiter and more radiant smile but are unsure if whitening is right for you then make an appointment to talk it through. We can adjust the strength of the treatment so that your teeth look naturally white – rather than the luminous shades of white ‘Turkey Teeth’ that some celebrities opt for. Because the Enlighten process is gradual, you can stop when you are happy with the effects rather than having prolonged in-office whitening which may feel sensitive on your teeth.
By including consultations with your Whitening treatment, you have the best of both worlds: the convenience of gradual whitening at home, with the security of knowing that the process is safe and has been tailored specifically for you in consultation with a dental professional. The desensitisation treatment makes the whole process more pleasant and it’s also perfectly safe to eat and drink as normal during the treatment process too, so you don’t have to cut out coffee, tea, red wine or any of your favourite foods. Enlighten whitening is also 100% cruelty free and suitable for vegans.
If you would like to discuss teeth whitening with us, book an appointment for a consultation
