DIY isn’t the solution for whiter teeth.

We all want whiter teeth, it’s true. Tooth whitening is probably the most requested dental service, and a topic frequently researched online. But DIY isn’t the solution for whiter teeth.

What’s the problem?

There are many products on the market that promise whiter teeth. From everyday toothpastes, to strips and kits. Some products, such as a good quality toothpaste, should be a regular part of our twice-daily oral hygiene routine. Other products can just be a waste of time and money, while others have the potential to be harmful.

The pros and cons of DIY.

From time-to-time I have a go at interior house-painting to save money.

When I finally finish, and I stress finally because it will certainly have taken me longer than I expected and been more difficult, I stand back to admire my handiwork. There’s certainly a thrill to having got it done. And maybe it does look better than it did before. So long as I don’t turn the lights on. I can overlook the unintentional streaks, the trapped brush hairs and the splatter-effect on the floor. As I’m not a professional, I don’t really expect to get a professional finish. Anyway, it can always be painted again so there’s no harm done.

But if I damage my teeth trying to whiten them at home, it could be painful as well as costly to fix.

“Tray whitening” from your dentist is an effective solution for whiter teeth.

1. The first step is to make an appointment for a tooth-whitening consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums to decide if you are a suitable candidate for treatment. If, for example, you have very sensitive teeth, tooth whitening may be painful. Your dentist will also check to see if there are other dental problems that need to be sorted out, such as a build up of tartar, before whitening can be effective. Your dentist will match the current colour of your teeth with a sample, and discuss the lighter colour you can realistically hope for.
2. If you decide to go ahead with whitening treatment, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth. Custom ‘trays’ are made to fit your teeth so there is a short waiting period before you can begin. The advantage of having well-made trays is that the gel will cover the surfaces of your teeth properly, and not leach out onto the soft tissues of your mouth. The quality and fit of the tray are very important.
3. At another appointment, your dentist will check the fit of the trays and show you how to fill them with gel and fit them. You will be told how many hours a day you need to wear the trays, and for how many weeks.
4. In a follow-up appointment, your dentist will check the colour of your teeth, review your oral health, and discuss after-care with you. To benefit from the treatment you’ll want to reduce future staining.
5. Looking ahead, your dentist will be able to supply you with more gel, and in many cases patients may reuse their trays, so keep them safe.

So what’s the solution for whiter teeth?

The solution, quite literally, is the solution that dentists are qualified to prescribe for whitening teeth. It has a high enough percentage of the active ingredient needed to work effectively – either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The gels available through your dentist are strong enough to make a difference to the surface colour of your teeth.

If you would like to learn more about tooth whitening, contact your nearest SpaDental practice.

• Note: some of our practices also offer “in-chair” whitening for faster results.

Also on the topic:

• We all want whiter teeth
• Spring clean teeth

We advise that you only have your teeth whitened by a trained dental professional.

In the wrong hands, you could damage your teeth or mouth. You can check the dental register here.

Useful Links & Information