Teeth Whitening: Cost, Procedures & More

Teeth whitening is a quick, non-invasive, and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment that can improve the looks of your teeth and smile as well as enhance the quality of your oral health.

There are plenty of options available when it comes to whitening your teeth. You can have them professionally whitened by a dentist, use a bleaching kit at home, or use some over-the-counter teeth whitening products to get this done. 

Teeth whitening can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of your smile. In this article, we are going to share with you how much is teeth whitening in the UK, its procedures, and more. So, stay with us till the end.

Types of Teeth Stains

Before we go ahead and discuss main teeth whitening options and their costs, it is better to identify the type of stains that you have. This way you can quickly decide which way you need to go in terms of treatment.

• Intrinsic Stains

These stains are present inside your teeth’ enamel and are caused by antibiotics, fluoride exposure, aging, and trauma. These stains can be removed with supervised take-home teeth whitening products and kits. In the past, these stains were considered untreatable by bleaching but now most cosmetic dentists can help you do that over a matter of a few visits.

• Extrinsic Stains

These stains appear on the outer surface of your teeth and are caused by tobacco, dark-colored beverages and food, artificial coloring, coffee, etc. These stains are not that hard to remove. Regular brushing and prophylactic cleaning can help you get rid of these. You need to have external stains treated as soon as possible. If not, they can penetrate into the dentin and cause severe damage.     

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective way to whiten your teeth in the long term. The results of this type of treatment can last between 1 and 3 years. On the other hand, using a teeth-whitening kit doesn’t offer the same kind of long-lasting performance.

Main Causes of Tooth Stains

Here are some of the main reasons behind tooth stains

• Excessive smoking and nicotine consumption
• Age is another major cause 
• The teeth color you are born with
• Poor eating and drinking habits
• Excessively grinding your teeth can darken the biting edges
• Cracks resulting from falls and injuries can also collect debris and stain
• Use of certain drugs and chemicals such as Tetracycline and fluoride

Available Teeth Whitening Options

here are some of the major teeth whitening options that you can go for

• Teeth Whitening Products

The simplest and easiest way to make your teeth whiter is to use over-the-counter (OTC) products like toothpaste and mouthwash. These products contain baking soda, charcoal, and low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide.

All these constituents have abrasive properties which can scrub the stains away making your tooth appear naturally white and bright.      

• In-Office Whitening

A dentist uses higher concentrations of active teeth whitening ingredients which leads to visible results in very less time. In-office teeth whitening is completed in several sessions where the dentist uses power bleaching with hydrogen peroxide solution for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Sometimes the dentist might also use laser therapy for teeth whitening. This treatment option is not that common since there isn’t enough evidence to establish its success.

• Home Teeth Whitening Kits

These usually contain a paste or a gel that is applied using sticky strips or a special brush. Some kits also have a whitening agent that you apply before placing the mouthguard. There is also a blue light source, heat lamp, or UV source that radiates the paste.

The mouth guard helps keep the bleaching agent on your teeth which increases its absorption. It also limits the contact between the whitening solution and your gums.

To get good results, you have to use this kit every day for several weeks. You are expected to see good results in about 2 to 4 weeks after consistent use.

Costs of Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening cost in London may vary based on the type of procedure and products you pick. Typically, a professional in-office teeth whitening procedure costs between £150 – £700. The price may vary based on individual dentist rates and experience.

Also, teeth whitening prices for a DIY kit generally fall between £20 to £150. If your teeth are in good shape in terms of color, you can use these products to enhance your smile. Just make sure to steer away from cheaper and low-quality kits since they contain very low concentrations of peroxide. We provide teeth whitening kits – both arches from £693.

And finally, if you want a middle ground between the above two options, you can use OTC or over-the-counter teeth whitening products that can cost £100 to £400. These products are easy to use and they can deliver much better results without causing major oral health risks.        

Risks and Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of teeth whitening include tooth sensitivity, mouth, and gum irritation, etc. The gum and mouth irritation usually lasts several days and dissipates when the bleaching stops and the peroxide concentration lowers.

If you have dental crowns or veneers, these are not affected by dental whitening products. This way the surrounding teeth are whitened while crowns or veneers stay unaffected which leads to the condition called technicolor.    

Tips for Maintaining Whitened Teeth

Here is what you can do to make sure your teeth stay white after having them cleaned

• Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for at least one week following the teeth whitening
• Use a straw whenever possible while drinking dark-colored beverages
• Brush and floss after meals and especially before bedtime
• Adopt good oral hygiene practices 
• Do at-home maintenance whitening 

Conclusion

So, this is all there is to know about teeth whitening. Always make sure to consult with an expert before using any particular teeth whitening product or procedure. This will help minimize oral health risks and ensure the best output.

In order to keep your teeth naturally white and healthy, adopt good oral hygiene habits. Avoid eating foods and consuming drinks that can damage or cause discoloration in your teeth.

Regular cleaning and dentist visits can help you enjoy a lasting bright and white smile and prevent dental loss and other oral health risks. So, take care of your teeth this way and forget all your insecurities regarding how your small looks.  

Contact us for professional teeth whitening services in London, UK.