Teeth whitening is one of our most popular cosmetic dental treatments, and it is little wonder. When properly done by an expert dentist such as our very own Dr David Brown, it is safe and effective, and can create a more youthful and healthy appearance. Teeth can darken naturally as we age, but there is no need to put up with a smile that appears yellow or stained.

Why do Teeth Darken?

The teeth of younger people are often naturally whiter, and this may be partially due to genetics, but is also down to the fact that they have a thicker layer of enamel protecting their teeth. If you compare the teeth of a younger person with someone older then you’ll notice the older person’s teeth have much more colour, but appear more translucent towards the biting edge. This is due to the enamel covering the tooth being a lot thinner, allowing more of the underlying tooth structure to show through. This is substance called dentine, and it contains the natural shade of the tooth.

This darkening effect can also be due to lifestyle choices; if you enjoy a glass or two of red wine, or just love your Friday night curries then your teeth are more likely to be stained. Smoking is another major culprit.

Choosing the Whitening System Right for You

You can choose to have your teeth bleached in our Leeds dental surgery, using the Opalescence Tooth Whitening system, or you can choose to bleach them in the privacy of your own home, using the Nite White system. Both methods have their advantages.

Opalescence will give you results in less than an hour. It is an extremely safe system that doesn’t use heat, light or UV light to activate the bleach. Another advantage is that the gel contains fluoride, helping to strengthen your tooth enamel, and reducing sensitivity.

The Nite White system gently whitens your teeth overnight, and also contains ingredients designed to strengthen tooth enamel. The bleaching gel comes in several different percentages, and one of our dentists will prescribe the strength they feel is most appropriate for your needs.

If you need your teeth bleached quite quickly for a special event, then you may wish to have them whitened in our comfortable dental surgery. However some people prefer to have more control over tooth whitening in Leeds, and find bleaching at home more suitable.

Can Anyone Have Their Teeth Whitened?

The short answer to this is no, as it is essential to have a full check-up with one of our dentists before bleaching your teeth. Your teeth need to be cavity free, and your gums must be healthy. When healthy teeth are whitened the procedure is very safe, but if an unhealthy mouth is exposed to the bleach it could be painful, and may worsen any existing dental diseases.

It is not suitable for children, and isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those who are breast feeding. While there is no hard evidence that it is bad for the baby, there has been far too little research to conclude it is completely safe. Some people may find they swallow tiny amounts of bleach during the whitening process, and while this is completely harmless for an adult, it would not be advisable for an unborn child.

Teeth Whitening Won’t Bleach Existing Dental Work

If you’d like a whiter smile but already have veneers, crowns, or bridge work, then bleach will not affect their colour. The bleaching gel cannot whiten porcelain, and you will need to budget to have these restorations replaced. If you are considering having a smile makeover then our Leeds dentists always recommend getting your teeth whitened first, the reason being that dental veneers and crowns can be more accurately matched to your sparkling new smile, rather than trying to whiten your teeth to match. Get dentist in Leeds to achieve brighter and whiter teeth at Leeds City Dentalcare.