There is something truly striking about a nice smile. It is one of the first things that people notice about us, and often one of the last things that they forget. Many of us, though, feel held back by stained or discoloured teeth, and we hide our smiles behind closed lips. Whether from coffee, red wine, smoking, or simply the passage of time, our teeth can lose their natural brightness as the years go by, but the good news is this, brighter teeth are possible, and the benefits go far beyond cosmetics.
At Rushey Green Dental Practice, we hear a common concern from patients every week. They say things like, “I feel like my teeth make me look older,” or “I always smile with my mouth closed because I am embarrassed.” If you can relate to these, then a whitening treatment may be just what you need to rediscover your smile and the confidence that goes along with it.
Let us take a closer look now at why tooth whitening offers more than just a superficial change.
While local dental care is predominantly about maintaining a healthy and functional set of teeth, it can also both improve your appearance, and equally importantly, your self confidence.
If you have ever hesitated to smile in a photo, or felt reluctant to laugh openly. It may seem a small thing, but it has an emotional impact. A whitening treatment can lift years of staining, but it can also remove years of hesitation and discomfort.
Many patients tell us that, after treatment, they feel like a new version of themselves. They are more relaxed in conversations, they smile without thinking and feel younger, brighter, more engaged. It is a change that begins with the teeth but radiates through their mood, and even their social confidence.
Teeth naturally darken with age as the inner part of the tooth takes on a darker shade, but lifestyle plays a large role too. Here are some of the main causes:
Even if you brush and floss twice a day, everyday life takes its toll. Whitening offers a way to refresh what nature and time have dulled.
It might be tempting to try a quick fix from the supermarket or online. There are strips, pens, pastes, and kits that promise ‘whiter teeth in a week’. Some may work a little (but equally might not!), but there are potentially significant risks.
Over-the-counter products often:
Professional whitening, on the other hand, is closely monitored. It uses safe, controlled concentration of whitening gel and is designed to protect both enamel and gums. You can achieve a deeper and more even result while reducing the chance of sensitivity.
At our practice, we provide custom-fitted trays and whitening gels that help to lift stains from within the tooth. The process is entirely non-invasive and can have rapid and impressive results.
The first thing you need to do is to have a consultation with us. During this, we check your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a suitable candidate for having your teeth whitened. If you have any problems, such as decay or gum health issues, these will need to be treated first.
We will then take impressions of your teeth in order to create custom trays. These trays hold the whitening gel against your teeth evenly, ensuring consistent results in a comfortable manner.
You can use the trays at home over the course of one to two weeks, depending on your preference. Many people notice a difference in just a few days. Others prefer a more gradual change. It is flexible and designed around you.
The result is typically several shades lighter, but more importantly, it looks natural. Your teeth do not look artificially white; they look clean, bright, and healthy; the way they used to do, or perhaps even better.
It is a common worry, and a good one to ask. When supervised properly, professional whitening is safe. The materials are designed to penetrate the enamel without weakening it. You may experience temporary sensitivity, but this usually fades quickly.
We always make sure you are given instructions and advice to minimise any discomfort and keep your teeth in top condition.
Whitening is not a one-time solution although some may use it this way for a one off event like a wedding. Stains will almost certainly return over time but there are a number of things you can do to minimise this and slow it down at least.
If you have looked in the mirror recently and wished that your teeth still had that certain ‘sparkle’, why not get in touch with us to discuss our popular teeth whitening procedure, or potentially porcelain veneers for more badly stained teeth. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation at our Catford dental clinic, please call the Rushet Green Dental Practice today on 020 8314 5066.
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