Will Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth?

Teeth whitening procedures are becoming more and more popular. People are after a gorgeous smile that will make them proud.

Teeth whitening can only be legally and safely be planned, prescribed and supervised by a dentist. The procedure involves constructing whitening trays, applying a special whitening solution, and wearing them at night whilst sleeping.

So, does teeth whitening cause damage to your teeth?

When whitening treatment is carried out by qualified dentists, using legally licenced whitening products, it is safe and causes no harm to teeth, gums or dental work.

Is all whitening safe then?

Unfortunately not! Sadly there are many illegal tooth whitening practitioners who are not qualified dentists and are not allowed to provide dental treatment including whitening.

Illegal whitening practitioners often use unlicenced and dangerous whitening products and techniques.

There are countless instances of people suffering chemical burns and damage to lips, teeth and gums from whitening treatments provided illegally by unlicenced practitioners such as beauty therapists in tanning salons and in ‘pop-up’ whitening booths in airports, shopping centres and at exhibitions.

Illegal whitening practitioners are prosecuted through the courts for the illegal practice of dentistry without being qualified, trained or registered to do so. Unfortunately the prosecution process is failing to deal with the problem quickly enough and new illegal whitening practitioners are appearing faster than the legal process can close them down.

How Can I Whiten Safely?

Simple! Don’t use an illegal whitening practitioner. Only use a qualified dentist, skilled and experienced in tooth whitening, who can diagnose the cause of your discoloured teeth and advise you on the most effective whitening  options with the fewest side effects.

Possible Side Effects

The normal side effect from whitening is increased sensitivity. This is a temporary side effect lasting just a few days and whitening treatment is designed and planned to keep this to a minimum.

Another consideration must be that whitening will not will not have any effect on anything false – Crowns, veneers and fillings will remain totally unchanged. Care must be taken to plan the effict this will have on the overall appearance of the smile.