Frequently Asked questions - Sparkly Whites Clinics London

What is tooth whitening and how to get whiter teeth?

Dazzling bright smiles are within everyone’s reach, many options are available for a brighter smile. The systems available for the process of tooth whitening include, over-the-counter gels, rinses, whitening strips and toothpastes. However, for professional treatment and better results tooth bleaching is the best possible option. Tooth whitening is a bleaching process which removes stains and discoloration from teeth that may have been built up over the years from different food intakes, tobacco, coffee or red wine. The bleaching process is ideal and effective in providing positive results without the destruction of the tooth. Teeth whitening has become popular amongst people who want a brighter and whiter smile. This process is ideal for people with healthy teeth. However, the cosmetic procedure is not recommended for everyone - speak to one of our consultants today to find out if you are suitable.

Reasons for wanting a whiter smile…

Everyone one is unique and with that uniqueness comes different types of skin tone and hair, but also a smile. A person’s smile begins to lose its whiteness and shine due to the lack of maintenance. The first thing most people look at is a person’s smile. Having whiter teeth will increase a person’s confidence and self-esteem allowing him or her to become more sociable. With age the discoloration of the teeth becomes more visible due to the continuation of staining through food and drinks & thinning of enamel due to acid erosion. Other stains however can be results of small cracks in the teeth causing the under surface of the tooth to be affected and appear discolored. A whiter smile will give you a bigger brighter smile.

Are the results permanent or how long do they last?

Like losing weight, eventually over time if you persist to eat the wrong foods you will put the weight back on.  The same can be said about teeth whitening, once you have whitened your teeth, gradually over months and years the food that your eat will begin to stain your teeth again.  There are many gentic & lifestyle factors that can influence the colour of your teeth -  so you can see its not such a straight forward question to answer in terms of how long will results last.

Typically depending on the texture (enamel structure) of the teeth, lifestyle habits and maintenance, the results can last anywhere from 18-24 months. Those with yellow toned stains in their teeth due to tobacco, coffee, redwine, curry's will see great improvements.  Those with grey shades to their teeth often need a more advanced or extended whitening treatment, as the grey shading is intrinsic - meaning inside the internal structure of the tooth.  These type of teeth need to be whitened longer to the dentin layer.

By Changing ones lifestyle habits & not drinking as much coffee, red wine & smoking, you will increase the chances of your teeth staying whiter for longer.  To aide this there are home maintenance kits, whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter whitening strips and whitening gel. Sparkly White's Advanced Teeth Whitening system has proven to provide more positive results in the long term.

Safety of whitening procedure…

Both individual and professional treatments have been proven to be safe. The professional treatments of tooth whitening are done under the supervision of a Highly Trained & Qualified Teeth Whitening Specialist. The process will not cause damage to the enamel or the tooth nor will it cause weakness. The only side affect of tooth whitening is the sensitivity of your teeth. However, everyone is different, therefore, the sensitivity of the teeth may last between 24 to 48 hours.

Hydrogen Peroxide H2o2and Carbamide Peroxide are the ingredients used in teeth whitening and they are both proven to be safe allowing a multi-billion dollar industry to continue growing and proving people with excellent and satisfying results. Be concerned if anything other than these products are used to whiten your teeth.  Chlorine Dioxide and other products are inferior and do not achieve the same results!

How much is to much and when is it enough?

The amount of time you whiten your teen is limited. Most doctors will recommend only three treatments per year. This limitation allows keeping healthy, bright, white and refreshed smiles. When the teeth reach their realistic share, twice a year will be the preferred treatment.

Side effects of tooth whitening

Tooth whitening causes mild and temporary tooth sensitivity. The discomfort feeling is noticed by hot or cold fluids and intake oxygen. There is nothing to worry about, these side effects are said to be normal but, there are bleaching gels which contain desensitized agents allowing to sooth the feeling of discomfort. Furthermore, certain toothpaste contains potassium nitrates, which are highly recommended for use after the whitening process, this will also help with the sensitivity to the teeth. If the discomforted or sensitivity continues, stop the whitening treatment and speak with your dentist.

Teeth whitening for crowns, bridges and veneers…

Tooth whitening will only work on natural teeth. If you feel your crowns, bridges or veneers are looking discoloured or don't match your natural tooth colour post whitening, then ask your dentist if its time to replace your current bridges, veneers or crowns with new one's that will match the colour of our teeth. It is best to whiten your teeth prior to getting new crowns, veneers or implants as this will allow the dentist to match the exact colour of your teeth post whitening.

Is the process ineffective on False Teeth?

Tooth whitening will not work on false teeth. The process will only work on existing teeth allowing for its texture and color to become lighter and brighter without damaging the tooth. If dentures, crowns or veneers are stained or discolored it is highly recommended you visit your dentist because they may need to be replaced.

Is whitening recommended to those with gum problems?

Prior to whitening your teeth, ask your dentist if it is safe to have your teeth whitening if you suspect gum disease or cavities or other problems which may cause longer discomfort. Generally if you suffer from Gingivitus or any major peridontal disease we would suggest you consult your dentist to get your gums & teeth healthy prior to whitening.

Age requirement for tooth whitening…

One must be 18 year or older to be considered for the teeth whitening process. For anyone under the age of 18, parental consent is required.

Is bleaching your teeth safe during pregnancy or while nursing?

Generally we do not recommend teeth whitening (in chair or custom trays) during pregnancy. There is no research to prove that teeth whitening will be harmful to your unborn baby, however we suggest never to take a chance with the most important passenger on board.  Also, as your baby is drawing all the calcium and nutrients from its mother it tends to weaken teeth, therefore even if you went through with a laser teeth whitening treatment you would be more likely to experience extreme tooth sensitivity.  The best thing to do is to postone the process until you have given birth and stopped breast feeding.

We are much more affordable then dentists

With the high volumes of laser teeth whitening treatments performed on weekly bases allows us to offer discounts on an ‘economy of scale’ agreement with our current suppliers. Unlike other dental practices we lower the overheads and pass on the savings to our customers.