Did you know that 71% of British adults don’t feel confident showing their teeth when they smile for a photo, and a third of them say it’s because of their discoloured teeth*? We all long for a beautiful smile, and having bright white teeth is a good place to start. There has been a rise in popularity of teeth whitening products, due in part to influencer and celebrity endorsements on social media. But are these products really safe, or is it best to visit a dentist to get that brilliant white smile?
In surgery vs. at home teeth whitening
Many people looking for a quick, affordable way to whiten their teeth may be tempted to turn to teeth whitening products available at the supermarket or drugstore. However, these products may be ineffective at best, and potentially dangerous at worst.
Some teeth whitening kits available online have been reported to have extremely high levels of hydrogen peroxide, causing severe gum and tooth sensitivity. Some toothpastes that claim to be whitening contain small abrasive granules that remove surface stains, but do not actually whiten the teeth and may even cause the enamel on the teeth to wear down if they are used frequently.
In-surgery teeth whitening treatments may be more costly, but you’re paying for effective treatment with lasting results. Visiting a dentist for your whitening treatment will also ensure the treatment is done safely and correctly to minimise the risk of side effects such as the sensitivity of the teeth and gums. Some practices, such as ours here at Oxley Park Dental, offer a teeth whitening treatment that combines in-clinic and at-home whitening.
Teeth whitening at Oxley Park Dental
At Oxley Park Dental Practice in Milton Keynes, we use the Enlighten teeth whitening system which is safe and effective at whitening your teeth by up to 16 shades. We will supply you with the whitening trays which you can use at home overnight, before coming in for your second treatment at our practice.
If you would like to start your journey towards brighter, whiter teeth, get in touch with our team today to book your appointment.