Who can do teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and legally can only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist. Some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, but if there is no dental professional present, it may put your oral health at risk. You can also buy DIY home teeth whitening kits but these may also carry risks.

What happens during teeth whitening?
The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a mouthguard and tell you how to use it with a bleaching gel. Then, using your mouthguard at home, you regularly apply the gel for a specified period of time over 2 to 4 weeks. At The Poplars Dental Practice we use Arctique White Teeth Whitening, a premium quality whitening gel that delivers superior results, with a noticeable improvement in just a few days. It is designed to fit in with your lifestyle so you can whiten your teeth, your way.

What are the risks of home kits and salon teeth whitening?
Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who are not qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal. Home kits bought online also carry risks. Some home kits do not contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional is not doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity. Teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications puts your oral health at risk and is also illegal.

Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. It can last from a few months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person. The whitening effect will not last as long if you smoke or drink red wine, tea or coffee, which can all stain your teeth. Teeth whitening also does not work on dentures, crowns, fillings or veneers.

How do I find out about getting my teeth whitened?
Your dentist will advise you whether whitening is right for you. It may be that teeth whitening isn't suitable, for example if you have gum disease or crowns. Do not be afraid to ask simple questions about the types of whitening treatment available, what results you can expect and whether the work is guaranteed for a certain period of time. You may also want to ask them whether there are any risks involved – for example, increasing the sensitivity of your teeth.