Does teeth whitening ruin enamel?

In a 2020 survey, around 40% of people aged 18-24 said they would consider whitening their teeth! For many people in the UK, having a smile that is white and sparkly is a pretty important lifestyle and health consideration.

So, what's holding you back from exploring your teeth whitening options?

• If you've considered whitening your teeth to remove stains.
• If you're the kind of person who stops smiling every time someone pulls out the phone to capture a moment because you don't like your smile.
• If you've researched home whitening kits, teeth whitening products and whitening toothpaste, but haven't booked a free orthodontic appointment yet! This article is here to help you take the next step.

When we speak to patients considering whitening their teeth, it's usually the point where they have just one question left:

'Will teeth whitening ruin my enamel?'

Don't let your fear of enamel damage stop you from exploring teeth whitening. We're here to tell you about the risks and the rewards of whitening, so you can make an informed choice and finally achieve that brilliant smile.

Key takeaways:

1. We'll explain the risks of teeth whitening 
2. You'll finish knowing why the safe and effective professional whitening method used at Impress is one of the best choices you'll make for your teeth and gums 
3. Find out where to find a teeth whitening professional at an Impress clinic near you

Tooth enamel and whitening agents

It's important to understand what can cause damage to teeth when choosing to whiten them. There are certainly some horror stories in the news and on social media, yet the risk with whitening comes mostly from not having a dental professional with experience in cosmetic dentistry conduct the treatment.

There are a variety of whitening agents and bleaching gels to choose from. Not knowing which chemicals do what and not understanding how to identify the strength or potential each whitening formula has to cause harm to your health is risky.

How to whiten teeth without ruining your enamel

Teeth bleaching, or whitening, works by penetrating through the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth, requiring a particularly sensitive balance and the know-how!

The bleaching agent breaks down the chemical bonds of staining compounds (stains from things such as coffee, tea, and red wine).

When applied and used as directed, at the correct strength, whitening your teeth can leave you with a sharper, brighter, whiter smile.

In contrast, incorrectly applying the whitening chemical, without following the safety procedure, and overstimulating the teeth can lead to accidents, burns, sores, receding gums and scarring.

Ignoring the prescribed amount of time and using any whitening chemicals incorrectly, you can guarantee an impact on the outcome and the health of your teeth. As a result, you can damage your tooth enamel.

The Impress teeth whitening way

1. We use carbamide peroxide and prepare your mouth with a protective solution to shield your gum line and lips
2. All the Dentists at Impress are GDC-registered
3. Our professional dentists have the knowledge and expertise to apply the bleaching agents effectively 
4. We apply the whitening agent precisely and avoid excessive contact with your soft gum tissue

  Oral health and sensitive teeth

Wherever you decide to go for dental whitening, it is the dentist's job to carefully assess how suitable you are for any treatment. Whitening is particularly important as it is considered cosmetic, rather than an emergent oral health need.

That means although it can contribute to your health and how you feel, it isn't an essential or life-dependent procedure, so your dentist should manage any risk as a primary concern.

In addition, if you have experienced gum disease, dental intervention, or other infections, speak openly to the dentist. They can ensure your suitability for whitening, and anything you share with them will help them adjust your treatment plan for maximum results.

The dentist should ask for an account of your health history and make recommendations to protect your dental health, like in the case of sensitive teeth due to bruxism.

What to expect at an Impress orthodontic consultation

• The dentists at Impress customise your plan  
• Whether you come to us for whitening or aligners, our team makes sure the plan is suitable for your specific needs 
• We consider any previous dental restorations you've had, like crowns or veneers 
• For LED teeth whitening, we check the current shade of your teeth for reference, and again after treatment
•  We will ask you about sensitivities or allergies you already have 
• We also need to know about any underlying dental conditions, such as gingivitis or malocclusions

How long does a teeth whitening last?

With a thorough hygiene routine, a nutritious diet, brushing 3 times daily, where possible, flossing and following the advice of your dentist for whitening aftercare, you can yield long-lasting results from six months up to a year, or more in some cases.

Where to go for teeth whitening in Manchester

If you're looking for teeth whitening in Manchester from a professional company with an outstanding reputation, book your free consultation today. You can visit our clinic to explore Impress whitening and clear aligners treatment. Find us in Spinningfields, just near Crown Square and The Ivy.

Where to whiten my teeth in London

We've got various locations for you to visit us in London; you can try our London Waterloo clinic for LED whitening, or if you're close to Liverpool Street, you can try our clinic there.

If you want to submit a contact form, you can do that here, or message us on WhatsApp to ask anything else you want to know about our treatment options!

We look forward to meeting you.

Citations: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1132103/opinion-on-teeth-whitening-in-great-britain-by-age/