Do Teeth Whitening Products Work?
We all want a brighter smile, and there are countless whitening products out there promising to fulfil our dreams. But do these products deliver on their claims? In our latest blog post, we’ll delve into this question.
Whether you’re strolling down your local high street or browsing through popular online platforms like Amazon and TikTok, chances are you’ve come across products boasting the ability to lighten your teeth by ‘X’ shades. From whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes to brightening pens and kits, tooth serums, and whitening strips, the options seem endless. And most of the time, they cost a pretty penny too.
We understand the initial allure of these products—they shout impressive claims, are more affordable than professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist, and offer the convenience of being used at home. But do they actually work? Because if not, you’re left with nothing more than wasted money and disappointment.
The Bristol Dental Practice are here to separate fact from fiction by scrutinising the effectiveness of these hyped teeth-whitening products.
Do Teeth Whitening Products Work?
Well, the unfortunate truth is that most over-the-counter teeth whitening products, whether purchased from the high street or online, won’t truly transform the appearance of your smile.
While some of these products may provide a marginal improvement, they often fall short of delivering the dazzling Hollywood results we all desire. These minimal enhancements are usually temporary, merely scrubbing away superficial stains that will inevitably return. And before you know it, your teeth will revert to their previous colour.
It’s also worth noting that many popular “DIY” teeth whitening kits available online are unregulated and may contain higher concentrations of chemicals. These kits are illegal and can cause irreparable damage to your tooth enamel, as well as burns and blisters. For your safety, we strongly discourage the use of such products. Instead, if you still wish to explore over-the-counter teeth whitening options, ensure you buy them from reputable sources.
Remember, the safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is by entrusting the process to your dentist, who can utilise professional-grade products while applying their expertise to achieve optimal results.
Why Don’t High Street Whitening Products Work?
So what’s the science behind these products not working?
Active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are key players in effective teeth whitening. As such, if you come across a whitening product that’s making big promises, it’s wise to take a moment to check its ingredient list.
In the UK, high street dental products are legally limited to containing 0.1% hydrogen peroxide and 0.3% carbamide peroxide. Unfortunately, these concentrations are not strong enough to make much of a difference in the shade of your smile. And if the products you’re considering don’t have any hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide at all, well, they simply don’t have what it takes to brighten your smile!
Understanding the limitations of these ingredients and their concentrations can help you set realistic expectations and make informed choices regarding achieving a brighter smile.
Wait… Even Charcoal Products?
You’ve probably spotted charcoal-activated products claiming to naturally whiten teeth. Clinical studies have shown that charcoal products offer no significant teeth-whitening effect beyond regular toothpaste. In reality, the brightening effects you may notice after using charcoal products are temporary illusions from applying a black substance to your teeth and then washing it away.
Moreover, many charcoal products can be excessively abrasive, leading to tooth sensitivity and worn enamel. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid any products containing charcoal, even if they are marketed as safe and natural options.
Stick to the Professionals:
At The Bristol Dental Practice, we understand that everyone has different preferences and budgets for professional teeth whitening, which is why we offer a range of options to cater to your specific needs.
- Zoom Whitening: Our Zoom Whitening treatment is performed in our office. It involves applying a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, which is then activated by a chair-side lamp. This two-hour procedure delivers impressive results in just one sitting. It effectively removes deep stains and discolouration caused by factors like ageing, smoking, and consuming coffee or red wine.
- Enlighten Whitening: Enlighten Whitening is the leading at-home tooth whitening solution. It’s even favoured by celebrities for its ability to brighten teeth up to 16 shades! With Enlighten, you can expect consistent results, achieving the whitest natural shade (Vita Shade B1) possible through teeth whitening. The effects are long-lasting, with some patients experiencing results that last up to 5 years after their initial treatment.
For Enlighten Whitening, we will take an impression of your smile to create custom whitening trays. You’ll also receive the Enlighten whitening gel to use at home. Simply apply the gel to the trays before bed and wear them while you sleep. After two weeks, you’ll complete the treatment, and we’ll schedule a final check-up appointment to ensure you’re satisfied with the end results.
If you have tooth sensitivity or prefer an alternative option, booking an appointment with our hygienist for a professional cleaning or air polishing treatment can work wonders for your smile. This can give your teeth a brightened appearance, especially when traditional teeth whitening may not be suitable for you.
Teeth Whitening in Bristol at The Bristol Dental Practice:
To discover how we can help you achieve your brightest smile yet, why not call our private dental practice in Bristol and book a consultation with our esteemed dental team? We will assess your smile and build a treatment plan that aligns with your vision.
Call our practice today at 0117 910 5929 or book online to take your first step in achieving a beautiful, bright smile.
We can’t wait to meet you!