
Dreaming of a vibrant smile this summer? You’re not the only one. Many people desire a whiter smile and are drawn to the bold promises of teeth whitening products found in high street stores. But do these products deliver results?
We’re sure you’ve spotted various teeth whitening products while browsing the dental section at your local store, from toothpastes and mouthwashes to charcoal-activated products, brightening pens and strips. We feel that it’s important to be honest about the results these products can truly deliver. In reality, none of these offerings will make a significant difference in the brightness of your smile.
As dental professionals, we recommend investing your money wisely and prioritising actual results. Rather than wasting money on gimmicks, consider saving up for a professional tooth whitening treatment. With expert care, you can attain a significantly brighter smile that will genuinely boost your confidence and enhance your appearance.
Why Don’t High Street Teeth Whitening Products Work?
The only effective bleaching agents for teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. So if the products you are considering don’t include either of these agents, they won’t brighten your smile.
We’d like to note that teeth whitening products sold on the high street are legally limited to only 0.1% hydrogen peroxide or 0.3% carbamide peroxide. These low concentrations may not significantly alter the shade of your teeth, especially if you’re aiming for dramatic results.
For more potent whitening options, you’ll need the expertise of qualified dentists. We offer whitening treatments with higher concentrations of these agents, up to 6% hydrogen peroxide and 16% carbamide peroxide. These treatments are performed under our professional supervision, ensuring impressive results for our patients.
Unregulated Products
We strongly discourage the use of ‘DIY’ tooth whitening kits purchased online, as a recent study by Which? UK revealed that nearly 60% of these products exceed the legal limits of hydrogen peroxide. The dangers of using such kits are alarming, and unfortunately, many people are unaware of the potential damage they can cause in their pursuit of more visible results.
The levels of hydrogen peroxide found in these kits can cause irreparable damage to your tooth enamel and may even lead to painful burns and blisters on your gums.
Your dental health and safety should always be a top priority. We always advise seeking professional advice and treatments from qualified dental practitioners to ensure both effective and safe teeth whitening results.
Stats:
- Out of the nine products tested on eBay, five were found to be in violation of the law, with one containing 7.43% hydrogen peroxide.
- Similarly, on Amazon Marketplace, five of the 13 whitening products tested had levels of hydrogen peroxide that exceeded legal limits.
Other whitening products on the market also include harsh ingredients, such as lemon juice, citric acid and bicarbonate soda, that will damage your tooth enamel in the long term. So it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients and strength of chemicals before purchasing anything to ensure it’s safe for your teeth.
Professional Teeth Whitening in St Albans:
If you’re looking to brighten your smile for a special occasion or just to enhance your overall appearance, our expert dental team is here to help you look and feel your best.
At St Peter’s Lodge, we proudly offer Philips Zoom teeth whitening, one of the leading professional teeth whitening treatments available today.
The best part about teeth whitening is that it doesn’t involve any drilling or permanent alterations to your teeth, and you won’t need any anaesthetic, as the procedure is completely painless. During treatment, we simply apply the Philips hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, which is then activated by a special chair-side lamp. This light helps break down the hydrogen peroxide into smaller molecules, allowing them to penetrate your teeth and eliminate deep stains and discolouration.
In just 1 hour and 40 minutes, you can leave our practice with a stunning new smile, ready to shine at any event or social gathering.
We also provide an at-home whitening solution for your convenience. After an initial consultation, where we take an impression of your smile, we’ll create a set of custom-made whitening trays for you. You’ll then receive a Philips hydrogen peroxide gel to apply to these trays and wear at home over the course of 2 weeks. Once the treatment is complete, we’ll invite you back for a final check-up to assess the final results and ensure you’re happy with the outcome.
With our teeth whitening solutions, achieving a brilliant smile has never been easier or more comfortable.
Suitability:
Teeth whitening is a viable choice for most patients who want to enhance their smile. However, if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, it’s best to talk to your dentist before proceeding with treatment. Sensitivity can make teeth whitening unpleasant for some patients.
We’d also like to note that if you have dental work, such as crowns or fillings, teeth whitening will not alter the colour of these fixtures. This treatment focuses on improving the colour of natural teeth and won’t affect any existing dental work you may have.
Final Word:
In conclusion, by opting for professional teeth whitening, such as the trusted Philips Zoom, we can ensure that you’ll receive stunning results and access to expert guidance every step of the way.
At St Peter’s Lodge Dental Practice in St Albans, our priority is your smile’s brilliance and health. With our professional teeth whitening solutions, you can confidently embrace the summer with a radiant smile that leaves a lasting impression on everyone you meet.
Schedule your consultation today by calling our welcoming reception team at 01727 853160 or book online to experience the difference of professional care.
We can’t wait to meet you!

