A radiant, white smile can do more than just brighten your face—it can transform how you feel and how others perceive you.
However, more than half of British adults (51%) are said to feel anxious about the appearance of their smile.
Over time, it’s common for teeth to become stained or discoloured due to factors like coffee, tea, wine, and ageing.
Here at St Peter’s Lodge Dental, we can whiten your teeth – quickly and effectively, and have been doing so for many happy clients across St Albans and Hertfordshire.
Here, we dive into the details of this popular cosmetic dental treatment, answering all your pressing questions. Whether you’re curious about how teeth whitening works, the benefits it offers, or the options available locally, we’ve got you covered.
I’m brushing twice a day – why aren’t my teeth getting whiter?
We understand it can be frustrating when your efforts abiding to a strict dental routine aren’t paying off with visible results. Brushing twice daily – or more frequently if advised by your dentist – is crucial for removing plaque and preventing cavities. However, the mechanical action of toothbrush bristles alone won’t whiten your teeth, and over-the-counter whitening toothpastes can only achieve a mild impact on surface stains.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, professional whitening is both safe and effective when performed under the supervision of a dental professional. Our team uses methods designed to protect gums and minimise sensitivity.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Tooth whitening is a non-surgical and simple procedure. We can whiten your teeth using safe chemical agents that won’t cause sensitivity and are pain-free. This procedure also doesn’t involve drilling or shaving and won’t require an anaesthetic.
How long does teeth whitening take?
At St Peter’s Lodge, we offer Philips Zoom! in-house whitening and the treatment typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete. This involves applying a hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth and using a special LED light to accelerate the whitening process. So you can leave our office in no time with teeth that are several shades brighter!
There are also take-home kits: These require wearing custom-fitted trays with whitening gel for 30 minutes to several hours daily, depending on the product. Results are usually noticeable within 1-2 weeks.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Although not a permanent solution, Philips Zoom! whitening treatment is powerfully designed to achieve effective results – typically lasting from six months to two years. However, how long you’ll maintain these results depends on your lifestyle.
To keep your rejuvenated smile shining for longer after a teeth whitening treatment, here are some tips that can help:
- Maintain a Good Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a whitening or non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss daily or use interdental brushes to prevent plaque buildup, and rinse with a dentist-approved mouthwash.
- Watch Your Diet: Avoid dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and cola, as these can stain your teeth. Limit foods with strong pigments, such as berries, tomato-based sauces, and soy sauce.
- Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking can quickly dull the whiteness of your teeth, along with increasing your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, bad breath and even oral cancer.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away stain-causing substances and keeps your mouth healthy.
- Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings: Professional cleanings with a hygienist remove surface stains and maintain oral health, prolonging your whitening results.
Are Veneers good for teeth whitening?
Veneers are another cosmetic treatment we offer for those looking to obtain more dramatically lighter results.
Veneers are ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells – usually made from porcelain, that are custom-crafted to fit over the front surface of your teeth. Their purpose is to enhance the appearance of your smile, by addressing issues such as discoloration, gaps, chips, or misshapen teeth.
Veneers and tooth whitening services can be used together. Many patients choose veneers to improve the shade of certain teeth and then choose tooth whitening to improve the appearance of the remaining teeth which can be a more cost-effective way of improving your smile.
Professional teeth whitening is an increasingly popular treatment that can offer great results in a relatively short amount of time, without the worry of damaging your smile.
However – we always encourage our clients to embrace the natural beauty of their smile and recognize that teeth are never perfectly white. Striving for perfection can lead to unrealistic expectations, as every individual’s teeth have unique characteristics shaped by their genetics and lifestyle.
Achieving a brighter, healthier smile is a wonderful goal, and one best reached when maintaining good oral hygiene alongside any professional dental treatment.
Ready to take the first step toward a vibrant, more confident smile? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and so we can talk about the best whitening options tailored to you.
