An introduction to teeth whitening – the most popular cosmetic dentistry choice in the world

Teeth whitening is the most frequently requested treatment in the world of cosmetic dentistry. When it’s provided by a qualified dental professional, it’s a safe, effective, and quick way to brighten up your smile without the need for invasive procedures.

Crofts Dental Practice in Essex offer three options for teeth whitening treatment, all of which begin with a cosmetic dentistry consultation.

teeth-whitening-essexA dentist is the most important person in any teeth whitening procedure. The General Dental Council classes whitening treatment as dentistry, and as such it can only be legally prescribed by a dentist. Another suitably trained and qualified dental professional – a hygienist, or a hygiene therapist, for example – can carry out the physical procedure of teeth whitening, but only on a dentist’s prescription.

At our Essex dental practice we are aware that there are numerous products that claim to whiten teeth available on the open market. We also hear of beauty salons offering this treatment. All of these options should be avoided to ensure treatment that is safe, effective, and legal.

Whilst whitening products bought from a supermarket or high street chemist are unlikely to damage your teeth, they are also unlikely to live up to their promises, failing to deliver the results that you want. If you have an underlying problem such as enamel erosion or tooth decay, some products can also cause sensitivity.

Products bought from the internet may be of dubious origin, which means you can’t know for sure that they contain what they say they do, or that levels of the bleaching agent hydrogen peroxide are legal. Beauticians offering the treatment do so illegally; the GDC has carried out many successful prosecutions for illegal dentistry, but all too often someone has to suffer painful damage to their mouth in order for illegal providers to come to light.

Think about it; you wouldn’t accept any other form of cosmetic dentistry from anyone other than a dentist. Teeth whitening must be considered in the same way.

The three options for whitening at our Essex clinic are:

  1. Home whitening, supervised by your dentist
  2. Power whitening, carried out by your dentist
  3. Combination whitening – both of the above combined.

Could dental implants be the ideal solution to your tooth loss?

Dental implants are the only permanent way a dentist can replace missing natural teeth. Replacing teeth is important for both your dental and general health; even one lost tooth can make dental hygiene harder to maintain as other teeth move into the gap, getting twisted or crooked in the process. Several or all teeth missing will negatively affect your diet, your speech, and your confidence.

Crofts Dental Practice in Essex offers a number of implant solutions, designed to replace one, some, or all of your natural teeth. We believe that dental implants are, more often than not, the perfect solution to tooth loss, because as well as keeping your new teeth secure in your jaw, they also prevent the problem of bone loss.

dental-implants-essexBone loss is a common side-effect of losing several teeth. It happens because when the tooth roots are missing the jaw bone starts to resorb. This is the primary reason traditional dentures become loose, because the changing structure of the jaw bone alters the fit of your dentures.

Badly-fitting dentures can affect your diet, often restricting you to soft foods or liquids, can alter your speech and make it difficult to speak clearly, and can shatter your confidence.

Dental implants replace the root portions of lost teeth and prevent all of these problems. They are small titanium screws that are placed in the jaw bone during minor oral surgery, which most people at our Essex dental clinic only require local anaesthetic for, as it is generally considered more bearable than having a tooth extracted.

As soon as they are in place, dental implants start to integrate with the jaw bone. This takes a few months and will provide support for a crown, bridge, or denture that is akin to that of a natural tooth root, meaning your new teeth will both look and act just like the real thing.

Bone loss

Dental implants prevent bone loss, but at our Essex clinic we are able to help people who have already experienced a loss of bone density. An additional procedure – either a bone graft or a sinus lift –can be carried out prior to implant placement.

Using cosmetic dentistry to create the smile of your dreams

At our Essex dental practice, we believe that quality cosmetic dentistry is about making dreams come through. It doesn’t matter whether your aspirations for your smile are large or small – cosmetic dentistry can find the perfect solution.

cosmetic-dentistry-essexOnce considered the exclusive preserve of celebrities, cosmetic dentistry is now available to more people from all walks of life. An increasing number of women and men are turning to cosmetic dental treatments as they begin to realise the true value of an aesthetically-pleasing and attractive smile.

If you think that cosmetic dentistry has to take a long time, cost a lot of money, and requires a lot of invasive treatment, it’s time to think again. Many of the procedures at our Essex practice are complete in just a few appointments.

What is your dream smile?

The term “dream smile” is an entirely personal thing. What it means to one person may be entirely different to what it means to the next. If you don’t believe us, why not do a straw poll of your family, friends, or colleagues?

Whilst to you your dream smile may just involve bright, white, healthy teeth, your brother might rue the day he decided not to wear his retainer after teenage orthodontics, because his teeth have become squint or misaligned again.

Your mum might be embarrassed by obvious metal fillings, whilst your boss may have knocked a tooth out and want to replace it.

The good news is, thanks to the extensive cosmetic dentistry menu at our Essex clinic, there’s a solution to all of these problems and more.

The perfect treatment for your discoloured teeth will depend on what has caused the staining. Everyday stains can safely be removed with professional teeth whitening, whilst permanent discolouration can be covered by one or more porcelain veneers.

Your brother can benefit from subtle methods of teeth straightening such as Six Month Smiles or the Inman Aligner, whilst a cosmetic dentist can replace your mum’s fillings with tooth-coloured alternatives. As for your boss’s missing tooth, a cosmetic bridge or dental implant and crown can be used to fill the gap.

Cosmetic dentistry has a solution to every aesthetic problem. All you need to do is ask.