Teeth Whitening: Are teeth now a fashion statement?

Let’s talk teeth: they’re the first thing people notice about us and they can be a last thing someone remembers about us. More and more people are now paying for brighter, whiter teeth. But with the daunting array of options on the market – from implants to veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments, how do we pick the best course of action?

Celebrities have always been the icons of ‘perfect pearly’ whites to set them apart from everyone else that little bit more – but with the advancements made in dental technology and treatments, you, can rock the look too with a dazzling smile that will even make the Kardashians do a double take.

Having a brighter, whiter smile can improve self-confidence and give yourself a real boost in your confidence.

If you are waiting in anticipation or deciding whether you are ready to take the leap to a brighter smile, below is everything you need to know about teeth whitening.

Whitening your teeth

Teeth whitening is safe, quick and inexpensive and it works without altering your existing tooth structure or existing dental work.

Stage one – will involve taking an impression order of your teeth (which will be carried out at your dental practice) to make a set of custom trays – these are very similar to a mouth guard but made of a thinner material, so they fit closely in your mouth.

Stage two – After receiving your custom trays by your dental practice you will be provided with a special bleaching agent that you will put into your tray or trays.
Stage three – Over a two-week period you will carry out the treatment yourself. Usually people wear their trays overnight or for 3-4hours each day.

Some people who undergo this treatment experience sensitivity, but by using toothpaste for sensitivity will reduce this, and once treatment is completed your sensitivity will have returned to normal.

Teeth whitening prices:

⦁ Non- Branded Custom Trays – £100 to £200
⦁ Branded Custom Trays – £250 to £400
⦁ Laser Whitening – £450 plus
⦁ Laser & Whitening Trays – £500 – £700

Maintaining a vibrant smile

After completing your whitening treatment, keep in mind that you’ve still got some work to do when it comes to preserving that vibrant, dazzling smile. Sort of the same way you’d avoid driving down mud ridden roads after washing your car, you also need to be mindful about how you treat your teeth, so they remain white. To help your teeth stay brighter for a longer period of time, follow some of our helpful tips.

Try avoid staining liquids

If you reach for a cup of coffee every morning and a chilled Coca-Cola in the afternoon, you’ll notice they will affect the bright appearance of your teeth.

Tea, Coffee, Red Wine and fizzy drinks are the most common liquids that stain people’s teeth. If you are serious about maintaining the whiteness of your teeth, try cut back on these beverages or simply switch to sipping them through a straw – especially in the first few days after your treatment.

Whitening toothpaste

Not all whitening toothpaste are being recommended to myth busters, some actually maintain the brightness of already white teeth, so we’d suggest switching to a branded toothpaste that enhances brightness and whitening.

Here is our pick of the very best products on the market today:

Brush techniques

Picking the right toothpaste is a major factor in helping maintain the whiteness of your teeth – picking the right toothbrush also plays a big part. Manual toothbrushes don’t give you full coverage because they are guided by your own judgement, unlike powered toothbrushes that cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. Here are some simple tips to follow:

⦁ Brush at a 45-degree angle.
⦁ Replace your toothbrush.
⦁ Use a whitening toothpaste.
⦁ Don’t over brush – overbrushing won’t maintain the whiteness of your teeth.
⦁ Flossing – if you don’t already.
⦁ Mouthwash – use mouth was that enhances your whitening toothpaste.