Teeth whitening is the process of restoring teeth to their original color—or even brighter. Several factors contribute to tooth discoloration, with the most common causes linked to the consumption of certain beverages and foods, including cola, tea, and coffee.
Smoking cigarettes is another major contributor to teeth discoloration. It often leaves teeth looking gray and dull. In some cases, nicotine and tar adhere to plaque on the teeth’s surface, leading to stubborn stains that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Aging also affects tooth color. As we age, enamel—the hard outer layer of teeth—thins, allowing the naturally yellow dentine underneath to become more visible, resulting in intrinsic staining (stains within the teeth).
One of the most popular and effective methods to brighten your teeth is through professional whitening by a licensed hygienist in Surrey. Both hydrogen peroxide (HP) and carbamide peroxide (CP) are used for whitening treatments, but dentists typically prefer hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide is approximately three times stronger than carbamide peroxide. For example, 12% HP is equivalent in strength to about 36% carbamide peroxide.
Most dental professionals apply hydrogen peroxide during in-office treatments and provide carbamide peroxide-based gel for patients to use at home as follow-up care. This is because CP must first convert to hydrogen peroxide before beginning the whitening process, which can take 10 to 15 minutes.
What Is the Best Option for You? Professional vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
Affordability and Cost
While the cost of professional teeth whitening has decreased over the years, prices in the UK remain relatively high.
Professional teeth whitening in Surrey is available at dental clinics, beauty salons, or through mobile technicians. These professional services tend to be costly but offer lasting results.
Dental whitening treatments typically range from £300 to £1,000, depending on the extent of tooth staining and individual tooth structure.
If you prefer not to have an in-office procedure, at-home whitening kits are a convenient alternative. These kits usually come with custom-fitted trays and use carbamide peroxide gels.
Whitening treatments performed by aesthetic therapists (rather than dentists) tend to be more affordable, generally costing between £99 and £170.
While aesthetic therapists often use carbamide peroxide or non-peroxide gels like sodium perborate, the best results are usually achieved through dentist-supervised treatments.
Safety
It is essential to consult your whitening specialist or dentist in Banstead to ensure that the products used are appropriate for your needs and that you are not allergic to any ingredients.
Equally important is having your whitening procedure performed by a qualified professional. Conduct thorough research and read local reviews before choosing your provider.
Results
Professional whitening treatments can achieve impressive results, often lightening teeth by 8 to 12 shades. However, results vary based on factors such as treatment duration and post-treatment care.
Whiten Your Teeth at Home
At-home teeth whitening has long been popular in the USA but has become increasingly accessible in the UK as well.
Research indicates that British women spend approximately £18,000 on cosmetics in their lifetime, and overall spending on appearance has grown significantly. Teeth whitening in Surrey has experienced notable growth as part of this trend.
Even though consumers invest more in cosmetics, many wonder if professional products at-home whitening products can deliver results comparable to professional home treatments.
Several products are available for at-home use, including Crest whitening strips containing peroxide, sodium perborate gels, and gels combining hydrogen peroxide with carbamide peroxide.
Advancements in teeth bleaching technology enable users to achieve whitening results of up to 6–10 shades lighter.
However, achieving desired results at home takes longer, and although costs are lower, it requires greater time commitment compared to professional treatments.
Things to Consider if You Choose to DIY Your Teeth Whitening
Cost and Affordability
The saying “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always apply to DIY teeth whitening kits, as these often offer results similar to professional treatments at roughly 10% lower cost.
At-home whitening kits typically range from £10 to £150. Many include boil-and-bite trays that you can mold to your teeth, along with whitening gels. Some kits also feature LED lights designed to accelerate the whitening process.
Safety
When purchasing teeth whitening products, it’s vital to research thoroughly and ensure the products are safe and properly regulated.
Following manufacturer guidelines carefully will help you achieve effective, safe results.
Results
With advanced technology, at-home kits can produce whitening effects of up to 10 shades lighter. Continued innovations will further improve the efficacy of these products.
Different Teeth Whitening Methods
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes contain chemical agents that polish teeth during brushing and remove surface stains more effectively than regular toothpaste.
These toothpastes help eliminate surface discoloration without causing sensitivity, as they do not contain bleaching agents.
While whitening toothpastes can lighten teeth by approximately one shade, they are less effective compared to the light-activated gels used by professional teeth whitening dentists in Surrey.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Strips and Gels
Whitening strips are widely available and relatively affordable, depending on the brand.
They contain a thin peroxide gel that whitens teeth through an oxygen-release reaction. Typically, users apply strips daily for up to 14 consecutive days, wearing them for about 30 minutes each session.
Professional Laser Whitening
Zoom bleaching is a professional laser whitening procedure that delivers quick and noticeable results, leaving teeth whiter and more radiant.
A carbamide peroxide gel is applied to the tooth surface, after which a laser light is positioned over the mouth in 10-minute intervals for a total of 30 minutes. After each interval, the gel is removed and a fresh layer applied.
The combined action of the gel and laser light breaks down stubborn surface stains, effectively removing them.
Laser whitening must be performed by a trained professional to avoid damage to gums and teeth. Post-treatment sensitivity is common due to the enamel becoming temporarily porous.
Summary
Post-whitening sensitivity typically resolves within 48 hours. Most dentist in Banstead will recommend using toothpaste for sensitive teeth and advise against brushing immediately after treatment to minimize discomfort.
Whether you choose professional teeth whitening in Surrey or an at-home option, keep in mind that whitening is not permanent. Everyday consumption of foods and drinks that stain teeth means maintenance treatments will be necessary to maintain your bright smile.
Want to know about ‘Teeth to Settle After Braces Removal‘? Check out our ‘Health‘ category.
