Is teeth whitening safe?

Is teeth whitening safe?

Is teeth whitening safe? It’s a question we often hear, and it’s a valid one.

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to brighten your smile. Perhaps you drink a lot of coffee, or enjoy a glass or two of red wine. A whitening treatment can make a noticeable difference fast.

According to statistics, the urge to have whiter teeth is a significant trend. What was once seen as a luxury cosmetic procedure is now available to many more. There’s a particular interest from Gen Z and millennials! According to the Oral Health Foundation, 32% of people in the UK want whiter teeth. If you’re among them, it’s common to wonder: Is teeth whitening safe?

The short answer is yes – when it’s done properly.

 Let’s look at what happens during whitening, how it works and what makes it a safe choice when carried out properly.

What happens during teeth whitening?

First, you need to book a consultation with one of our dental professionals. We’ll chat through your options and help you decide which whitening method suits you best. There are treatments done in clinic or at home.

If you go for in-surgery whitening (also known as power bleaching), we’ll book you in for a one-hour session. You’ll come back to the clinic, sit back in the chair and we’ll whiten your teeth in just 60 minutes.

Prefer to whiten at home? No problem. We’ll start by taking a digital scan of your mouth to create custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly. Once the trays are ready, you’ll pop back into the practice so we can make sure they fit comfortably and show you exactly how to use the whitening gel safely. Then you’re good to go!

Chemicals used in teeth whitening

We get it – the word “chemicals” can sound a bit scary. But rest assured, the whitening products we use are completely safe when handled by professionals.

The active ingredient is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These help break down stains and lift them from your teeth, giving you that whiter, brighter look.

Some people feel a bit of sensitivity during or after whitening. That’s normal and usually short-lived. It doesn’t mean your teeth are damaged. It just means the whitening gel has reached the nerves in your teeth temporarily.

Your enamel stays intact, and so your smile stays healthy. We only use trusted products that are approved and safe for dental use.

Dentist qualifications

A qualified professional should always do teeth whitening. In the UK, any dentist can carry out teeth whitening as long as they’re registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).

Dental therapists and dental hygienists can also perform whitening treatments – but only on the prescription of a dentist.

Not sure if your dental professional is registered? You can easily check using the GDC’s online register. It’s a quick way to make sure you’re in safe hands.

Is it safer to whiten teeth in-clinic or at home?

Both in-clinic and at-home teeth whitening options are safe, so long as they’re provided by a dental professional.

At-home whitening is convenient. You can do it on your own time and still get great results. But if you’re nervous or unsure, the in-clinic option gives you the reassurance of having a dentist right there to guide you. It’s supervised from start to finish.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll be in safe hands when it’s done through a registered dental practice.

Any more questions

Got a question or concern about teeth whitening? Just ask. Our friendly team is always here to help, explain your options, and put your mind at ease. No pressure – just honest advice and support whenever you need it.

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