With so many different whitening products on the market, it’s easy to get confused. Here are the facts you need to know before getting your teeth whitened.
What causes teeth to discolor?
There are many causes for tooth discoloration. Some of the most common include the consumption colored foods and drinks (berries, coffee, tea, red wine). Some medications, aging, smoking and trauma can also cause teeth discoloration.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Clinical studies have shown that whitening your teeth with carbamide or hydrogen peroxide under the supervision of a dental professional is safe for teeth and gums.
How long will my teeth stay whiter?
The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth. Ask your dentist for their opinion before you start the treatment.
Whitening treatments help to reduce existing stains, but through consumption of coffee, soft drinks or just through natural ageing, your teeth may eventually become discolored again. Only Philips Zoom at-home whitening products include ACP, which has been shown to help reduce whitening fade-back.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect is tooth and gum sensitivity. Your dentist is your best resource to ensure that you are a good candidate for whitening and that you are using the right concentration of whitening formula. Philips Zoom at-home whitening products have two mild desensitizing agents to minimize tooth sensitivity.
How long before you see the results?
With Philips Zoom! Take-home kits the results are not as instant, but you will still have visibly whiter teeth in 3 days and fantastic results after 2 weeks, though In Surgery 1 hour whitening is still possible and we have the equipment to carry this out, under current changes to the law the lower strength gels we now have to use mean results beyond the first few days are very poor and the procedure is more costly than the take-home whitening that we recommend. We are aware of places still offering this treatment but beware the results are short lived or the gels used are breaking the law.
Does whitening hurt?
Everyone responds differently to whitening, and sensitivity is sometimes a side effect of whitening treatments. Ask your dental professional about using a sensitivity toothpaste like Fluoridex before and after your treatments. You can also use a mild desensitizer like Relief ACP to further minimize sensitivity.