Beyu Dental Insights

As we age, our teeth gradually darken, and everyday habits such as drinking tea, coffee, or red wine, as well as smoking, contribute to this. That is why teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. It provides a relatively simple way of lifting the colour of your natural teeth. 

There is more than one way to approach whitening. However, professional treatment gives your dentist the chance to assess your teeth and gums first, allowing them to provide treatment that is best suited to your dental health. 

In this guide, we look at the benefits of teeth whitening and the treatment options available. We also cover what happens during treatment and how to look after your smile afterwards. 

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening? 

A brighter smile 

Whitening reduces discolouration and lifts the shade of your teeth to give your smile a fresher look. 

Increased confidence 

It is not uncommon to feel self-conscious about staining. Whitening can make a small change to your smile’s appearance that may help you feel more confident. 

Personalised treatment 

When you opt for professional treatment, your dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums to provide the most suitable option. They can then work with you to help you achieve the result you are hoping for based on your starting shade. 

Teeth Whitening Treatment Options 

There are several ways to whiten teeth, from retail products bought at the chemist to treatment provided by a dental practice. The advantage of professional whitening is that it begins with an assessment and is tailored to you. 

Professional home teeth whitening 

When you choose professional home teeth whitening, you carry out the treatment yourself but are supervised by your dentist. 

It usually involves: 

• Custom-made whitening trays created to fit your teeth 
• Professional whitening gel supplied by the practice 
• Wearing the trays according to your dentist's instructions 
• Regular contact with your dental team so your progress can be reviewed 

This is a convenient solution because you can fit whitening around your daily routine. The dental trays are designed to fit your teeth, which means that the process is more comfortable and controlled because the gel stays where it is intended to. 

At Beyu Dental, we offer personalised whitening plans that include a digital scan and shade assessment, bespoke whitening trays and professionally supervised treatment throughout. 

In-practice teeth whitening 

For some people, having whitening treatment in practice may be the preferred option. It can be ideal if you would rather have your treatment overseen directly or want your progress checked in person. 

The benefits include supervision from start to finish, assessment of your tooth shade before and during treatment, and personalised aftercare advice. 

Over-the-counter whitening products 

Whitening toothpastes, strips and rinses are widely available and easy to pick up. They are not designed to do the same job as dentist-supervised whitening, though. Many work mainly on surface staining rather than lightening the natural colour of your teeth. 

Because they are not tailored to your mouth, they do not consider your dental health or existing restorations. This means that while they can have a place in your routine, they are not equivalent to professional treatment.