Want a brighter smile and thinking about whitening, but afraid of pain, sensitivity or an uneven result? It all starts with what kind of teeth you have before whitening, because only healthy teeth give a safe and even result. If you ignore the condition of your mouth, you could end up with pain, stains and additional treatment. Good preparation determines whether the result will be natural or disappointing.
Contraindications - when can't you whiten your teeth?
You cannot whiten your teeth if you have active conditions inflammation of the gums. In such a situation, the teeth before whitening are not suitable for treatment and you must first treat the problem. If you ignore this, the treatment may worsen the inflammation and increase discomfort. This is not a stage to skip, just a necessary safety precaution.
Similarly, if you have severe tooth sensitivity. Then even a gentle preparation can cause pain and a nervous reaction. The dentist always checks your reaction to cold and touch before making a decision. If something bothers him, he stabilises the situation first. And you can read more about this in our article „Teeth whitening and hypersensitivity - what you need to know before you opt for the procedure„.
Back on topic. You also don't qualify for whitening if you have old or leaking fillings. Such cavities do not change the colour and spoil the final aesthetic effect. Then the colours come out uneven and artificial.
And what are the other contraindications and how to deal with them? You can read about this in our article „Contraindications to teeth whitening„. And if you don't have them and dream of a beautiful, white smile read on.
How do I prepare my teeth before bleaching?
Firstly, you need to start by removing tartar and plaque, as they block the action of the whitening product and cause an uneven effect. Even very good home hygiene will not remove everything that builds up on your teeth. Therefore, make an appointment during which your dentist will perform a professional hygienization, so that your teeth have a clean and even surface before whitening. This is a step you cannot skip if you want a visible and aesthetic result.
Restrict products a few days before the procedure, which stain the enamel. It's best to lay off coffee, tea and red wine to avoid aggravating staining. Also give up strong whitening toothpastes, which can irritate your enamel. This will keep your teeth in a stable and calm state before whitening.
Just before whitening, ensure gentle but thorough hygiene. Brush your teeth regularly and floss to maintain the cleansing effect. Don't introduce new care products so as not to cause irritation. This way, your teeth will be ready for an even and safe treatment before whitening.
What are the options for teeth whitening?
You will not always achieve a snow-white result and it is worth knowing this at the outset. Among other things, the final colour is affected by the natural shade of the dentin, age and previous discolouration. That's why teeth need a realistic assessment before whitening to avoid disappointment. The better you understand your starting point, the more informed your decision. We wrote more on this topic in the article „What does tooth colour depend on?„.
Consider whether you want a quick result in one visit, or do you prefer a quiet whitening session at home. Also consider your budget and how much time you want to spend on it. Depending on this, you can choose a method that is comfortable and effective for you. This is important because different solutions produce different speeds and intensities of effect.
And what can you choose from?
- Overlay whitening, which you carry out at home using individual trays. It is a gradual but very controlled and safe method. You can read more about this in the text „Overlay teeth whitening at home„.
- in-office whitening, which gives a quick result and is carried out under full supervision of the dentist. You can read more about this in the text „Teeth whitening with an LED lamp - what does it involve and how much does it cost?„.
- The Enlighten system, which combines at-home and in-office action and aims for a very precise and stable final result. You can read more about it in the article „The best way to whiten teeth - the Enlighten system!„.
If you don't know what will work for you, You don't have to guess. Your dentist will assess your teeth before whitening, your starting point and your expectations. Based on this, he or she will help you choose a method to suit your effect and budget. This will help you avoid haphazard decisions and unnecessary costs.
Price and payment options
The price of whitening depends on the method and the office. In-office whitening is more expensive but gives a quick result. Overlay whitening is cheaper and spread over time, but requires regularity.
In our office, teeth whitening prices start starts from £300 and importantly (if your bill exceeds £350) - you can spread the whole amount in instalments. The scheme is 100% secure and the first 12 months are zero interest. If you want to find out more read our article „Instalment scheme for dental treatment in the UK” or contact us.
What to do after whitening and what to avoid?
After treatment, your teeth are more susceptible to staining. Therefore, follow a so-called white diet for a few days (about which you will read more here). Avoid coffee, tea, wine and intensely coloured products. This is key to maintaining the effect.
Brush your teeth gently and regularly. Use a soft toothbrush and a mild toothpaste. Don't scrub your enamel, as you can increase sensitivity. Give your teeth time to stabilise the colour.
And you can read more about it in the article „Recommendations after teeth whitening - what can and cannot be done?„.