What is Teeth Bleaching? Is It Bad For Your Teeth and Does It hurt?

Teeth bleaching, often called teeth whitening, is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments for improving the appearance of a smile. Teeth can become darker or stained over time due to ageing, coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and certain foods. Professional bleaching can help lift these stains and make natural teeth appear brighter.

Teeth bleaching usually involves applying a professional whitening gel containing a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to the teeth. Depending on the treatment chosen, your dentist may provide custom-made trays that fit comfortably over your teeth, allowing the whitening gel to be applied evenly at home over a recommended period.

Some dental practices also offer in-practice whitening, where a stronger professional whitening gel is applied under controlled conditions. Certain systems may use specialist lights or other technology as part of the treatment, although the whitening gel is what carries out the main bleaching process. Before treatment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums, discuss the shade you would like to achieve and explain how to use the whitening system safely.

However, it is important to understand what the treatment involves, whether it is safe and how long the results can last. In this guide, we answer some of the most common questions about teeth bleaching in simple terms.

Gabriels Hill offers professional teeth whitening in Kent under the supervision of lead practitioner, Dr Harpreet. To enquire, call the practice on 01622 677 100 or email us at info@gabrielshilldentalmaidstone.com

 

Key Takeaways

• Professional teeth bleaching is generally considered safe when it is carried out following an assessment by a dental professional and according to the correct instructions.
• Temporary tooth sensitivity is a common side effect, but it normally settles after treatment.
• Teeth whitening is not permanent but can last for around 3 years if you follow your dentist’s guidance and maintain good oral hygiene.

 

What is teeth bleaching?

Teeth bleaching is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the natural colour of your teeth, using a whitening gel to break down stains and lighten the tooth.

There are different ways to whiten teeth, but professional treatment from a dentist is generally the safest approach. A dentist can first check your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy enough for whitening. They may apply the gel in the dental chair and use specialist light as part of the treatment – or give you trays that you wear at home (with gel applied to them manually).

This is important because whitening is not suitable for everyone. For example, the NHS advises that teeth whitening should not be carried out on people aged 17 or under, or on people with unhealthy teeth or gums. It is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

It is worth remembering that bleaching only changes the colour of natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, dentures and implants will not become lighter in the same way as natural teeth.

 

 

Does teeth bleaching hurt?

For most people, teeth bleaching is not painful. However, some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or shortly after treatment.

You may notice sensitivity when eating or drinking something hot, cold or particularly sweet. The level of sensitivity can vary from person to person and may depend on the condition of your teeth and gums and the type of whitening treatment used.

A dental professional can assess your teeth before treatment and advise you on how to manage sensitivity. If you already have sensitive teeth, it is particularly important to mention this during your consultation.

Professional whitening also allows the treatment to be planned around your individual needs rather than using an unsuitable product or concentration.

See also: Does teeth whitening hurt?

 

Is bleaching your teeth bad?

Teeth bleaching is not normally bad for your teeth when it is carried out correctly and under professional guidance. The main concern is using unsuitable or excessive whitening products without proper advice.

A dental examination before treatment is important because problems such as tooth decay, gum disease or damaged teeth may need to be treated first. Whitening unhealthy teeth could increase discomfort or sensitivity.

There is also no need to bleach your teeth simply because you feel they are not perfectly white. Natural teeth come in a range of shades, and some slight variation in colour is completely normal.

In fact, research into adults in the UK has found that tooth colour is a common concern. One study of 3,215 people found that half of participants perceived some level of tooth discolouration.

 

Does teeth bleaching damage teeth?

When professionally supervised and used as directed, teeth bleaching should not damage healthy teeth. The important point is to use an appropriate treatment and follow the instructions provided by your dentist.

Temporary sensitivity is one of the more common effects of whitening. Irritation can also occur if whitening products come into contact with the gums.

This is one reason why professional whitening is preferable to experimenting with unregulated or inappropriate products. Your dentist can check for existing dental problems before treatment and recommend the most suitable approach.

Whitening also does not replace good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth and attending regular dental appointments remain important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

 

How long does it take to bleach teeth?

The length of a teeth bleaching treatment depends on the method used and your individual circumstances. Some professional whitening treatments can produce noticeable changes relatively quickly, while dentist-prescribed home whitening involves wearing whitening trays over a period recommended by your dentist.

Before starting treatment, your dentist should explain how the process works and how long you are expected to use the whitening product.

The starting shade of your teeth can also affect the final result. Deep staining may require a different approach from surface staining caused by drinks such as tea or coffee.

For the best results, it is important not to rush the process. Following professional instructions is safer and can help you achieve a more even result.

 

How long does tooth bleaching last?

Teeth bleaching is not permanent. Over time, your teeth can gradually become darker again as you age and as you consume foods and drinks that cause staining.

The NHS states that the effect of teeth whitening can last around three years if you follow your dentist’s advice.

How long your results actually last will depend on factors such as your diet, oral hygiene and lifestyle. Regular consumption of tea, coffee and red wine, as well as smoking, can contribute to staining.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s advice can help you keep your smile looking brighter for longer. If your teeth begin to darken again, your dentist can advise whether further whitening is appropriate.

Ultimately, teeth bleaching can be an effective way to improve the appearance of naturally stained or discoloured teeth. The safest approach is to have your teeth assessed by a qualified dental professional first. This helps ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and that the chosen whitening treatment is suitable for you.