Here comes summer
Here comes summer! Summer is (almost) on its way! After being cooped up inside for what seems like forever, we’re all set to emerge, blinking into the sunlight… May is usually a time when we all assess how we look and feel after months of hibernation. Some might not go as far as to be ‘beach body ready’, there’s no denying that the prospect of sunshine and blue skies makes us all want to be at our very best. It’s also the start of wedding season so there’s a good chance some of us may be coaxed into a few more photographs than usual. Winning smiles at the ready! Indeed, whitening your teeth can be a good way to refresh your look. While the practice has been around for a long time – some say the ancient Egyptians were at it 4,000 years ago! – what really brought the treatment into its own was the Covid-19 pandemic. The effect of Zoom and Teams calls triggered many to scrutinise their appearance in a way they hadn’t before. Tooth whitening is now one of the largest growing cosmetic procedures in the UK, with the industry now estimated to be worth over £40m annually. So, what does professional whitening involve? The active ingredient we use is typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide and we use it at much higher percentages than the products you can buy over the counter. We apply it to the teeth using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a mouthguard. This treatment can usually be done within two to four weeks at home, with or without in-practice sessions too. Other professional procedures are available too. For example, there is laser whitening or ‘power whitening’ where a light is shone on the teeth to activate the bleaching chemical and the colour change can be achieved more quickly. The idea that teeth in their own right are perfectly white is a myth. Enamel – the hard outer layer of every tooth – has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentine – the softer inner layer – has a slightly yellowish colour and shows through the enamel in almost everyone. Bright white teeth don't look natural, whatever the winners of Love Island may say! Indeed, a change of just two or three shades can make a noticeable difference. Don’t forget that a white smile can improve your overall oral health. When you invest in teeth whitening, you are more likely to take better care of your teeth. If you’d like to know about the whitening treatments available at this surgery, speak to one of the team today. Our BACD dentists are committed to delivering safe, ethical and effective cosmetic dental procedures, including teeth whitening options, so you know you’ll get the best results. Please note that teeth whitening carried out in beauty salons by untrained staff or staff without dental qualifications is illegal.
