Should I get my teeth whitened?

Question

Hi before I get too many jokes my teeth are very healthy (so says my dentist) and look pretty nice! I just wanted to hear from people who had it done.
Would you class it as a surgery? I hate being superficial and I would never have any cosmetic surgery but isnt this just like having your teeth cleaned?
Is it worth the money etc?

I have a sonic care brush and havnt really noticed the difference.
I have heard the bleach the dentist uses doesnt damage your teeth but high doses can, they also have a laser treatment has anyone had that?

Answer 1

Hi,

The only way you will be able to whiten your teeth properly is to have them bleached professionally at a dentist. The stuff sold in the shops does not contain enough peroxide (the active ingredient) to remove anything but a little suface staining.You need to have at least 10% peroxide and this strength is only legally available to dentists in the UK .

Bleaching, when done properly does NOT damage the enamel of the teeth, any sensitivity is usually only temporary and can usually be overcome by using a Sensitive toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash.

I have had quite a few patients have it done, men and women of all ages (mostly over 40 surprisingly) and we have had some really good results.

To do home bleaching supervised by a dentist costs around £350 but gets fantastic results. You wear two bleaching trays for a couple of hours a night for approx 2 wks depending on lightening needed.

You can also have speed whitening done at the dentist in 1 hour and at around £650, but beware, if your teeth are not isolated properly this can make your teeth and gums very sensitive! better to do it gradually over a couple of weeks when you get the same results anyway. The laser light does not really do anything anyway, it just makes you think you are getting value for money !

If it is just surface staining I advise my patients to use a toothpaste containing Bicarbonate of soda and and electric toothbrush (you can get them as cheap as £12 now) this can work wonders too. Also a visit to a Dental Hygienist for a professional scale and polish can make a big difference .

Hope this helps

Answer 2

First of all congrats on having very healthy teeth by the grace of God. The teeth whitening is a non essential item and one should think twice before spending money. Professional teeth whitening is quite expensive here. It would be a good idea and lot cheaper if you get it done when traveling abroad. In the internet search just suffix name of the country to TEETH WHITENING DENTISTS and you may get interesting results.

Answer 3

I heard from my dentist that for most people their teeth are not 100% white. Yellow/browny shades or patches are normal. If you do whiten your teeth, then it is not considered surgery and will last you about a year or so. But I don't think it very good for the teeth. It kind of scratches the enamel protecting the teeth against decay, etc. So at the end, it is your choice, but I would not recommend doing it.

Answer 4

I wouldn't! Having worked as a dental nurse for 17 years I have seen loads of people complain of severe sensitivity!! The dentist also makes a shed load of money out of you because the solution doesn't cost that much.

Answer 5

Commercial tooth whiteners use hydrogen peroxide and
are expensive and inconvenient. A cheap and natural
tooth whitening home remedy uses few strawberries
but certain precautions have to be taken.
I found the information at http://tinyurl.com/ep7yg

Answer 6

Don't waste your money. Invest in a good electric toothbrush (sonicare) and Rembrandt toothpaste.

Answer 7

it is not a surgery. it is a small procedure that takes 20 min. max. no anesthesia. i recommend you do it.

Answer 8

i had mine done in thailand, my girl friend reckons it looks great and i do tend to smile a bit more, so for me it was money well spent,, also i think it has helped me to give up smoking..

Answer 9

yes you should because most ladies like it when their man has white teeth. i know i do.

Answer 10

yep