FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON TOOTH WHITENING ...
Does Teeth Whitening really work?
Of course it does! The surface of the teeth contains millions of microscopic pores, and over the years, organic compounds from food, fizzy drinks, tea, coffee or tobacco penetrate these pores causing discoloration of the tooth enamel. Almost all natural teeth respond to the whitening process, however some peoples teeth take longer to whiten such as those with tetracycline antibiotic staining which may need further treatments to achieve a desired result.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Does Teeth Whitening damage the enamel of the teeth?
Research shows that some tooth whitening products such as Chlorine Dioxide can damage the enamel. Products containing Hydrogen Peroxide above 0.1% and Carbamide Peroxide above 0.3% carry a higher risk of damaging the enamel and may soon be made illegal. With our Gels containing absolutely no bleach, they are completely safe, legal and are approved. Research shows that with our gels there is no risk to the enamel of the teeth.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Am I a suitable candidate for teeth whitening?
If your natural teeth were once whiter than they are now then yes you are most probably a suitable candidate.
Any dental work or problems must be seen to by your Dentist prior to any treatment. A recent scale and polish by your Dentist is also advised for optimal results.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Does whitening work on veneers, crowns, bridges and fillings?
The whitening procedure will not whiten crowns, veneers, bridges or fillings however they may be restored to their original colour.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Is LED/Laser whitening the same as teeth whitening kits that can be purchased from shops?
Definitely not! Firstly, Trading Standards found that 14 out of 17 different whitening kits bought over the internet and from various clinics were tested and contained illegal amounts of chemicals that could have caused harm. These products are viewed as dangerous as the gums are in contact with the product. These may becoming illegal in the future. Some kits can also purchased in our local supermarkets and the high street, but because of the weakness of these whitening gels, the LED/Laser results are significantly better and in some cases up to 100% better, whilst costs are only marginally more expensive. With home kits, you often have to wear gum shields continuously at night for up to 14 nights, whereas with LED/Laser treatment, its a simple 60 minute relaxing procedure.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Will it Hurt?
Not now with our new non-bleach gels! With the traditional laser hydrogen peroxide bleach systems used by dentists and other clinics, patients used to often complain of having sensitive teeth for several weeks afterwards. i-Time's new revolutionary non-bleach system eliminates this uncomfortable feeling. Many of our patients no longer feel any tingling or sensitivity and find the procedure much more relaxing and comfortable.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Is it similar to the treatment my dentist will offer?
This depends on the system the dentist uses. The majority of dental practices do not have laser technology. They simply sell patients home kits similar to those you can purchase over the counter. For those that use LED's / Lasers, not all systems are the same. The majority of dentists still use the bleaching systems that generally produce severe sensitivity. The public should always ask what product they are using, you are advide not to undergo any tretament containing more than 0.1% Hydrogen Peroxide and 0.3% Carbamide Peroxide and Chlorine Dioxide as these could damage your teeth and gums and cause severe sensitivity. Here at i-Time we use the latest technology that eliminates those extremely uncomfortable feelings.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Who undertakes the treatment?
Your treatment will be undertaken by fully qualified, insured and experienced technician, who specialise in the advanced LED teeth whitening treatment. Our Technician has been carrying out this treatment at i-Time Clinic since 2005.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
I have heard that only Dentists are legally allowed to carry out Tooth whitening, is this true?
NO!
- There is much debate and confusion around teeth whitening treatments as a cosmetic procedure creating a grey area surrounding the matter. The fact is, teeth whitening is entirely legal providing we remain correctly certified and use legal products. Here are the facts:
Tooth whitening products were confirmed as being cosmetics on 28 June 2001 by The House of Lords ruling in the case of Optident Limited and another vs. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. This means that they fall under the EU Cosmetics Directive (implemented in the UK by the UK Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996).
The Legal definition of a cosmetic product is: -
"Any substance or preparation intended for placing in contact with the various external parts of the human body or with the teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or principally to cleaning them, perfuming them or protecting them in order to keep them in good condition, change their appearance or correct body odours. "
Tooth whitening is therefore a cosmetic procedure and not dental. The procedure does not fall under the remit of the General Dental Council, however, there are certain practices that could occur during the performance of a treatment which may constitute the practice of dentistry for example the diagnosis of any abnormality present or the suggestion of the use of a certain drug, even over the counter drugs. Our technician is clearly trained and knows exactly what she can and cannot do during a treatment so as to remain within the law.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
Why are you less expensive than the dentist?
With some dentists typically charging up to £100 for a consultation and £800 for teeth whitening, we are able to offer patients an excellent saving of up to £600. We achieve this through investing in the latest technology, which significantly reduces the treatment time. Dentists tend to value their time differently as if the treatment is a dental procedure, as teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment we value it appropriately and are very competitive with surrounding non-dental practices also offering teeth whitening.
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
How long will the results last?
Generally with our system your teeth will stay noticeably whiter for approx 18 months, however a top up treatment every 6-12 months will maintain that dazzling smile.
Should you have any further questions please dont hesitate to contact us
< back to top
< back to teeth whitening treatment info
