Trying to achieve that perfect smile? Over time, the teeth can become stained due to exposure to things like caffeine, alcohol and smoking. This can lead to a loss of confidence, especially when you are smiling for photos or talking to others.

Having your teeth whitened can really help to boost your confidence. However, there are a few things you should know before you decide whether or not to undergo the procedure.

Here, you’ll discover all you need to know about having your teeth whitened.

What does having your teeth whitened involve?

At CK Dental, we use the Enlighten system to help patients achieve a whiter smile. It is suitable for up to 95% of patients and it works over a two-week period. In around 98% of cases, it helps patients get to a B1 grade. This is the lightest natural shade you can achieve.

It is provided in the form of a home whitening kit. You’ll take the kit home and use it every night for two weeks. After this, you will revisit the dentist to assess the results.

Can you do it yourself?

The Enlighten system is designed to be used by you, enabling you to do it at home. However, you can’t just purchase the kit, instead you need to visit a dentist. They will prescribe you the kit if you are deemed eligible for the treatment. Before you can use it, they need to take moulds to create customised whitening trays.

Always visit your dentist before following any whitening procedure yourself.

What results can you expect?

When using the Enlighten system, most patients will achieve the lightest natural colour. The current shade, diet and age doesn’t appear to alter the effectiveness of the system. However, not all patients will achieve a B1 shade.

This is because each of us has a saturation point. This means a point where the teeth won’t go any brighter. It is different in each person, which is why a B1 shade cannot be guaranteed.

It’s also worth noting that only your natural teeth will change colour. So, if you have any fillings or crowns for example, these may be more visible after the treatment. You could choose to have your crowns or fillings blended to match the new colour of the teeth.

Is it safe, and will it hurt?

The good news is the Enlighten system is safe to use for most patients. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, you should wait until you have the procedure done. It may hurt, though this will mostly be down to sensitivity of the teeth. Only around 2% of patients experience intense sensitivity during the treatment.

As you can see, the Enlighten system can be an effective way to whiten the teeth. You can do the treatment at home, so it’s a lot more convenient than some other dental whitening systems out there.

Book a consultation with your dentist today to learn more about this exclusive and effective teeth whitening solution. You can call CK Dental on 0117 905 9866 to find out more.