Category: Teeth Whitening

Tooth Dehydration during Teeth Whitening in London

When carried out by an expert dentist such as Dr. Chan, tooth whitening in London is a very safe treatment. Having a dental check-up beforehand helps ensure the teeth and gums are healthy enough to undergo this procedure, and helps to minimise any risk of side effects. In fact the bleaching gels used by Dr Wyman Chan at the Smile Studio in London are especially designed to minimise sensitivity which is so frequently a side effect of other bleaching treatments. However teeth whitening can cause the teeth to become dehydrated. One of the effects of this dehydration is that it makes teeth appear whiter than they really are immediately after the treatment has been completed. This dehydration is especially apparent if the teeth are whitened quickly in a chair side procedure. This is perfectly normal and the teeth to rehydrate after a few days, and it’s not unusual to notice the shade of the teeth darkens up ever so slightly.

The Cause of Tooth Dehydration

The reason teeth dehydrated this is due to the actual whitening procedure, as most chair side treatments use light to help the hydrogen peroxide penetrate the teeth more easily. The light used tends to be of a quite high intensity and has the effect of literally boiling off some of the bleach on the surface of the tooth. The whitening process is caused by the hydrogen peroxide penetrating the tooth and bleaching away the stains. Some of this light energy is absorbed by the dark areas of the teeth which tend to be located internally, and which include the pulp in the centre of the tooth, and the dentin which is located just underneath the enamel. The dentin contains the natural colour of the tooth. As the light energy warms up these areas it causes the fluids within the tooth to begin to expand, and eventually these fluids are pushed out through the porous surface of the tooth causing slight dehydration.

Increased Sensitivity

If you have had your teeth bleached in a dental surgery before, and have experienced sensitivity afterwards then it may have been due to tooth dehydration. It generally takes two or three days for the teeth to rehydrate as they gradually absorb water from your saliva. The fact that teeth do dehydrate when bleached is another reason for not overdoing the whitening treatments, as the teeth are slightly weaker and more brittle when dehydrated and can be more prone to developing cracks.

Dr. Chan’s methods of whitening teeth in his London dental surgery is slightly different from the norm as he uses a unit that gives out thermal energy rather than light energy. The advantage of this treatment is that the thermal energy is more easily regulated and accurately controlled the energy from a light unit. This helps to prevent the increased tooth sensitivity that is found in other chair side teeth whitening in London.

Why Do Teeth Become Sensitive?

The reason teeth become sensitive has to do with the fact that the dentin is porous. It contains lots of little tubules that lead directly to the pulp in the centre of the tooth, and is where all the nerves of the tooth are located. You may already use, or will have seen toothpastes designed especially for sensitive teeth, and these work by blocking up these tubules, reducing sensitivity.

Keeping Your Beautifully White Teeth Healthy and Strong

If you’ve just had teeth whitening in London then you’ll probably be pretty interested in ways of looking after your pearly whites and keeping them looking their very best. Of course, the easiest ways to do this is simply to make sure you visit your dental surgery at six monthly intervals for a full check-up and cleaning. This is essential as your dentist will be looking for any early signs of tooth decay or gum disease, or other less common diseases that may affect your oral health. Visiting your dental surgery twice a year helps make sure any problems are picked up quickly and can be treated before they cause any extensive problems.

Advantages of Visiting Your Dentist Regularly

The advantage of doing this is obviously that any treatment will be cheaper and less invasive, and you’ll also be able to have your teeth whitening touched up at the intervals recommended by the Smile Studio. Neglecting your teeth would mean you’re unlikely to be able to continue using the bleaching products as they could cause increased sensitivity as they will penetrate any areas of tooth decay far more easily.

Professional cleaning is also an important part of your preventative dental care programme. This is because it involves scraping away any hardened plaque bacteria, called calculus, which may have built up on your teeth. The problem with calculus is that it can irritate the delicate gum tissues and can lead to gum disease developing. In addition calculus can look almost yellowish in appearance, so having it cleaned away will help restore your smile to its former glory. Your dentist will also polish your teeth, and this helps to remove any surface staining so it’s a great way to freshen up your smile. It really doesn’t take very long just to pop in for a check-up and is definitely money well spent.

Dental Care at Home

Having an excellent oral hygiene routine at home is also essential. Just about everybody knows they should be brushing twice a day, and that they should be flossing once a day. However flossing is one of those things that is pretty easy to skip, but it is essential for helping to keep your gums in the best possible shape. Flossing helps remove plaque bacteria and food particles that can become trapped in between the teeth. If left in place the plaque bacteria will harden into calculus, and the food particles will gradually rot, causing noxious odors. Removing these particles with flossing will also help keep your teeth looking whiter and brighter.

Flossing can be tricky to do, so it might be worthwhile asking the dentist for a quick demonstration on how to do it properly. If you really can’t get on with something then there are plenty of alternatives to try, including inter dental brushes that look like tiny little toothbrushes that can be inserted in between the teeth, or you could try using a WaterPik or an air flosser. These remove food debris and plaque bacteria through using either water under pressure, or a combination of both water and air. They can be very effective and very easy to use although the sensation may feel a little strange initially.

If you love your new white smile contact Dr Wyman Chan then you’ll want to preserve it for as long as possible. Having healthy teeth and gums is the best way to do so.

Will Teeth Whitening Correct Fluorosis Staining?

It is quite common to see people who have fluorosis stains on their teeth, and many do feel quite self-conscious about them, especially if the staining is severe. Tooth whitening in London may work well on some cases but is not always the answer as some people can find it accentuates the fluorosis.

What is Fluorosis, and What Causes It?

Dental fluorosis is caused by exposure to excessive amounts of fluoride when the secondary or permanent teeth are still developing, up to the age of seven or eight. Teeth are no longer at risk of developing fluorosis once they have erupted. Occasionally it can even affect the primary, or baby teeth, and the most critical time for exposure is between the ages of one and four. It is also more prevalent in children who don’t have sufficient calcium in their diet.

The most common reason for this overexposure is due to high levels of fluoride being naturally present in drinking water. It is highly unlikely to occur as a result of water fluoridation by your local authority, especially as many do not add fluoride to the public water supplies.

Most people have a fairly mild form of dental fluorosis that makes teeth appear slightly mottled or flecked with white streaks or specks. However a tiny minority of the population will have significantly discoloured teeth that have brown spots or streaks, and the overexposure can cause the surface of the tooth enamel to look pitted or rough.

Using Teeth Bleaching to Hide Fluorosis Stains

Teeth whitening in London will uniformly whiten the colour of teeth, so any white spots of fluorosis may appear even brighter. This can be especially noticeable straight after bleaching, and the reason for this is that bleaching causes the teeth to become dehydrated, making then appear whiter than they really are. As the teeth gradually rehydrate the fluorosis stains can become less noticeable. Anyone who has a mild case of fluorosis may well be happy with the results produced by teeth whitening in London, and this is certainly true if they are choosing to bleach simply to improve the look of their teeth rather than to hide the fluorosis. However anyone who is actively looking to hide their fluorosis could be a little disappointed, and may be better off considering an alternative plan of action for the affected teeth.

There are several things that can be done to help mask excessive fluorosis stains, as the tooth can be bonded or veneered. Bonding involves covering up the stain with a composite resin material. This method does give good results, although the composite will eventually become stained and need renewing after a few years. Veneering generally involves removing some of the tooth structure to create sufficient room for a porcelain veneer to be fitted over the front of the tooth. A good quality veneer will last at least ten years if looked after, and will not stain, but if tooth material has been removed then there is no going back, and it will always have to be replaced periodically. A third method is to use a micro abrasion technique on the affected tooth. This removes a minute amount of the enamel before fluoride is applied to re-harden it (topically applied fluoride cannot cause fluorosis). After this process it may be possible to bleach the tooth.

The exact method of treatment for dental fluorosis is something that needs to be selected on a case-by-case basis. Dr Wyman Chan can offer advice on to patients whose teeth are affected during their initial visit to the Smile Studio.

Teeth Whitening in London Boosts Self-Esteem

Having a whiter smile is often associated with youth and good health, and many people who have successful teeth whitening in London, at Dr Chan’s Smile Studio leave the surgery feeling as if the years have slipped away. It can be an enormous boost self-confidence and self-esteem, and can be perfect if there is a special event coming up, or if you are due to meet up with friends or family you haven’t seen for a while. It might give you the edge during job interviews, as you will feel better about yourself, and having teeth whitening in London can help you make a positive first impression on people. It is a sobering thought that we have just a few seconds to make that vital first impression on others.

Studies into How a Better Smile Boosts Self-Confidence

The evidence for all this is pretty compelling. Last year the University Of Leeds Institute Of Psychological Sciences conducted a study into the effects the appearance of teeth can have on how others perceive us. The study used photographs of models whose teeth had been digitally manipulated. The results were not a big surprise, as they showed people found yellowish teeth less attractive in both men and women, but the state of women’s teeth was found to be particularly important. This is through to be due to the fact that they are used to help judge a woman’s age and her state of health. However the photos of teeth that were artificially white were also deemed to be less attractive than a more natural shade.

Another American study looked at how participants were viewed on first dates and during job interviews before and after teeth whitening treatments. After their teeth had been whitened they were perceived as being more outgoing and confident, were viewed as being more hirable by potential employers, some of whom were more willing to offer higher salaries to applicants with whiter teeth. However this particular study was carried out by an independent research group on behalf of one of the dental companies!

A Great Smile is Contagious

Even so, safely whitening your teeth at Dr Chan’s Smile Studio in London could be all that is needed to help improve your self-image as the better you feel about the way you look the better you feel about yourself. According to a rather famous song, when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you, something that is undeniably true. Even better, the mere act of smiling can be a mood booster, and it is definitely contagious.

Reasons as to why teeth darken can vary. Some people just have teeth that are naturally darker, while some people’s teeth can change colour due to other, external influences. This is why it is so important to have a proper check-up beforehand from an experienced dentist like Dr Wyman Chan. He will be able to let you know why your teeth have become darker, and if they will respond well to teeth whitening in London. For instance dental fluorosis may not respond so well to bleaching. Luckily most people who receive a clean bill of health will be able to safely use one of his carefully developed and researched whitening systems.

Is Your Teeth Staining Extrinsic or Intrinsic?



What Causes Intrinsic Staining?





Treating Intrinsic Strains


Internal Teeth Whitening in London



Why is it so Important to Have a Dental Check-up Before Tooth Whitening in London?

There is a lot of emphasis on having a white smile these days, as the media is full of celebrities with beautiful and perfect teeth. Given the plethora of do-it-yourself whitening kits on the market it might also be tempting to cut corners and buy a home whitening kit without first seeking advice from a dentist, but it is simply not worth the risk if you want a whiter smile that is also healthy. Having a full check-up before having teeth whitening in London is absolutely essential, especially if you haven’t been to the dentist for a while.

You Must Be in Good Oral Health Prior to Whitening

Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you can expose them to the bleaching gels used in tooth whitening in London. If you have gum disease, or any signs of decay or fillings that need to be replaced then this work must be carried out prior to whitening. The reason for this is that otherwise the bleach will be able to penetrate deep into your teeth, and at the very least this is likely to be very uncomfortable, and at the worst pretty painful. If you have gum disease then it may have caused your gums to pull away from the teeth, so even if your gums are protected during tooth whitening in London there is still a strong possibility the gel will penetrate the gum tissues. If your teeth and gums are healthy then you’ll be able to have your teeth safely whitened.

Learn what to expect during Teeth Whitening in London

Your dentist is the best person to tell you what to expect during teeth whitening in London. For instance if you want your teeth to be ‘Hollywood white’ then they’ll be able to advise you if this is feasible, or if you’d be better off aiming for another shade. One of the major advantages of visiting a dentist for teeth whitening in London is that they can let you know if your expectations are realistic, and whether or not the bleach will actually be effective on your teeth.

You’ll be able to learn exactly what is involved in the teeth whitening process, and can have any questions you may have answered by an expert. Some people may experience side effects after whitening, as it can increase tooth sensitivity, although the systems used in our dental surgery are designed to help minimise or even eliminate this. If you do have sensitive teeth then the whitening treatment may be tailored to take this into account, for instance by choosing a lower strength whitening gel, or by using a home teeth whitening kit or custom trays to help minimise the sensitivity. You may need to be prepared to avoid specific foods in the period immediately after teeth whitening, and over the next couple of days.

Teeth Whitening isn’t Right for Everyone

Teeth whitening in London isn’t recommended for pregnant women. Although it hasn’t been proven to have any risks to the mother-to-be and their child, it is better to avoid it until after the birth as it is better not to expose the baby to any unnecessary dental treatments. It is also not recommended for teenagers whose teeth may still be developing. The reason for this is that the pulp of the tooth that contains all the nerves is larger in children, and is more likely to become irritated by the bleach. In addition most children and young adults have teeth that are naturally whiter than a lot of adults, and simply don’t need to be bleached.

Teeth Whitening as Part of a Smile Makeover

Teeth whitening in London is hugely popular, and with good reason as the results can be very effective, but this procedure is often used as part of a larger smile makeover. While tooth whitening is ideal for people who have perfectly aligned teeth, and who are happy with the shape and size, this certainly doesn’t apply to all of us. More often than not it can be necessary to combine teeth whitening with another dental treatment such as veneers.


Veneers are ultrathin slips of porcelain designed to fit perfectly over the front surface of your teeth. They are ideal for teeth that are discoloured or stained in a way that cannot be rectified through normal whitening treatments, and can help disguise minor imperfections such as chips or cracks in teeth, or teeth that are heavily worn. They can also help minimise or even close up gaps in between teeth, and can be used to give a more pleasing shape to the tooth.


Crowns are used to restore teeth that are extensively decayed or damaged, and which have lost a substantial part of their structure. Unlike a veneer, a crown covers the entire tooth, protecting the remaining tooth from further damage or decay.  The crown can be made from a number of different materials, but all-ceramic crowns that don’t contain any metal will give the best aesthetic results and are well worth the extra cost.

Dental Implants

Dental implants use the latest technology to replace missing teeth in the most permanent way possible. A titanium post is inserted into the jawbone, enabling a crown to be placed over the top, replacing the missing tooth.

Teeth whitening should be Done First

If you are considering having a smile makeover, then you should have your teeth whitened by Dr Wyman Chan before any other type of treatment. This is because it’s far easier and much more successful to accurately match veneers and crowns to teeth that have been bleached, rather than trying to bleach teeth to match these restorations. You’ll also benefit from having a full examination prior to the whitening treatment, and once your teeth have been bleached you may even decide that a more extensive smile makeover is not really necessary. While it’s nice to have perfectly aligned teeth that are beautifully shaped, it’s also quite nice to keep the character in a smile, and to maybe keep an aspect that makes it uniquely yours.

More people are interested in achieving a whiter smile through tooth whitening in London, so it is all too easy to lose sight of the fact that this is a dental treatment, albeit a purely cosmetic one. The General Dental Council is responsible for regulating dental professionals in the UK, and regards teeth whitening in London as being a form of dentistry that is best carried out by a dentist such as Dr Chan, or another dental professional such as a hygienist who is using products prescribed by a dentist. Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but they can only do that if they looked after properly.

Is Tooth Whitening in London Completely Safe?



Problems That Can Arise Due to Teeth Whitening Treatments in London





Why Do Teeth Become Darker?

As a Natural Part of Aging

Having white teeth is definitely something that is associated with being young, and there is little doubt that teeth whitening in London could help to give a more youthful appearance. It is a fact of life that teeth darken with age, and although some lucky people may be blessed with a permanently white smile they are few and far between. The reason for this is because all teeth are covered with tooth enamel. This is a very hard substance that protects the softer, inner layers of the teeth. When we are young this layer tends to be quite thick, but gradually becomes thinner as we age. The trouble with this is that it allows more of the natural tooth color contained in the underlying layer of dentin to show through, creating a darkening effect. This effect can be clearly seen if you compare the teeth of a younger person with someone who is older. Younger people’s teeth tend to be more uniformly white, or the same shade, and don’t have much translucency on the incisal edge, or tip of the tooth. In comparison the teeth of an older person frequently appear to be more translucent towards the tip of the tooth, due to the thinner layer of tooth enamel.

Tooth Staining Due to Lifestyle Choices

Although age is frequently a factor, teeth can also darken due to lifestyle choices. Culprits include coffee, tea, red and white wine and smoking. Some antibiotic drugs can also cause teeth stains, as can exposure to excess fluoride during childhood while the teeth are still developing. Teeth can also become stained due to poor oral hygiene.

The Solution

There is no need to put up with having stained or darker teeth these days, as teeth whitening in London can easily restore a smile to its former glory, or can even whiten teeth to well beyond their natural shade. It isn’t even that expensive, as you can have your teeth safely and professionally whitened in your dental surgery in London for a lot less than you might imagine.

Your first step is to make an appointment with our dental surgery as it is essential that tooth whitening in London is carried out on a healthy mouth. We’ll check to make sure your teeth and gums are free from disease before discussing the most suitable method of teeth whitening with you.

Our chair side whitening service is quick and very effective, and is perfect if you need to get a whiter smile in time for a big event. Our products are especially designed and formulated to ensure any sensitivity is kept to a minimum, and we’ll provide you with a take-home kit to continue the process at home.

Not everyone wants to whiten their teeth as quickly, and our Perfect Trays System offers custom made whitening trays for use at home. These are used with car amide peroxide gel, and will gently whiten the teeth over the course of several weeks for up to two hours each day. Another solution is to choose our Get2Smile system, an award winning system that doesn’t use trays, as it has a low-grade heating device to use with the bleaching gel. The use of heat helps the gel to penetrate the teeth more easily and effectively, and needs only be used for forty minutes a day over the course of two weeks.

This is just a brief overview of your choices for teeth whitening in London, and we’d be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have during your consultation with our dentist.

Reducing the Risk of Tooth Sensitivity During Whitening

Tooth sensitivity during or after teeth whitening in London is incredibly common. Most people find these effects are relatively mild and disappear after just a few hours as the teeth settle down. However this isn’t always the case, as some may find using bleaching products can worsen sensitivity and can exacerbate existing dental problems. Mild tooth sensitivity will only cause a brief twinge of discomfort that quickly passes, but it can also cause pain that can continue for hours. Taking over the counter pain killers is usually sufficient to deal with any discomfort, but obviously it is better to take precautions to prevent it developing in the first place.

Even in a healthy mouth, tooth whitening in London causes the tooth enamel to become more porous, which makes it easier for hot and cold foods to penetrate the teeth where they can stimulate the nerves in the center of the tooth, creating discomfort. This porousness is also the reason why dentists recommend following an all-white diet for a couple of days after whitening. But can anything be done to prevent sensitivity? The answer is yes, and much of the solution lies in approaching teeth whitening in the right way. It is a dental treatment, and while you may be able to buy all sorts of kits, the most effective and safest way is still to visit Dr Wyman Chan or another experienced dentist. Getting a dental check-up beforehand will allow Dr Chan to see if you have any existing problems that may increase sensitivity. These include:

  • Having teeth that are cracked, as the bleach is more likely to penetrate the nerves in the tooth. Small cracks in the teeth can open up when you bite down, making the problem worse.
  • Grinding your teeth, as bruxism increases the likelihood of chips and cracks in the tooth enamel. This condition can cause serious problems if not dealt with properly.
  • Gum disease can cause the tissue around the teeth to recede, exposing the root are of the tooth. This portion of the tooth is covered in cementum, a softer substance that is more easily worn away, exposing the dentine, increasing sensitivity.
  • Recent fillings or other restorations can increase sensitivity, as it can take a few weeks for the tooth to settle down after being treated.

If you have any of these conditions then Dr Chan may suggest you have dental treatment to remedy them before having your teeth whitened. The good news is that the teeth whitening systems used in the Smile Studio in London are developed to help minimise or eliminate tooth sensitivity completely, so your whitening experience should be pain free and pleasant. These treatments have been developed and researched by Dr Chan, and are used throughout the world. Unlike a lot of dental surgeries, Dr Chan doesn’t use visible light to help activate the bleaching gel, but instead uses thermal diffusion technology which is safer and more easily controlled.

Many people think tooth sensitivity during or after teeth whitening is just a fact of life. But a beautiful smile doesn’t have to painful, as a little preparation beforehand combined with high levels of expertise should keep things comfortable, and is well worth it.