Inverleith Dentalcare

The Science of Teeth Whitening: How Does It Work?

A bright, white smile is often associated with health, youth, and confidence. It’s no surprise that teeth whitening has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures. But have you ever wondered how teeth whitening actually works? In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind teeth whitening, the different methods available, and what you can expect from the process.

Understanding Tooth Discolouration

Before diving into the whitening process, it’s essential to understand why our teeth can become discoloured in the first place. There are two primary types of tooth discolouration:

Extrinsic Stains: These stains occur on the surface of the teeth and are often caused by food and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic Stains: These are deeper stains that occur within the tooth structure. Intrinsic discolouration can result from factors such as ageing, trauma, certain medications, or excessive fluoride exposure during childhood.

Understanding these causes is crucial in determining the best approach to achieve a whiter smile.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening treatments primarily rely on two types of bleaching agents: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Here’s how they work:

Penetration: When applied to the teeth, the bleaching agents penetrate the enamel and dentin layers, reaching the discoloured molecules within.
Oxidation: Once inside the tooth, the peroxide compounds break down the discoloured molecules through a chemical reaction known as oxidation. This process effectively lightens the stains, resulting in a whiter appearance.
pH Balance: Most professional whitening treatments also include pH-balancing agents to minimize sensitivity and protect the enamel during the whitening process.

Methods of Teeth Whitening

There are several methods available for teeth whitening, each with its own unique benefits:

In-Office Whitening: This professional treatment is performed by a dentist and can provide immediate results. The dentist applies a concentrated bleaching agent to your teeth, often using a special light or laser to enhance the whitening effect.
Take-Home Kits: Custom whitening trays can be provided by your dentist, allowing you to whiten your teeth at home. These kits usually contain a lower concentration of bleaching agent than in-office treatments, making them ideal for gradual whitening.
Over-the-Counter Products: Whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels are readily available at stores. While these products can help remove surface stains, they may not be as effective for deeper discolouration as professional treatments.

What to Expect

When considering teeth whitening, it’s important to set realistic expectations. While many people achieve noticeable results, individual outcomes can vary based on the extent of discolouration and the method used.

Here are a few things you can expect from the teeth whitening process:

Consultation: Your journey typically begins with a consultation to assess your dental health, discuss your whitening goals, and determine the most suitable method for you.
Treatment: Depending on the chosen method, your treatment may take place in-office or at home over a specified period.
Aftercare: Following the whitening process, your dentist may provide guidance on maintaining your new smile and minimising sensitivity.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to enhance your smile, thanks to the science behind it. By understanding how the process works, you can make informed decisions about your dental care. Whether you opt for in-office treatments or at-home kits, achieving a brighter smile is within your reach.

If you’re ready to brighten your smile, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Let us help you achieve the radiant, confident smile you deserve!

What Our Patients Are Saying

Inverleith Dentalcare

4.9

Based on 349 reviews

review us on

Clara Gore

08:29 11 Feb 25

What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist

billy darling

08:21 11 Feb 25

Outstanding service as always

Amanda Robbins

08:15 10 Feb 25

Thomas Chan

11:20 07 Feb 25

David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.

Gordon Clayton

10:00 06 Feb 25

Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .

chris fowles

15:27 30 Jan 25

I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter.They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care.Thanks!

Brian Mulholland

14:23 06 Jan 25

I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.

Iwona Walkowiak

11:29 19 Dec 24

I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.

Dona Easton

10:16 02 Nov 24

I cannot recommend this practice highly enough!It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.

David Wilson

20:26 15 Oct 24

Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanksDavid Wilson

Jean Kenyon

18:00 12 Aug 24

David Neilson

16:45 08 Aug 24

Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.

Susanne Goetzold

13:57 25 Jul 24

Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.

Mariam Aziz

08:46 25 Jul 24

I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.

mattias nuella

20:16 24 Jul 24

The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.

Sandra Johnson

19:00 24 Jul 24

Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.

Jo Nash

17:14 17 Jul 24

I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Rosemary Jamieson

19:58 05 Jul 24

I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried!The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage!The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leavingThe beautiful Georgian building is a bonus

Ookii Neko

11:50 09 Jun 24

I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.