Teeth whitening involves the process of bleaching your teeth to make them brighter and lighter. While it can’t make your teeth brilliantly white, it can lighten their existing color by several shades.

Who Can Perform Teeth Whitening? Teeth whitening is a type of dentistry and should only be performed by a licensed dentist or other regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, with a prescription from a dentist.

While some beauty salons offer teeth whitening, it is illegal to do so without the presence of a dental professional, and it may pose a risk to your oral health.

You can also purchase DIY home teeth whitening kits, but these may also carry risks.

What Happens During Teeth Whitening? If you decide to have your teeth whitened, you will need to make 2-3 visits to the dental clinic.

First, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a mouthguard and provide you with a bleaching gel to use with it. You will use the mouthguard at home and apply the gel regularly for a specific period of time, typically over several weeks. Some whitening gels can be left on for up to 8 hours, which can shorten the treatment period.

Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth, and a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

Can Any Dentist Whiten Teeth? Any dentist who is registered with the General Dental Council can whiten teeth. Dental hygienists and dental therapists who are registered with the council can also perform teeth whitening under the direction of a dentist.