Whitening: good or bad for your enamel?

Enamel consists of 96% hydroxyapatite, an exceptionally hard mineral. Peroxide reacts selectively with the pigment molecules in your dentine, not with that mineral. Research consistently shows that the hardness and microstructure of enamel remain measurably the same after a professional whitening treatment.

What does change temporarily is the permeability of your enamel. During and right after whitening there is slightly less mineral in the outermost layer, which is why teeth can feel briefly more sensitive. Within a few days the enamel fully remineralises, supported by your saliva and the fluoride in toothpaste.

"Whitening strips and pens from the drugstore are just as safe as at the dentist." Not true. These products often have no proper fit, so gel ends up on your gums and leakage occurs. Concentrations outside the EU also regularly sit too high.

"Activated charcoal and baking soda toothpaste make teeth white." These products actually scrub away enamel, making the yellower dentine underneath more visible. In the short term teeth may look cleaner, but longer term they can look duller and yellower.

"If it is safe once, it is safe unlimited times." Also not true. Whitening too often without breaks strains your gums and can prolong sensitivity. One complete course followed by a top-up every six months is more than enough.

For a safe treatment we first check your teeth for cavities, leaking fillings, gum inflammation and sensitive tooth necks. All of these need to be in order before whitening gel comes into contact with your teeth anywhere.

We then make bleaching trays that fit your teeth precisely. It sounds like a detail, but it determines whether the gel stays on your teeth or leaks onto your gums. We use gel with fluoride and potassium nitrate, so your enamel is actually strengthened during the course.

Finally you receive a schedule and clear instructions: wear times, what to do if teeth feel sensitive and how to maintain your result. Whitening is safe when you follow the ground rules, and we explain those rules to you personally during the intake.