Not on the NHS - Strict guidelines in Chair-side Teeth Whitening

If you are desperate for teeth whitening, London has plenty of cosmetic dentists - but be warned, it's not available on the NHS.

London experts

Teeth whitening has become more popular than ever as movie stars and models flash their beautiful whiter than white smiles. But if you're looking for teeth whitening, London has plenty of good cosmetic dentists on hand. Many people however can be put off choosing a cosmetic dentist, especially if they are already registered with an NHS dentist. The problem is teeth whitening is not recognised as a service that is provided by the NHS. If you are looking for teeth whitening, London's NHS dentists consider it an aesthetic not an oral health issue - similarly white fillings must be paid for privately.

London Warning

Because you have to attend a specialist cosmetic dentist to have teeth whitening, London patients may be tempted to opt for cheaper, over the counter products that promise to whiten your teeth. What could be easier? You take the product to the comfort of your own home and do it yourself for a fraction of the price. But over the counter bleaching kits, whitening salons and internet sales of teeth whitening kits are all risking your oral health.

Teeth Whitening at Home

Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, there are less strict guidelines and some active ingredients may not even be listed. There have been cases reported where the procedures have gone terribly wrong. Teeth whitening at a London beauty salon left one woman with badly damaged tooth enamel. Because the process is not supervised by a dentist, it isn't appropriate or recommended that you choose anything but professional teeth whitening from a registered cosmetic dentist. Studies have shown that home bleaching can:

• Aggravate periodontal or gum disease
• Cause sensitivity to teeth
• Increase ingestion of bleaching products because of poor product design or misuse
• Damage filings
• Affect the minerals in teeth
• Damage crowns and bridges
• Have ineffective whitening results
• May contain damaging citric or phosphoric acid

If you are tempted to go for the cheaper option because you can't get teeth whitening at London NHS dentists, don't risk home bleaching kits. A professional cosmetic dentist is by far a better result in the long term for better quality, guaranteed whiter teeth. Plus you will be safe in the knowledge that you are caring for your oral health as well as having fantastic aesthetic results.

The Mermaid Dental Clinic offers a full range of dental services including teeth whitening; London-based the clinic offers the latest technology for painless and superior results. Situated in the West End, the specialist dental staff are trained and equipped to treat every aspect of your dental needs with professionalism and expertise. You can make an appointment by calling 0207 580 1001.

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