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One of the most common questions we get asked is around the safety of teeth whitening?
There is a very simple answer, Yes, if carried out properly and after an assessment of your teeth and gums.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Exactly as described – teeth whitening is a professional treatment designed to improve the colour of your teeth.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening is a simple process. Whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). Effectively, these products dissolve stains into smaller pieces. As a result, the discolouration is less concentrated and your teeth look brighter.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening?
Tooth sensitivity is the main side effect. This happens when there is not enough protective enamel on your teeth. The exposed dentine (the second tooth layer) doesn’t like whitening and this leads to increased sensitivity. Similarly, over-whitening could also be a problem, however, we are yet to hear a patient complain about this.
What are the risks?
When asked “is teeth whitening safe?” firstly, we discus the risks. If teeth whitening is not provided by a regulated and registered professional, there are some significant risks. The product may not be correct, or the technique used may not be correct. We have, sadly, seen burns and skin reactions. Inappropriate provision of treatment leads to these side effects.
When does teeth whitening not work?
Teeth whitening will, on occasion, not work. Yellow teeth usually whiten well, but, brown and grey teeth maybe resistant to chance. Ceramic restorations such as crowns, veneers will not whiten. Areas where you have enamel missing will not whiten as its the enamel that absorbs the bleach. Some teeth may not whiten as well as others. Commonly the canines tend to be a touch more resistant to whitening than other teeth.
If you have lots of recession of your teeth, you may find that you cannot tolerate the whitening process as it will be sensitive.
Who can provide teeth whitening?
When asked “is teeth whitening safe?” – The first discussion should revolve around the providers of treatment. In 2013, the High Court confirmed the General Dental Council’s position. The General Dental Council state that “tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry”. Only registered dental professionals can legally and safely carry out teeth whitening. This is the case regardless of the products used.
It is important to note, unregistered professionals cannot legally provide teeth whitening.
The concentrations of teeth whitening products.
The UK allow the use of hydrogen peroxide and other compounds or mixtures that release hydrogen peroxide. This includes carbamide peroxide and zinc peroxide formulas.
Dentists use a maximum strength of 6% hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, this also applies to products that turn into hydrogen peroxide.
In broad terms, 10% carbamide peroxide content would yield a maximum of 3.6% hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the commonly used products containing 16% carbamide peroxide are permitted because they would normally be releasing less than 6% hydrogen peroxide.
Contact Us
Contact Rock Dental for more information on teeth whitening
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Reviews
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I am so impressed with the treatment I have received at Rock Dental. I was referred by my dentist for periorthodontic treatment.
The appointment process was efficient with periodic reminders by text and email and printed receipts after appointments.
I had my gum graft procedure in March and stitches removed yesterday. Hardeep and his colleague were so gentle and careful when undertaking the procedure, taking the time to explain each stage and ensure I was comfortable.
Whilst the procedure is to strengthen the gum and not regain coverage, it has improved coverage across all the teeth and I think this is testament to their skill and thorough explanation of the aftercare involved.
I am so impressed with the end result and wouldn't hesitate to undertake future treatment here or recommend them to others.
- I hadn't been to the dentist for a very long time as the fear of going would make me so anxious. I spoke to a lovely dental nurse named georgina, she was so sweet and understanding with my situation. I had two extractions and it went so smoothly thank you Anoup and Georgina for making me feel so comfortable and not being judgemental that I abandoned my detal care due to fear of the dentist.
- NHS treatment just wasn’t cutting it. Joined Rock Dental when I hit 30years old and it’s honestly the best thing I’ve done for my health.
Spent a-bit initially to fix and replace some shoddy NHS work (by others) filling replacements and wisdom teeth out. but that alone made me realise how good Rock Dental is.
Dentistry to this team is a passion and an art form. They are pro active on check ups looking ahead for potential issues that may come up and advising how to avoid needing treatment.
Absolutely petrified of the dentists but Rock House was a game changer for me. Should have joined 10 years sooner. - I can honestly say this was the best dental experience I've ever had. From start to finish, everything was perfect — the staff were incredibly professional, friendly, and reassuring throughout.
The practice itself is clean, modern, and welcoming, and the team made me feel completely at ease. The level of care and attention to detail was second to none.
Highly recommend The Rock Dental Practice — truly outstanding service. - Very happy with my dentist. I have been going for several years now and feel reassured by their professional approach. No work is forced on you. Always clear explanations, and clear pricing policy. Staff very good and helpful. Would recommend 100%.
- I have been a patient at this practice for a number of years and have always found them to be caring and professional. Had my first appointment at their new location today. It's slightly nearer to town than the old location and is very smart and spacious. I'm sure that the treatment there will be as efficient as the old one.
- Had a great experience with Rock Dental! All the staff are so friendly and reassuring, especially when having a tooth extraction recently they were fabulous throughout the process! I'd recommend the Rock Dental to my friends and family!
- A five star experience from start to finish. A service delivered in a professional, empathetic and informative manner. Communication was clear with no confusion, the treatment plan was informative and structured. Staff were professional, helpful and very supportive. I don't think I can think of a downside at this practice and have never been so happy to visit a dentist!
- I arrived at this practice as a highly anxious patient. I cannot praise them enough for how good they are with dental anxiety!! The receptionists are friendly and empathetic and all the dentists are talented. Since then I’ve had an extraction and root canals, all practically painless. Always great in an emergency and actually repair the problem and don’t just fob you off with antibiotics. Massive shout out to Simran, who always gets me out of pain and always provides amazing care. Erin
- I've been a patient here for 15 years and it's got better and better. Fantastic service from start to finish. I've recently had 4 implants and would recommend highly.
- Great practice with very professional staff. Dr Nandra and his team always put my family at ease about trips to the dentist and even my 2 under 5 now enjoy their visits which is a result given they wouldn’t even go into the room on their first trip! Could not recommend the practice enough.
- I have been a patient for many years and would not go anywhere else, despite living some distance away. I recently visited the practice for a routine check up and, as always, all the staff are extremely professional, friendly and provide the utmost care possible. The team absolutely went out of their way to accommodate me. This included fitting me in as an emergency on a Saturday morning. I can thoroughly recommend this practice. Thank you Dr Nandra and the team.
- Great service and always friendly staff :)
All dental work and anything that needs to be checked or kept note of is always fully explained to me.
Thanks to everyone and Happy Christmas :) - Great dental practice! The staff are really friendly and helpful, and the place is clean and comfortable. Dr. Adam was kind, patient, and explained everything clearly. I feel confortable every time I go— definitely recommend!
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I have been a patient of Rock House Dentist for over 20 years and have always had an excellent experience both with my Dentist Anoup and Hygienist Dawn. Anoup was my Dentist for many years and in recent years I now see Simran who won an accolade of Dentist of the Year.
Dawn my Hygienist is excellent in her role and ensures I keep on top of my routine.
Natalie manages the Team extremely well.
Faye has been working on the Receptionist Team, for as long as I have been attending the practise and ensures all of my appointments are booked.
The whole Team are truly fantastic – professional, friendly, and always make me feel at ease.
The care and attention they give is second to none, and their results speak for themselves.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rock House Dentist to anyone looking for high-quality dental care, in fact I always do. - I have been a patient here for nearly 10 years and it just gets better and better. A great dental practice and the team are just amazing. Friendly and welcoming. Truly wonderful dental practice.
- My first visit was an emergency appointment, I spoke to them on the phone at 10:30 and I had been seen by 11:30. I was dealt with professionally and quickly with the best solution for me being their priority. I was disappointed with the price but I was presented with the options and made the best choice for me. Thank you to all that dealt with me I would recommend for the great service I received.
- Having had bad experiences in the past I am never a regular patient. But the staff at Rock Dental really helped me overcome my fear and I have been smiling ever since! Highly Recommended!
- Another excellent experience. Dr Nandra, Dawn and the team are always friendly and professional and make a potentially nerve wracking experience, for the anxious-patient like me, relaxed and (almost!) enjoyable. I can't recommend Rock House highly enough. Thanks again for your care and kindness guys.
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I needed emergency treatment. They were really fast. All the staff were friendly and professional. The dentist was caring and extremely clear about my options. The treatment I received was exemplary from start to finish. Would definitely recommend 
