Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Pearlys

Since February 2005 Pearlys has grown from humble beginnings to establish itself nationwide as one of the largest aesthetic teeth whitening concerns in the country. With staff in every corner of the United Kingdom, from London to Belfast, and from Edinburgh to Cardiff, Pearlys has an unrivalled reach.

As well as performing 7,500 treatments in 2011 alone, we have also treated a number of celebrity clients, including the X-Factor’s Alexandra Burke and JLS, and star of ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!’, Mark Wright.

Are you dentists?

We at Pearlys specialise in carrying out cosmetic teeth whitening procedures. We are not dentists, and nor do we hold ourselves to be dental professionals. We do not diagnose dental problems, carry out dental procedures or advise clients on dental issues, all that we can do is to provide cosmetic teeth whitening treatments and product. The treatments we provide can only be administered after you have had a check up with your dentist to ensure that your teeth are healthy and suitable for a whitening treatment.

Is it legal for non-dentists to provide teeth whitening treatments?

Pearlys operates completely within the law. The Dentistry Act 1984, which defines dentistry, makes no mention of teeth whitening. The view that teeth whitening is dentistry and therefore can only be performed by dentists is one created by some dentists in an attempt to wipe out competition so they can continue charging 300-500 per cent more than teeth whitening specialists like Pearlys.

How does Pearlys differ from other teeth whitening companies?

Pearlys is unique in offering, as standard, a combination treatment that is designed to achieve the best results for our clients in attaining and maintaining a pearly white smile. By offering a combination treatment – consisting of an in-clinic treatment often referred to as a ‘laser’ treatment and the provision of a customised tray home kit – Pearlys provides a treatment that is affordable, effective and safe. Please note, the term ‘laser’ is commonly used when describing this type of teeth whitening however the light that Pearlys uses is a cold light emitting diode (L.E.D) which we favour because not only is it very effective but (because it works without any heat) it causes much less sensitivity than some other systems commonly used by both non-dentist and dentist teeth whiteners alike.

Will I get whiter teeth with my dentist?

No. Pearlys Professional Teeth Whitening is exactly the same as the teeth whitening system that many dentists use.

Can everyone use Pearlys? Are there any circumstances in which you will refuse to carry out the treatment?

Most people with no dental problems can use Pearlys safely. As with any effective treatment there are some who should avoid its use. Any untreated dental conditions, epilepsy, pregnancy or breastfeeding will prevent the treatment going ahead. Clients must keep up with their regular dental check ups and visit their dentist before coming to see us to ensure that any unresolved dental problems are treated prior to their appointment. If, during the consultation, there is any doubt that the client is completely suitable for the treatment, we will inform them and arrange an alternate appointment to allow them to resolve the issue. Client safety and comfort is our principal priority.

I have a cap or a veneer, can I still use Pearlys?

Yes this is fine, however the implant will only whiten back to its original colour and your natural teeth may become whiter. Some clients choose to whiten their teeth with Pearlys before having their implant replaced to match their new lighter shade. Alternatively, with the flexibility of the gradual whitening achieved with Pearlys it is simple to match up stained teeth with a lighter implant.

How does the Pearlys tooth whitening treatment work?

Your teeth become naturally stained in the course of everyday life. Dietary and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, may result in increased staining. This type of staining is known as extrinsic staining, and is ideal for the Pearlys teeth whitening treatment. The treatment that we offer opens up the pores of the tooth enamel, and lifts out the particles which have stained the teeth, restoring the teeth to the shade that they were before they were stained.

What results can clients expect?

Most clients can expect that their teeth will be whitened in-clinic by between 8 to 12 shades. This result can be maintained or even improved using the customised tray home kit.

How are the results of the treatment assessed?

The shade of the client’s teeth is assessed before and after the treatment using a VITA shade guide, and no assessment is made without the client’s full agreement.

How long does it take to carry out each treatment?

Each treatment lasts around one and a half hours. In this time, the tooth whitening specialist carries out a full initial consultation with the client, performs the in-clinic treatment and the client then takes a simple impression of their teeth for the home kit.

Does the treatment cause sensitivity?

Some clients experience some sensitivity during the procedure, and sometimes sensitivity can last for up to 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. Steps are taken by Pearlys staff to minimise sensitivity both during and after the treatment, and advice is given to all clients on minimising the effects of any sensitivity experienced.

Will my teeth whiten evenly?

It is common for the edges of the teeth to whiten faster than the rest which can make the teeth appear uneven for a while. This is because the enamel is thicker near to the gum line and so the whitening gel takes longer to penetrate the top of the tooth. The colour will even out with continued treatments.

I have white spots on my teeth, will Pearlys help get rid of them?

It is possible during treatment that white spots will look more prominent for a while but after 4-7 days following treatment they should settle down again. With continued treatment the rest of the tooth will “catch up” and although the white spots may not completely disappear they will be less noticeable.

I have seen some negative articles concerning teeth whitening. Can the tooth whitening treatment damage the teeth?

There are many misconceptions about teeth whitening in the media. Pearlys uses a system used by many dentists which does not damage the teeth or erode / wear down the enamel. We use a gum dam to protect the gums during the whitening procedure and provide a desensitizer to ensure that clients have the best and most comfortable treatment possible.