Teeth Whitening
See The Clearer Picture with Teeth Whitening
There’s no easy way to have brighter and shinier teeth; maintaining the perfect smile throughout life is rare and challenging. But a few teeth whitening options are available.
Whether it’s the at-home options that can safely be done with a few products or a procedure performed by your dentist, here are a few different options for whitening your teeth.
Home-Care Options
This includes the sticky strips you can purchase at your local pharmacy or the gel-filled trays that look like mouthguards. Both options are easy to obtain and use, and both do a great job of cleaning your teeth and removing stains.
These products usually contain natural bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Both ingredients work to eliminate the particles that cause a yellowing effect on your teeth stemming from:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Smoking
- Bad oral hygiene practices
Be patient with the at-home method, as these products may take some time to show results, from days, up to weeks.
Custom-made Trays
We offer custom-made whitening trays paired with a powerful gel for at-home use. Our formula boasts a higher concentration than typical drugstore options, ensuring quicker results without sacrificing safety. You’ll need to wear the trays for about 30 minutes each day over the course of a week to achieve that bright smile you desire.
It’s important to remember, though, that moderation is key when it comes to whitening. We recommend spacing treatments out by at least six months for optimal results and to protect your enamel.
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding could be an option if other methods prove ineffective due to deep discolouration or areas that cannot be changed by whitening. With a composite bond a tooth-coloured resin will be applied to cover up the discolouration.
This option is quite affordable, but you will likely need to have the procedure re-done every five to seven years. Dental bonding is also most effective when you do not have several discoloured teeth but rather just one or two.
Crowns or veneers may be another option if you’re after that picture-perfect white smile. However, this is the most expensive option with the most alteration to your natural teeth required.
Always Consult Your Dentist
The Canadian Dental Association strongly recommends that you always consult your dentist before deciding on either tooth whitening option.
Since you may be experiencing discolouration for more than one reason, you must find out the root cause before treating it.
In some cases, the hydrogen peroxide used in teeth whitening can damage the proteins in your teeth’s dentin, which is the hard tissue that lays beneath your enamel. Getting a proper consultation from your dentist is always the best option.
When Not to Use Bleaching
There are moments where bleaching your teeth should be avoided or may not prove the desired effects, such as:
- If your teeth are demineralized or have a form of decay
- Tooth discolouration is caused by a disrupted development or a physical alteration from a fall or sports injury
- You must never go through with tooth bleaching while pregnant, as the long-term effects have yet to be discovered
Things to Help Avoid Yellowing
You can do a few things to help prevent unnatural discolouration to your teeth and avoid needing bleaching altogether. Things like:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Flossing regularly
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting your coffee, tea and any food or drinks that easily stain
- Booking regular cleanings with your dentist
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, you want to ensure you have all the information you need. The team at ThityTwo Dental are experts in teeth whitening matters and can help you discover the best option.
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Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky, DDS
This content was written by Dr. Jaimee Buchkowsky, who brings over 15 years of experience to her practice. Dr. Buchkowsky holds both a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Alberta.