Do you feel self-conscious about your discoloured or stained teeth, making you hide your smile? We believe everyone should feel proud of their teeth and be able to show off a bright smile. Even with regular brushing, our teeth can lose their shine and appear dull over time.
But fret not! If you find yourself struggling with teeth that appear grey or drab, it’s time to explore the wonders of professional teeth whitening. Age, dietary choices, and smoking can all contribute to tooth discolouration, but there’s a solution that can help restore your pearly whites.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of teeth by making them appear whiter. While it may not result in a perfect white smile, it effectively lightens the existing colour without causing any harm to the tooth’s surface.
Curious about what a professional teeth whitening procedure entails? Let’s delve into the process and unveil the remarkable results you can expect.
Professional teeth whitening methods
The primary products used for teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Unlike whitening toothpaste, which relies on abrasives to remove surface stains, these whitening agents work at a molecular level. The oxygen molecules in these agents help break down and weaken tooth stains, revealing a brighter smile.
There are different ways to whiten your teeth professionally, just like at-home whitening products. In-office professional whitening is faster but more expensive. Custom take-home trays are a middle ground in terms of time and cost, between in-office professional whitening and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.
In-office whitening
In-office professional whitening treatments usually require several short appointments, depending on your specific needs. During each appointment, a whitening agent is applied for 15 to 30 minutes at a time. The entire treatment should not take more than an hour and a half.
What Happens During an In-Office Teeth Whitening Appointment
- Our dentist will use a tooth shade chart to see the colour of your teeth. You’ll talk about how many shades lighter your smile can get after whitening.
- Our dentist will use a pumice tool to polish your tooth and get rid of any remaining plaque.
- To prevent the whitening agent from touching your gums, cheeks, or tongue, our dentist will use tools to keep your mouth open and place a protective barrier along the gum line.
- During in-office professional whitening, our dentist applies the whitening agent to your teeth and leaves it on for about an hour. If necessary, they may also use light activation as part of the treatment.
- If the whitening agent needs more coats, our dentist will apply it again.
- You’ll talk to our dentist about the shade you want for your teeth and the habits to follow for a day or so after whitening. This includes avoiding brightly coloured foods, coffee, and red wine. Right after whitening, your teeth are dehydrated, which makes them more prone to stains from liquids and food.
After whitening your teeth, they may appear slightly darker a few days later, even if you avoid staining foods and drinks. This is because dehydration during the whitening process initially makes them look brighter. Don’t worry if your teeth aren’t your desired shade after a week. Talk to our dentist about using at-home products or scheduling additional in-office visits to achieve lighter teeth.
Take-home trays
While in-office whitening is fast, custom take-home trays require some diligence on the part of the patient. They may be your only treatment or follow-up treatment to in-office whitening if our dentist believes your smile is prone to getting new stains again soon.
The gel concentration in custom-fit trays for teeth whitening can range from 10% to 38% carbamide peroxide. Treatment duration varies from wearing the tray for two to 10 hours a day, up to 28 days. Over-the-counter trays have a similar gel percentage but may not fit as well. Custom trays fit directly around your teeth, ensuring the gel doesn’t touch your gums and reaches all areas for effective whitening.
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
The effects of professional teeth whitening can last for about three years before they begin to fade. How quickly your teeth yellow again after that depends on your lifestyle habits. People with naturally darker teeth may notice the whitening results fade faster.
Some people may find that their teeth appear yellow or dull within a few months, even after using in-office whitening methods. To maintain your results for as long as possible, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and avoid habits that can cause staining. This includes staying away from smoking and limiting the consumption of coffee, tea, sugary foods, and acidic drinks.
At-home teeth whitening kits don’t provide long-lasting results like professional treatments. Usually, the effects tend to last for a few weeks before gradually wearing off.
Unlock a Brighter Smile with Us!
At My Smile Family Dental Centre, our patients’ well-being is our top priority. That’s why we’re thrilled to provide effective teeth whitening treatment options. We know how important a confident smile is, so we’re dedicated to helping you achieve optimal results. For more information or any questions, contact us at (403) 777-3567.