What you should know about professional teeth whitening
Over time, teeth can become discoloured and yellowed.
This can have a significant negative impact on your appearance, not to mention your self-confidence. If you are looking for ways to brighten your smile, professional teeth whitening at our dental clinic in Fort Saskatchewan could be the solution for you. Today, we will discuss some of the reasons patients may consider teeth whitening and explore the process.
Types of teeth staining
Before we look at professional teeth whitening, we will discuss the different types of dental staining. First, extrinsic stains affect the outer surface layers of the tooth. This kind of discolouration is primarily caused by staining agents in the modern diet such as tea, coffee, red wine, fruit juices, berries, and more. Fortunately, teeth whitening can be highly effective for eliminating extrinsic stains. The second type of dental discolouration are intrinsic stains, which affect the innermost layers of the tooth. This kind of staining may be due to trauma, genetic conditions, or certain medications such as tetracycline. Teeth bleaching does not improve intrinsic stains, as they are too deep within the tooth structure. Therefore, if you have intrinsic staining, alternative options may be more beneficial for you, such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
How does teeth whitening work?
There are a couple different ways to undergo professional teeth whitening. Some dental clinics offer in-house whitening. At Fort Dental Health Group, we offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. The convenience of dentist-supervised at-home teeth whitening is a great option for some patients. We provide you with a concentrated bleaching gel and instruct you on how to properly whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. In order to whiten your teeth at home, you will require custom bleaching trays, which we can fabricate for you at our dental office. Once the trays are made, you will place the whitening gel in the trays and insert them in your mouth for the recommended period of time. While you are wearing your trays, the oxygen molecules in the bleaching gel will penetrate the enamel and break apart the bonds that are responsible for staining. If you choose to whiten in the office, treatment lasts approximately one hour. The solution will be applied to your teeth in 15-minute intervals and repeated four times. An LED light will be used to increase activation of the whitening gel to make the process more effective.
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Virtually anyone who wishes to brighten their smile can undergo teeth whitening. However, it is important to note that patients must be in good oral health, and they should not have active gum disease or extensive tooth decay.
Other considerations
Before you whiten your teeth, you should know what to expect. First, the bleaching gel may cause temporary sensitivity for some patients. If this occurs, it should diminish over time. Secondly, teeth whitening will not make your teeth resilient to staining. Therefore, it is a good idea to consume dark-coloured foods and beverages in moderation and sip tea or coffee through a straw to minimize direct contact with the teeth surfaces. Finally, it is important to understand that results following teeth whitening are not permanent. To maintain the colour of your smile, repeat applications may be necessary every few years. To further enhance your results, be sure to attend routine dental cleanings as directed by your dentist.
Learn more about teeth whitening at our dental practice in Fort Saskatchewan
If your smile is looking lacklustre, try our in-office or take-home whitening kits. To learn more about this or other cosmetic dentistry options at the clinic, contact us online or call us at 780.998.7165.