Whitening
Whitening
We offer whitening here at our office! We first take impressions that will give us a mould of your teeth, we then fabricate take home whitening trays and provide you with a bleaching solution. The trays stay in for an hour each day for 7 days to 10 days. The teeth will appear a few shades whiter. Refill bleaching solution is available at our office when finished. Tooth whitening gel will only whiten natural teeth not caps, crown, bridges, fillings or any other dental work. Sensitivity to gums and teeth is very common with whitening.
Dental Whitening: Enhancing Your Smile
Dental whitening, also known as teeth bleaching, is a popular cosmetic dental procedure aimed at lightening the natural colour of your teeth. It can significantly enhance the appearance of a smile and is one of the most requested cosmetic dental treatments.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening
- Staining from Foods and Drinks: Common culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruits and juices.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking, chewing tobacco and cannabis use can cause teeth to stain.
- Age: As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away, revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.
- Medication: Certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause teeth discoloration.
At-Home Whitening Kits Provided by Dentist
These kits contain a bleaching agent in the form of a gel. The gel is placed in custom-made trays to fit your teeth for use at home over several days.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
These products, such as strips, gels or paint-on techniques contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents. Results are more gradual and less dramatic compared to procedures overseen by a dentist.
Whitening Toothpaste
This is designed to help remove stains and discolouration from teeth, making them appear brighter. It contains mild abrasives and/or chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide or baking soda that gently polish the tooth surface. It is not strong enough to change the shade of the teeth .
Consultation and Planning
The dentist will assess your teeth and discuss your goals and options. If you have restorations like crowns or veneers, it’s important to know that they will not whiten like natural teeth.
Preparation
Before whitening, any cavities must be treated, and gums should be healthy. The teeth are cleaned to remove surface plaque and tartar.
The Whitening
Depending on the type of whitening method, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes a day for a few weeks for at-home treatments.
Post-Whitening Care
Patients are advised to avoid foods and drinks that stain for at least a week. Ongoing maintenance may be required to keep the teeth white. Refill kits are available in the office for purchase.