While we may love the things we eat and drink, our teeth don't always feel the same way. This can result in stains leading you to consider brightening them up. Here, our Delta dentists discuss whitening your teeth, what to expect, and how to know if your teeth are healthy enough for this service.
Over time, the things we eat and drink can begin to show on not only our skin but in our smiles as well. This may lead you to consider treatments to help brighten and lighten your smile, restoring its youthful glow. Here are a few things you should consider when it comes to professional teeth whitening.
Who might benefit from professional teeth whitening treatments?
Before you begin teeth whitening treatments, you should have a full exam with your dentist. This examination will allow your dentist to look for any signs of thinning weakened enamel, or tooth decay which can cause complications during teeth whitening. If your dentist spots any issues that may result in teeth whitening not being recommended for you, they will offer other cosmetic treatments to help restore the appearance of your smile.
If your dentist has no concerns about your oral health and if you do not have fillings or damage, then they may be able to recommend teeth whitening to brighten your smile.
What is teeth whitening and how does it work?
When performing teeth whitening, your dentist will coat the face of the tooth with a bleaching agent. They will apply this substance with great care to avoid the gums. While teeth whitening is relatively safe, the solution may irritate if it comes into contact with the soft tissues. The irritation should clear up fairly quickly once the solution has been cleared from the area. You may experience some sensitivity during your treatment. Once the solution has been removed then the sensitivity should subside. As for which results you might realistically expect, dental teeth bleaching can only offer a change in colour from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example.
The outcome of professional teeth whitening treatment will vary from person to person. If you have any dental restorations such as crowns, they will not respond to whitening; they will remain the same colour as before.
Along with your take-home teeth whitening kit, we will provide one extra vial of whitening gel, which can be used for your first touch-up. Once you have your custom-fit whitening trays, you will be able to purchase the whitening solution for continued touchups as recommended.
How can you help keep your teeth strong and healthy?
You should visit our dental clinic in Delta twice yearly for a full checkup and examination. Daily brushing and flossing will also go a long way in keeping your teeth bright and healthy. If you keep up with routine at-home care and professional exams and cleanings along with being given the go-ahead from your dentist, your teeth should be healthy enough to whiten safely.