Stained or yellowing teeth can cause embarrassment and other forms of emotional discomfort. Unfortunately, the aging process can cause our teeth to naturally darken. However, using tobacco products or consuming certain foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, and red wine) can also stain our teeth.
Our teeth typically become stained, dull, or yellowed gradually over time, but you can achieve a brighter, whiter, stain-free smile in as little as one professional whitening session.
For more information about teeth whitening, or to book your appointment, please contact us.
Teeth Whitening Methods
There are two main types of teeth whiteners: Surface whiteners and bleaches.
Surface whiteners, which include products like whitening toothpastes and whitening gum, are manufactured using fine abrasive ingredients that are designed to scrub away stains. Unfortunately, surface whiteners are only marginally effective and are only capable of removing surface stains.
Most bleaching products are made with peroxide, and can actually alter the natural colour of your tooth. However, not all forms of tooth discolouration can be effectively treated using tooth bleaching treatments. That is why you should discuss your cosmetic dental concerns with your dentist before you begin any tooth whitening regime.
Fillings, teeth that have undergone root canals, crowns, and severely stained teeth may not respond to bleaching treatments.
Though there are a wide variety of home-based bleaching products currently available on the market, you should never bleach your teeth without consulting your dentist first.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Though at-home whitening kits are available, there are many benefits to choosing a professional teeth whitening service over a do-it-yourself approach.
Because at-home whitening kits are not used under dentist supervision, they can not offer the same potency as professional in-office treatments. At home kits typically require you to use them several times per week over a long period of time, and do not offer dramatic results.
Many at-home kits are only able to make your teeth lighter by one or two shades, while professional in-office treatments can lighten your teeth by three to eight shades in as little as one, one hour long session.
Professional in-office treatments are supervised by your dentist, so they can safely use stronger bleaching components and specialized lights to speed up and enhance the bleaching process, giving you faster and more noticeable results than at-home kits.
Bleach based teeth whitening solutions can irritate your lips, cheeks, gums, and the roots of your teeth, causing pain and discomfort for up to several days after use. When you choose a professional in-office treatment, your dentist is able to apply a special protective gel to your gums and roots, and use retractors to pull your cheeks and lips away from your teeth. These additional steps minimize contact between the bleaching product and your roots and delicate tissues.
Your dentist is able to suggest whitening solutions based on your unique dental needs, providing you with more tailored results than a one-size-fits-all solution. Your dentist can also provide you with custom fitted whitening trays, which are specially moulded to your mouth. These custom trays reduce the amount of contact between your gums and the bleaching solution, further reducing sensitivity and irritation.
Professional whitening solutions do not necessarily have to be performed in-office. If you are looking for the convenience and flexibility of at-home whitening solutions, your dentist can still provide you with a custom moulded tray and a bleaching agent that you can safely use at home.
West 85th Dental Offers Zoom Whitening
The Zoom In-Office Whitening System by Philips can help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile in as little as four fifteen minute sessions. Once your dentist has confirmed that you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, they will assess your natural tooth shade, help you pinpoint your whitening goals, and take impressions of your teeth. These impressions will be used to create your custom whitening trays.
During your appointment, your dentist will start by preparing you for the procedure and then applying the in-office whitening gel to your teeth, which is then enhanced using the Zoom WhiteSpeed lamp. After fifteen minutes the tray will be removed, giving you and your teeth a short break before the next session begins.
Depending on how deep the stains were on your teeth before you began the procedure your dentist may provide you with between two and four Zoom DayWhite or NiteWhite whitening strips to help you achieve your desired teeth whitening results.
Do you think your teeth might benefit from professional whitening? Book your appointment today.
