If you're feeling like your teeth have become a little dull there are options to help you restore them to a healthy shine. Here, our North Delta dentists share some information about professional teeth whitening and what to expect from the procedure.
Sometimes we notice how dull our teeth have become over time. This can lead to you considering teeth whitening and leave you with questions about how it works and if it is safe. Here are a few other things you should consider when it comes to professional teeth whitening.
Should you have professional teeth whitening?
Prior to offering teeth whitening services, your dentist will want to complete a full examination of your teeth. At this visit your dentist will perform a full examination of your teeth and look for any signs of thinning or weakened enamel, or tooth decay which can cause complications during teeth whitening. In the event that 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.
Your dentist will only recommend professional teeth whitening if you have healthy teeth that are free of any damage or fillings.
How exactly does teeth whitening work?
For the teeth whitening procedure your dentist will coat each of your teeth with the bleaching agent, avoiding contact with the gums as much as possible. This is typically a safe procedure but if any of the whitening solution makes contact with your gums then you may experience some minor irritation. This should relieve itself relatively quickly. Once treatment is complete and this 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.
You should always remember that the outcome of procedures like this varies 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. You will have your custom-fitted mouthguard to be used during treatment which you can continue to purchase vials of solution for as needed.
Is professional teeth whitening safe for my teeth?
Regardless of how healthy your teeth are, our North Delta dentist recommends visiting for a checkup and cleaning once every six months (the frequency of your visits depends on your at-home oral hygiene routine and the general condition of your teeth and gums). Daily brushing and flossing will also go a long way in keeping your teeth bright and healthy.