Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

everything you need to know about teeth whitening

A beautiful, bright, and sparkling smile is something many people dream of. Unfortunately, our smiles can appear dull and discolored due to lifestyle choices, genetics, and other factors. Luckily, our dentist near you provides teeth whitening in Rocky Mountain House to brighten your teeth and enhance your appearance! But first, let’s learn more about teeth whitening.

What Causes Discolouration?

So, what causes discolouration in the first place? There are various factors that can cause teeth to become stained, including the following:

  • Genetics
  • Smoking
  • Drinking wine, tea, or coffee
  • Dry mouth
  • Trauma to mouth
  • Age
  • Side effects of mouthwash or medication
  • Consuming excessive sugar or carbohydrates
  • An environment with high fluoride level in water
  • Poor oral hygiene

If your teeth are discoloured due to side effects of medication, trauma, or have dental restorations, unfortunately, teeth whitening cannot reverse the stains and discolouration. Please speak to our dentist in Rocky Mountain House for alternative cosmetic dental options.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a quick, simple, and safe process. The stains and discolouration will be removed and lightened with a whitening agent, typically containing hydrogen peroxide.

Typically, patients can expect to see their teeth lighten up to eight shades after a whitening session. The results will vary, depending on the natural colour of your teeth. For example, teeth with yellow undertones will appear brighter than those with brown or grey undertones. Please feel free to speak to our dentist near you if you have any questions.

What Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments Are Available?

There are many ways you can whiten your teeth. The first option is in-office teeth whitening. This is the most effective treatment as our dentist utilizes a strong (but safe) whitening agent to remove the stains. In addition, we can minimize tooth sensitivity by adjusting the solution. Professional teeth whitening allows you to see brighter results instantly after your appointment.

Alternatively, practices may offer take-home whitening kits for you to use in the comfort of your own home. You will be provided with bleaching trays customized to your mouth shape and a whitening agent. However, with at-home teeth whitening, the results will not be seen instantly and may take a few weeks to be noticeable.

There are commercial whitening kits you can purchase in-stores or online. These products are typically less concentrated than professional teeth whitening options. However, please consult with your dentist first before using commercial over-the-counter whitening products to ensure they are safe.

Lastly, whitening toothpaste is a great option to touch up your smile. They only remove surface stains, so you will not see a great difference in the shade of your teeth. You can use a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to maintain your professional teeth whitening results.

Looking for Teeth Whitening Near You?

We are happy to offer quality teeth whitening in Rocky Mountain House to enhance your smile. Contact us to determine if you are an ideal candidate today! We look forward to seeing you smile brightly.

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