Teeth whitening is quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because of its quick, affordable, and non-invasive nature. Our team at Montreux Dental Clinic has put together this article to break down everything you need to know about teeth whitening, including what causes staining, the treatment options, and how to maintain your new smile.
In-Office vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
There are many options for teeth whitening in Calgary, and two of the most popular options are in-office and at-home teeth whitening. While there are options for over-the-counter teeth whitening, it is always most effective to undergo teeth whitening with the supervision of a dental professional.
In-office teeth whitening usually takes one to three visits, depending on how white you want your teeth to be and how well your teeth respond to the whitening gel. Typically, appointments take about 1 hour. When you choose in-office teeth whitening near you, you get to choose the exact shade you want your teeth to be.
If you prefer to get your teeth whitened on your own time, you may opt for at-home teeth whitening trays. These are trays that are custom-made by your dentist to fit your mouth structure and accurately whiten your teeth without causing sensitivity with your lips and gums.
In-office teeth whitening treatments use powerful and fast-acting hydrogen peroxide to bleach your teeth. If you choose to undergo at-home teeth whitening, the bleaching agent is slower-acting carbamide peroxide.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
When it comes to tooth discoloration, there are two categories relating to teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains are stains that appear on the surface of your teeth due to exposure to dark-colored substances such as tobacco, red wine, and berries. Usually, these stains are minor and can be removed with routine brushing and flossing. Sometimes, these stains are more stubborn and require a visit to your dental clinic in Calgary for teeth whitening.
Intrinsic stains form on the inside of your teeth. These stains result from aging, trauma, and excessive use of fluoride. Deep-set intrinsic stains can be rectified with take-home teeth whitening kits that are maintained for about a year.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Age: There is a connection between tooth color and age. As you age, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and the accumulation of stains.
Eating habits: If you make a habit of consuming red wine, coffee, tea, berries, and other darkly colored foods, you will accumulate staining.
Starting color: All of us are born with a natural tooth color that ranges from yellow to grey and intensifies over time.
Grinding: If you grind your teeth at night, you can cause micro-cracks which allows for substances to enter the tooth and cause staining.
Smoking habits: If you are a habitual smoker, you will notice intrinsic discoloration in your teeth. Nicotine leaves brown deposits on your teeth which slowly get absorbed.
Maintaining Your Results
After you have visited a dental clinic near you for teeth whitening, you should do the following to extend the longevity of your newly whitened teeth:
- Sip dark-colored beverages with a straw
- Practice an excellent oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing twice a day
- Perform at-home follow-up whitening
- Avoid dark-colored foods and beverages for at least one week after your procedure
Visit Montreux Dental Clinic
If you are interested in teeth whitening, look no further than Montreux Dental Clinic. Our team of dedicated dental professionals is happy to provide you with high-quality teeth whitening options. Please contact our clinic to book a consultation today!