Teeth Whitening Options
Your Edmonton dentists will explain the various teeth-whitening options below. Laser teeth whitening, custom bleaching trays, and over-the-counter treatments are among them.
Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser Teeth Whitening at your dentist's office can usually be completed in a single appointment but may require further appointments to achieve the desired results.
To begin, your dentist will place a barrier over your gums to protect them from the whitening solution. Your dentist will then use a syringe to apply the solution to your teeth and activate the formula with a small laser. As the compound lifts the stains from your teeth, it will foam.
After your teeth have been whitened, your dentist will leave the solution on your teeth for a few minutes before vacuuming it out. In most cases, these steps will be repeated 2-3 times more until the desired shade is achieved.
Custom Bleaching Trays
Teeth whitening trays that you can use at home allow you to whiten your teeth over a longer period of time in the comfort and convenience of your own home. However, your dentist can whiten your teeth in-office with custom trays and a stronger whitening solution. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide used in in-office whitening treatments is much higher. In-office treatments typically use up to 43%, whereas home treatments use about 5%.
Your dentist will begin by creating a custom mould of your teeth. This allows the laboratory to make your whitening trays. These custom trays are made to fit your teeth as closely as possible and to ensure that the whitening gel is evenly distributed. After that, your dentist will firmly place the tray against your teeth, wiping away any excess gel, and leave it on for 30-60 minutes before removing it and cleaning your teeth.
Alternatively, the dentist will provide you with the necessary instructions and materials to use the trays at home.
Over-The-Counter Treatments
While over-the-counter treatments are less expensive and easier to use than professional treatments, they may not be as effective. Whitening strips, special toothpaste, and take-home whitening trays are all common over-the-counter treatments available at your local drugstore.
Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results
There are a variety of ways to maintain your whitened teeth, including watching your diet, brushing & flossing, and touch-ups.
Diet
Avoid foods and beverages that may stain your teeth whenever possible. Coffee, tea, certain spices (such as curry), and foods such as chocolate and dark fruit can discolour and stain your teeth over time.
Brushing & Flossing
A good oral hygiene routine can help you maintain a healthy smile. Brushing and flossing remove food and drink residue that could otherwise stain your teeth, and thorough brushing and professional cleanings can help polish away surface stains.
Whitening Touch-Ups & Maintenance
Despite your best efforts, your teeth may require a touch-up whitening treatment after a period of time. This is perfectly normal! Make an appointment with your dentist to discuss your options for touch-ups.