Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

It is safe to say that people want bright and white teeth. Ah, we wish we were that lucky!

Luckily, there are many options to enhance your smile. 

Our cosmetic dentist in Toronto will discuss teeth whitening below.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that consists of enhancing the shade of your dentition. As its name suggests, your teeth will look whiter!

Our teeth whitening in Toronto is pain-free and completely safe. Our dental professional will retract your lips with a lip retractor; next, they will add a resin over your gums because the bleaching agent (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) harms them. Once your doctor covers the gingiva, they will paint the front surface of your dentition with a pen or a brush.

After painting it, they will leave the product acting for a half-hour, wash it away, dry it, and apply a second application for another 30 minutes. The complete procedure requires about an hour and a half.

Some doctors use a blue light to activate the peroxide; today, there are no scientific studies that prove it actually speeds the whitening. In fact, research shows that some doctors claim it does to charge extra for this procedure, but the truth is, there is no evidence that the light enhances the process.

What are the Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?

If you are looking for a teeth whitening clinic near you, you must discuss with your dentist if you suffer from tooth sensitivity. It is the most common side effect of teeth whitening.

In case you have it, your doctor may take precautions before the treatment. They might prescribe desensitizing gel before and afterward. Besides, they may advise you to take any over-the-counter painkillers for the next couple of days (a pill every eight hours).

Teeth whitening is a safe procedure; however, your doctor will evaluate your oral health before. If you have cavities or suffer from periodontal disease, they must address these problems first.

Are At-Home Whitening Kits Safe?

We recommend visiting a dentist near you even if you want to whiten your teeth at home. A dental professional will suggest the best product for you, depending on your wants and needs. 

They will take molds of your teeth for whitening trays. They will give you the trays and the product with the proper instructions.

At-home products have a lower concentration, which makes them safe; however, a dental professional should be the one telling you the frequency and the dose. 

The only drawback of this method is that you will see results a bit later than with the in-office whitening. After a couple of weeks, you will notice results. 

How Long Do Results Last?

It is the most common question that patients ask us, and it depends on each individual’s lifestyle.

If you are a heavy smoker and don’t have correct oral hygiene, your teeth will darken within a few months. However, if you limit the consumption of colored drinks and foods, do not smoke, and brush your dentition, teeth whitening may last up to two years (or more).

You can always ask for a touch-up; however, we advise you to maintain good oral health not to need them so often. Cosmetic treatments are not cheap, and the best you can do is taking care of your teeth for long-lasting results.

Contact Us Today

If you are interested in teeth whitening or other cosmetic dental procedures, you may contact us today. We have a team of doctors that is ready to help you enhance your smile.