Are you thinking about getting your teeth whitened? There are numerous teeth-whitening options available, but not all of them are effective or even safe. Our dentists in Vancouver can help you safely whiten your teeth.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
At Cambie Village Dental, we get many questions from patients about how they can whiten their teeth safely and effectively. While teeth whitening treatments can help us to feel more self-confident with a whiter, brighter smile, not every option out there is safe. In this post, our dentists recommend ways to get the job done safely — and offer some advice on how to keep a sparkling white smile.
Ask Your Dentist for the Best Teeth Whitening Options
For a variety of reasons, our teeth gradually lose their natural whiteness as we age. Based on the current colour of your teeth, the reason they are discoloured, and your specific needs, your dentist can perform a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile. Remember that older restorations may still have the original paint job.
Our dentists provide at-home teeth whitening services. Usually, you'll have to come in for two appointments. In order to make a personalized whitening tray for you, impressions of your teeth will be taken during your initial appointment. You will receive your tray, whitening gel, and application instructions at your second appointment.
Following the filling of each tray with whitening gel, you will wear the trays in your mouth for one to two hours each day. Most bleaching methods produce results in 10 to 14 days. You might see a change in the colour of your teeth in as little as four to six weeks.
Work with Your Dentist to Avoid Adverse Side Effects
Because everyone's teeth react differently to teeth whitening, it's critical to consult with your dentist before, during, and after the procedure to reduce the risk of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening are gum sensitivity and tooth sensitivity. These side effects are usually temporary and disappear after teeth whitening. If the sensitivity or irritation persists, see a dentist.
Avoid Dark-Coloured or Acidic Foods and Drinks
You recently paid to have your teeth whitened. The good news is that you can take steps to keep your teeth looking beautiful. Coffee and soda drinkers should avoid drinking their favourite beverages immediately after teeth whitening. Red wine, tomato juice, sports drinks, and tea can all dull the appearance of your new colour.
Additionally, since it takes time for saliva to form a natural protective coating around tooth surfaces, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods like strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup after your teeth whitening procedure.
Use Teeth Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwashes to Keep Your Smile Bright
You can keep your newly whitened teeth sparkling by using non-prescription toothpaste and mouthwash. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes as part of your daily maintenance routine to remove stains.
Touch Up Your Smile Periodically
Teeth whitening should last about two to three years, depending on your oral hygiene regimen and daily care for your smile. Even though discolouration can accumulate over time, it should never return to its original hue.
If you notice your teeth starting to darken again, our dentists recommend touch-ups — ask your dentist at your regular hygiene appointment for personalized advice.