A sparkling white smile has been considered a holy grail in recent decades, at least in Canada. According to statistics, 5% of Americans, 2% of Canadians, and 1% of Australians whiten their teeth each year.
You may have noticed that an actor, newscaster, politician, or other famous figure’s teeth were so dazzling that they appeared false. “Do teeth have to always be white?” you might have wondered simultaneously.
It might make you second-guess why the majority of us possess yellow or grayish teeth. Continue reading for an answer to your query as well as a 101 guide on teeth whitening in Grande Prairie!
Causes and Types of Teeth Discoloration
Several factors can contribute to tooth discoloration, including:
- External stains
- Internal stains
- Hormonal changes due to age
- Inferior oral care
- Dental treatments
- Trauma
Understanding the particular reason and type of discoloration is critical for establishing the best treatment option, ranging from expert tooth whitening to more invasive dental operations like veneers or crowns.
Exploring Different Teeth Whitening Methods: Pros and Cons
If your teeth are stained or discolored, looking into teeth whitening is a good idea. There is a range of shades that whitening can achieve, just as there is a range of natural tooth colors. That means you can have brighter, more attractive teeth while looking natural.
Are you considering using over-the-counter treatments like whitening strips, toothpaste, or gel trays? Think again, experts advise. At best, these will give your chompers a transient boost of brightness. At worst, they may be useless, irritate the gums, tongue, and mouth, and damage the teeth.
Rather, acquire professional whitening treatments. These will cost more than a box of adhesive strips from the grocery store. Still, patients unanimously agree that a professional job is worth the extra money. This is because cosmetic dentists utilize whitening solutions far more powerful than anything available. Furthermore, in-office distribution techniques are safer and more effective.
When whitening services are done properly, you have a significantly lower risk of gum inflammation and sensitivity. And the outcomes are superior. The dentist in Grande Prairie will use a special light to boost the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.
DIY Teeth Whitening at Home: Natural Remedies and Best Practices
There are several methods to practice at home for teeth whitening. To name a few:
- Brush baking soda on your teeth
- Practice conventional oil-pulling hack
- Use a bleaching agent comprising hydrogen peroxide
- Eat fruits and vegetables
- Apply activated charcoal
- Spread kaolin clay
- Rub fruit peels
- Rinse with apple cider vinegar
Professional Teeth Whitening Options: What to Expect at The Dentist
Once it is confirmed that you are a good candidate for this cosmetic service, the dental hygienist will perform a routine checkup and cleaning by removing plaque and other buildup or trapped food. Your dentist near you will come by and assess how you’re faring.
A routine cleaning helps with teeth whitening because your dentist can expertly eliminate any coating or film on your smile. The dentist will examine your teeth to search for cracks, cavities, or receding gum lines that could irritate the whitening process.
Then, the professional might take photographs of your teeth to determine which shade of whitening is best for you. After deciding the shade, the dentist will insert a cheek retractor, exposing your teeth for treatment.
They will then administer a protective resin or gel that will solidify to protect your gums from irritation. The bleaching gel is then applied and allowed to sit for up to half an hour. A laser light may enhance the whitening product’s results while wearing it.
Once this is done, the protective guard will be lifted, and you should see results instantly. Remember that the illumination in the dentist’s office differs from what you see in your bathroom mirror.
Maintaining a Bright Smile: Tips for Prolonging Results
After having a session of teeth whitening near you, you’ll want to be cautious to maintain your gorgeous results. Stay away from all dark, discolored liquids and meals. If you must drink coffee or soda, use a straw. Following that, brush your teeth.
This is where whitening toothpaste comes in handy to help wipe away potentially staining ingredients. Need help finding a toothbrush? Chew sugar-free gum to produce saliva, which can remove stains and plaque.
Using mouthwash or water to rinse your mouth will also help. It would be best if you practiced good dental hygiene in general. Brushing and flossing twice daily is generally recommended, but it is extremely important to retain your beautiful white smile.
Get Your Best and Brightest Smile with Us!
Do you want your teeth whitened like a celebrity? Swanavon Dental Clinic provides professional teeth whitening as part of our specialty dentistry services to help you attain a brighter yet natural-looking smile. Our whitening services are both safe and effective. We also provide porcelain veneers, which can permanently whiten your teeth.