Are you considering teeth whitening? There are numerous teeth whitening options available, but not all are effective — or even safe. Our dentists in Surrey share tips on how to safely whiten your teeth.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
At [Cloverdale Crossing Dental Group, 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
Our teeth gradually lose their natural whiteness as we age for a variety of reasons. Your dentist can conduct a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile based on the current colour of your teeth, the cause of their darkening, and your specific needs. Bear in mind that existing restorations may remain in their original colour.
Our dentists can provide take-home teeth whitening treatments. You will have two appointments. At your initial appointment, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a custom whitening tray just for you. At your second appointment, you will receive your tray, whitening gel, and instructions on how to apply the gel.
After filling each tray with whitening gel, you'll wear the trays in your mouth for approximately 1 to 2 hours each day (many patients wear their trays overnight). The majority of bleaching systems take approximately 10 to 14 days to produce results. In as little as four to six weeks, you may notice a noticeable change in the colour of your teeth.
Work with your dentist to avoid adverse side effects
Because each person's teeth react differently to teeth whitening, it's critical to consult your dentist before, during, and after the whitening process to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are two of the most frequently reported side effects of teeth whitening. These side effects are typically transient and subside following tooth whitening. Consult your dentist if irritation or sensitivity persists.
Avoid dark-coloured or acidic foods and drinks.
You've recently invested in whitening your smile. The good news is that there are steps you can take to maintain your tooth's lustre. The challenge for coffee and soda drinkers is to abstain from their preferred beverages immediately after the following whitening. Additionally, sports beverages, tea, red wine, and tomato juice can dull your new colour.
Additionally, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods such as strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup following your teeth whitening treatment, as it takes time for saliva to form a natural protective coating around tooth surfaces following teeth whitening.
Use teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes to keep your smile bright
Over-the-counter toothpaste and mouthwashes can assist you in maintaining the brightness of your newly whitened smile. Brush twice daily for two minutes each time as part of your daily routine maintenance to remove stains from your teeth.
Touch up your smile periodically
The effects of at-home teeth whitening treatments can last between two and three years, depending on your oral hygiene routine and the daily care you invest in your smile. While discolouration may accumulate over time, it should never return to its pre-treatment shade.
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.
