Teeth whitening is a wonderful advancement that helps us be proud of our smiles and feel good in our own skin. Thanks to progressions within the field of dentistry, there are multiple avenues that you can explore if you’re interested in pursuing this. For more information about what route is best for you and your oral health, don’t be afraid to reach out to a dentist in Spruce Grove.
Teeth Whitening Explained
Teeth whitening falls under the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry, which is a branch of dentistry that’s primarily concerned with improving the overall aesthetic appearance of your smile by removing discoloration.
Over time, our teeth can become stained due to a variety of factors including smoking, taking medications, consuming food and drinks that leaves behind a residue – berries, curry, tomato sauce, coffee, wine, and soda are some of the most notorious culprits – aging, genetics, and oral infection. With that said, it’s good to remember that our teeth aren’t naturally bright white. Rather, our teeth can resemble anything from a yellowish grey to a duller shade of ivory.
If you’re interested in receiving teeth whitening near you, contact our local dental clinic today. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the process.
Professional vs. DIY Whitening
Depending on your preferences, the current state of your oral health, and what your dentist near you recommends, you can either have this treatment done by a dental professional or you can do it within the comfort of your own home.
Professional whitening
Also known as in-office whitening, professional whitening can be completed in just one 60 to 90 minute appointment, and the results last longer.
When you arrive for your visit, an oral examination and x-rays of your teeth will be done so your dentist can develop an in-depth understanding of your oral hygiene. Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned before the whitening agent is applied. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two most frequently used substances because they can remove deep discoloration underneath your enamel.
The bleach will remain on your teeth for a certain period before it’s wiped off and reapplied. A special UV light is used to activate the actual whitening process. These steps are repeated until the results you desire are achieved.
DIY Whitening
At-home teeth whitening has certainly grown in many ways due to the fact that not everyone can afford to visit a dentist to have this process done. Before you decide to go ahead with any form of treatment, however, it’s a wise idea to do some research and consult with your dentist, since some DIY methods are indeed safer than others.
Listed below are some of the most common and most reliable whitening treatments that you can do on your own:
- Brushing and flossing after meals! This is arguably the simplest yet most effective strategy for achieving a brighter smile.
- Take-home kits. These days, a lot of dental clinics offer take-home kits to patients. They contain plastic trays and a predetermined amount of bleach for you to use.
- Whitening strips, toothpaste, or mouthwash.
- Rubbing lemon peels on your teeth.
- Brushing with a combination of baking soda and toothpaste. The acidity found within the baking soda is kept in check by the toothpaste, so your teeth aren’t damaged.
Are you seeking treatment for teeth whitening in Spruce Grove? If so, we’re here to help you with that. At Queen Street Dental, our staff is eager to aid you on your dental journey and work alongside you to help you love your smile once again. We’ll be sure to explain each stage of the treatment, so you know exactly what to expect.
So, call, head over to our website, or stop by our clinic today to schedule an appointment and get started!