What Actually Happens When You Get Your Teeth Whitened?
Teeth whitening treatments can brighten your smile and improve your appearance. They can improve the color of your teeth by several shades, and you will feel a lot more confident when you smile. This treatment is perfect for anyone who has stains on their teeth or for those who simply want to improve their smile through a safe and quick procedure. Teeth whitening treatments can provide you with the results you want, and you can leave your dentist’s office with a whiter and brighter smile.
Teeth naturally get darker as we age. Your lifestyle and the foods you consume can gradually change the color of your teeth, especially if you love drinking dark beverages like tea, coffee or alcohol. Taking certain medications and smoking will also change the color of your teeth, as will general wear and tear from years of use.
Teeth Whitening Options
If you’re unhappy with the color of your teeth, you can discuss teeth whitening options with your Windsor dentist to learn more about this process and what you can expect from this treatment. There are different teeth whitening methods, and your dentist will make a professional recommendation based on the condition of your teeth and your expectations. Professional teeth whitening treatments completed by a dentist in a dental office will always provide you with the optimal results, and your brighter smile will be noticeable right away. If you only want to lighten up the color of your teeth by one or two shades, at-home teeth whitening kits may do the trick.
Consider your dental goals and the results you’d like to achieve and share this information with your dentist. Once they are aware of these details, they can provide you with advice regarding the whitening method that can best meet your expectations. In most cases, professional teeth whitening treatments completed at the dental office will always be superior to other methods because a dentist will use peroxide-based bleaching agents to lighten the color of your teeth and reduce the look of surface stains. As the peroxide begins to break down, oxygen will act on the tooth enamel to create a whitening effect.
Professional Teeth Whitening at a Dental Office
In most cases, this process can be completed in one or two sessions, and this is a popular treatment because it is monitored by a dentist and is completely safe. The dentist will first place a rubber shield over your gums to protect them from the whitening solution and will then apply the bleaching solution to your teeth using a small applicator similar to a brush.
The solution will remain on your teeth for 15 minutes under a low-heat lamp, and the hygienist will clear the solution and repeat the application process. Professional teeth whitening appointments usually take about 1 to 2 hours, and one session will be enough for some patients, while others may need a few more treatments to achieve their desired results.
One of the main benefits of having your teeth professionally whitened is that the process is done in a dental office, and the dentist will monitor your teeth and gums throughout the process to ensure they are not damaged. They will apply the perfect amount of bleaching solution and will follow a strict procedure to ensure no harm is done. They will do all of the work, and you will get to go home with a brighter smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Home
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, your dentist will discuss the wide range of at-home teeth whitening options you can consider. Their method includes custom whitening trays and specific instructions about how to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your very own home. It is very important that you follow these directions carefully otherwise, you may experience tooth pain or sensitivity.
You will have to visit your dentist first because they will have to take impressions of your teeth to then create the custom whitening trays to fit your smile. Once the trays are ready, your dentist will ask you to return to their office to confirm they are a good fit, and they will send you home with the trays, the whitening solution and very clear instructions you must follow.
You will then take these trays home and use them to apply the whitening solution yourself. You will likely have to wear the trays for about 30 minutes every day for approximately 2 weeks until you achieve your desired level of whiteness. You may then be able to use the whitening solution every 6 months to make touch-ups to your smile.
Professional at-home whitening treatment is a great alternative to in-office teeth whitening treatments, although they are not quite as effective because the solution is not as strong as what dentists apply in the office. The cost of this treatment is slightly less than the in-office treatment and is great for patients who want to complete the process at home.
Conclusion
Are you ready for a brighter smile? Windsor Dental Centre can discuss both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options. We will provide you with details regarding both treatment options and will further discuss the steps that are involved. Once you have all of this information, you can decide on the teeth whitening treatment you’d like to try.
Both options are safe and effective and will lighten the color of your teeth. We will discuss your budget, your dental goals, and the results you’d like to achieve and will tell you which option is best based on this information. We want all of our patients to feel happy with their smiles and will make recommendations regarding the different ways you can improve your teeth.
We have been serving the Windsor community for years and are ready to be part of your oral health journey. Contact us today to learn more about our teeth whitening options and schedule your next appointment!