Answering Common Questions About Teeth Whitening Options


Whether teeth whitening is right for you — and how — is something you should discuss with a dentist who knows your teeth and goals. Here, though, are some answers to common questions dentists get about the whitening process. To get answers to the rest of your questions, make an appointment with a dentist near you. 

What are the do-it-yourself options for teeth whitening?

You can find kits and substances for teeth whitening near you at most drug stores and many grocery stores (and online). Each of these options will, when used as instructed, and with time may gradually show some whitening effect on some stains. They will not work on all stains or nearly as quickly or dramatically as whitening options from a dentist in West Edmonton. We’ll suggest how a dentist can help, below. Here are the DIY options you may want to consider:

Teeth whitening toothpastes are inexpensive and require no changes to your regular routine, but will only help gradually with the slightest discolourations. “Paint-on” whitening is a bleaching agent in gel form contained in a pen-like device. It’s suitable for occasional touch-ups and can even be applied with a brush, but often with uneven results due to inconsistent application. Whitening strips are the most popular DIY whitening option that will gradually produce a whitening effect when used as directed, but can not be customized or targeted to specific stains. One can even order one-size-fits-all whitening trays online that contain whitening gels to wear at home. Because of their one-size-fits all nature, whether they’ll fit you and your teeth or produce consistent results is an open question.

How can dentists whiten your teeth?

If you want to leave your DIY efforts to gardening and home decorating, ask your dentist to perform in-office teeth whitening in one of several possible ways. Customized whitening trays use stronger bleaching compounds than are available in DIY kits to produce much more dramatic results faster with specific tailoring of the process to any tooth sensitivity, your specific stains and any particularly problematic teeth. Your dentist can even provide an at-home version of those kits after assessing your teeth and customizing the bleaching compounds. Many dentists use the Zoom teeth whitening system which combines customized whitening trays with special lights and lamps to accelerate the whitening effects. Dentist-supported whitening is more expensive than DIY options but you get what you pay for in terms of quick and dramatic results, customized applications, targeted treatment and professional support and advice about dealing with stains that can’t be whitened away. 

Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening?

There are several situations that might mean you’re not a good candidate for teeth whitening in West Edmonton, including:

● If you experience significant teeth sensitivity because the bleaching compounds can exacerbate that sensitivity. If you do want to pursue teeth whitening, be sure to do so through a dentist who can take that into account

● If your teeth are extremely deeply stained, those stains may not be completely removed by bleaching. Your dentist can advised you of the best way to approach those, either with a dentist’s stronger compounds or other solutions such as veneers

● Most prior dental work can not be whitened (though it can be cleaned). If cleaning that dental work doesn’t achieve the look you’re looking for, ask your dentist in West Edmonton if that dental work can be replaced or covered to improve your appearance

● If you are pregnant, you should wait to have your teeth whitened until after completing breastfeeding. Beyond teeth whitening issues, always let your dentist know if you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding

●     If you’ve had your teeth whitened recently, a dentist near you may recommend you wait before having them whitened again. Whitening your teeth too often can affect your enamel. Your dentist will give you tips for maintaining your teeth as white as possible for as long as possible between your teeth whitening sessions. Teeth whitening performed by a dentist in West Edmonton can last as long as two years as long as you follow those tips. 

How to maintain your newly white smile

Speaking of tips for maintaining your whiter teeth between teeth whitening sessions, here are four common sense tips:

● Be wary of foods and beverages most likely to stain our teeth, including tomato- and soy-based sauces, red wine, coffee and tea, and some fruits. When you enjoy those things, be sure to rinse and brush your teeth thoroughly afterwards 

● Brush your teeth twice daily and, ideally, after eating

● Choose a toothpaste with whitening ingredients

● Attend dental checkups regularly and have your teeth cleaned annually. Cleaning isn’t the same as whitening, but cleaner teeth stay whiter longer because your dentist and their team will remove all accumulating plaque and tartar.




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