Why Teeth Whitening Should Only be Performed at the Dentist
When it’s done right, teeth whitening can be a wonderful confidence booster. Your smile will truly shine, and you’ll be able to talk and laugh with friends, family, and coworkers without feeling embarrassed or anxious.
It is typically recommended that patients receive professional teeth whitening from a dentist in Vaughan becomes the treatment is conducted in a clean, highly controlled environment. Such a process can be costly, however, which is why people turn to DIY methods. While some of these can be effective, they might not always be the safest.
Our local dental practice offers teeth whitening near you. Contact our administrative team today to set up a consultation.
All About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular form of cosmetic dentistry. As is made obvious by the name of the treatment, the main purpose of this process is to enhance the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
Specific bleaching substances are utilized to scrub deep-seated stains from the surface of your teeth; hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two most frequently employed substances. They’re able to penetrate below your enamel and dentin and leave your teeth sparkling. Once your appointment is over, you’ll be able to notice a visible difference.
Unqualified Whitening is a Health Hazard
Perks aside, in-office teeth whitening can be expensive. At-home bleaching can be effective too and a lot more affordable but, besides the fact that the results don’t last as long, the chemicals and ingredients used may end up harming your teeth instead of helping your smile shine.
Dental professionals understand the fine line that separates the necessary amount of bleach needed to illuminate your teeth and how much will cause damage to your enamel. Your dentist in Woodbridge will give you a higher concentration of peroxide compared to the products found in store-bought kits.
Receiving whitening from an unlicensed supplier can result in the weakening of your teeth, irritation, chemical burns on your gums, and blisters. Not to mention that there may not be a radical alteration in the color of your smile either.
Before you decide to commit to any one method, professional or not, it’s a wise idea to conduct your own research and attend a consultation with a dentist near you. They will be able to advise you on the best approach moving forward.
How Toothpaste Causes Harmful Effects on Your Teeth
“Brush your teeth!” You’ve probably heard this more times than you can count. Everyone understands that brushing your teeth and flossing after meals is an easy, yet extremely effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy in both the short and long term.
Despite all the good things that people say about such a habit, did you know that toothpaste can actually harm your teeth?
Now, that’s not to say that you should immediately stop using toothpaste. No, what this means is that certain kinds of toothpaste – particularly the ingredients contained within toothpaste – can be rough on your teeth. Decay can arise, wear and tear on your teeth, and eroding your enamel are just a few examples of things that can happen.
When you go to the store to shop for toothpaste, be sure to look for the RDA value on the box. RDA stands for relative dentin abrasion; this number will tell you whether it’s especially rough on your smile. An RDA that’s lower than 250 is safe. Tooth whitening toothpaste is notorious for having a high RDA. So, if you’re still interested in buying such a thing, make sure the product has the American Dental Association seal on it.
How a Dentist Can Help You Achieve the Perfect Smile
Once a dentist near you deems you an appropriate candidate for professional teeth whitening, they’ll get started with the actual treatment.
First, your mouth will be thoroughly cleaned; it’s important to remove any bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth so that no problems arise when the bleaching agent is brought in.
Your dentist will work with you to determine the best shade of white for your unique smile – just remember, no smile is 100% pearly white. In reality, our teeth can resemble anything from a yellow-grey to a duller shade of ivory. That said, your dentist will make sure that whatever hue is selected makes your smile look as natural as possible while still appearing significantly brighter.
The whitening agent is applied to your teeth and then a UV light is employed to activate the chemicals. The substance sits on your smile for a minute before being removed and reapplied. This cyclical process continues until the color of white you desire is achieved.
Pros & Cons of Teeth Whitening
Just like there are two sides to every story, there are two sides to every dental treatment, including professional teeth whitening.
Pros
- Gets rid of discoloration.
- It boosts your self-esteem!
- The treatment itself is tailored to suit your individual dental needs.
- It’s a straightforward process, typically only lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
Cons
- Can cause tooth sensitivity.
- Isn’t permanent; your smile will need to be touched up after 3 months or so.
- May not be effective on all your teeth.
- Won’t work on crowns or fillings you already have (mainly metal ones).
Visit a Dentist for a Protected and Affordable Solution to Teeth Whitening!
Are you eager to receive Vaughan teeth whitening? If so, the staff here at Vellore Woods Dentistry is here to help you fall in love with your smile.
To get started, give us a call, send us an email, fill out the online form on our website, or even drop by our local clinic in person to book an appointment. We can’t wait to work with you!