Teeth whitening is the most common way of making teeth whiter. Many individuals want a whiter smile but are concerned about the potential side effects. Professional teeth whitening in NE Calgary services are offered by dentists and there are also teeth whitening treatments that can be done at home. It is, however, important to understand the potential risks and advantages of any whitening treatment before trying to use them.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a procedure in which stains are removed from the teeth. It improves the colour of your teeth with the help of whitening agents, like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These whitening agents remove the stains from the teeth to make them look whiter and lighter.
The methods to whiten teeth are:
- Professional whitening – Your teeth are whitened by a dentist using a powerful whitening gel and a specific light.
- At-home bleaching kits – These consist of strips, gels, or trays containing bleaching agents.
- Whitening toothpaste – They contain mild abrasives that assist in cleaning away surface stains from the teeth but don’t change the colour of the teeth.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening is safe if it is done right. The safest way to whiten your teeth is to visit a professional dentist, as they know how much whitening product to apply. Many at-home products are also safe, but if used too much or incorrectly, they can damage your teeth and gums.
Some possible risks of teeth whitening include:
- Sensitivity of the teeth – The whitening agents can make the teeth more sensitive to hot or cold foods.
- Gum irritation – The whitening products have chemicals that can cause a burning or irritating feeling if they come into contact with the gums.
- Enamel damage – Using very strong whitening products too often can erode the enamel, which is the shield that prevents tooth decay.
Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening?
Not everyone is eligible for teeth whitening. There are some people who should not try it, and they are:
- Children under 16 years old – Whitening can damage the enamel, as their teeth are still developing.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women – We are not sure if the whitening products are safe for the baby; thus, NE Calgary dentist suggests that one should avoid them.
- People with sensitive teeth – If your teeth are sensitive, then whitening will only make it worse.
- Those with gum disease or cavities – Whitening can hurt irritated gums and worsen the cavities.
- People with dental restorations – Fillings, crowns, or veneers—do not change colour like natural teeth, which could make the smile look uneven.
If you are unsure whether whitening is safe for you, talk to your dentist before starting any treatment.
What Happens When You Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?
Professional teeth whitening is done at a dental clinic. Here is what you can expect during the procedure:
- Examination – The dentist checks your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy for whitening.
- Teeth cleaning – The dentist removes plaque and surface stains to help the whitening gel work better.
- Protection for gums – A special gel or shield is placed over the gums to protect them from irritation.
- Application of whitening gel – The dentist applies a strong whitening gel to the teeth.
- Use of special light – A special light or laser may be used to activate the gel, helping to remove stains faster.
- Rinsing and final check – After the treatment, the dentist rinses your mouth and checks the results.
Professional whitening usually takes about an hour, and the results can last several months with proper care.
Tips to Keep Your Teeth White
To maintain a bright smile after whitening, follow these tips:
- Brush at least twice a day – Use fluoride toothpaste to protect your enamel.
- Floss daily – This helps remove food and plaque between teeth.
- Avoid intake of staining foods and drinks – Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured foods can stain teeth.
- Use a straw – Drinking through a straw can help prevent stains from touching your teeth.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Regular dental checkups help keep your teeth healthy and bright.
Key Takeaway
Teeth whitening is a safe way to improve your smile when done correctly. Professional whitening by a dentist is the safest and most effective option. At-home products can also be used, but they should be used carefully to avoid harming teeth and gums. Before whitening your teeth, it is best to talk to your dentist to see if it is right for you.
Brighten Your Smile Safely with Professional Teeth Whitening!
At Totally Dental, we offer safe and effective professional teeth whitening to remove stains and brighten your smile. Our whitening treatments protect your tooth enamel while giving you long-lasting results. Whether you have stains from coffee, tea, or aging, our dentist in NE Calgary can help you achieve a whiter smile. Schedule your teeth whitening appointment today!