Are you thinking about getting your teeth whitened? There are numerous options for teeth whitening, but not all of them are effective — or even safe. Our dentists in Richmond can help you whiten your teeth safely.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
At Saba Road Dental Center, we get many questions from patients about how they can whiten their teeth safely and effectively. While teeth whitening treatments can help us to feel more self-confident with a whiter, brighter smile, not every option out there is safe. In this post, our dentists recommend ways to get the job done safely — and offer some advice on how to keep a sparkling white smile.
Ask your dentist for the best teeth whitening options
For a variety of reasons, our teeth gradually lose their natural whiteness as we age. Based on the current colour of your teeth, the cause of their darkening, and your specific needs, your dentist can perform a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile. Remember that existing restorations may still be painted in the original colour.
Our dentists provide at-home teeth whitening services. You will usually have two appointments available. Impressions of your teeth will be taken during your initial appointment in order to create a customized whitening tray for you. You will be given your tray, whitening gel, and instructions on how to apply the gel at your second appointment.
After filling each tray with whitening gel, you will wear the trays in your mouth for 1 to 2 hours per day. Most bleaching systems produce results in 10 to 14 days. You may notice a change in the colour of your teeth in as little as four to six weeks.
Work with your dentist to avoid adverse side effects
Because each person's teeth react differently to teeth whitening, it's critical to consult with your dentist before, during, and after the whitening process to reduce the risk of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening are gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. These side effects are usually transient and go away once the teeth have been whitened. If the irritation or sensitivity persists, see your dentist.
Avoid dark-coloured or acidic foods and drinks.
You recently spent money on teeth whitening. The good news is that you can take steps to keep your teeth in pristine condition. For coffee and soda drinkers, the challenge is to avoid drinking their favourite beverages immediately after whitening. Sports drinks, tea, red wine, and tomato juice can all dull your new colour's appearance.
Furthermore, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods such as strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup after your teeth whitening treatment because it takes time for saliva to form a natural protective coating around tooth surfaces.
Use teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes to keep your smile bright
Over-the-counter toothpaste and mouthwashes can help you keep your newly whitened teeth gleaming. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes as part of your daily routine maintenance to remove stains.
Touch up your smile periodically
Depending on your oral hygiene routine and the daily care you invest in your smile, the effects of at-home teeth whitening treatments can last between two and three years. While discolouration can build up over time, it should never return to its original colour.
If you notice your teeth starting to darken again, our dentists recommend touch-ups — ask your dentist at your regular hygiene appointment for personalized advice.
