So, you want to brighten your smile. That’s exciting! Aesthetics aside, feeling good and having self-confidence is important and being able to proudly show off a smile you love is a big part of that.
There are two main modes of teeth whitening that you can receive: professional and do-it-yourself whitening. Both approaches have their pros and cons; it ultimately comes down to what you prefer, your budget, how discolored your teeth are, and what your dentist advises.
For more information about teeth whitening in Sherwood Park, reach out to a dental clinic near you.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Also referred to as in-office whitening, professional teeth whitening is when you visit a dental clinic to have your teeth bleached. Everything is done within a clean, controlled environment. All dentists are qualified to perform this treatment.
Before you can have your smile enhanced, you’ll need to book an appointment with your dentist in Sherwood Park. This is a private consultation where your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums and take a series of x-rays to establish a current baseline of your oral health. This information helps your dentist to fully understand your oral health situation and identify the extent of care you require.
If you’re deemed a suitable candidate for professional teeth whitening, the treatment can go ahead.
Your dentist will then work with you to choose the most appropriate shade of white for your smile. Next, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned. It’s important to remove all plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your mouth, otherwise, your treatment won’t be as effective. A barrier will be situated along your gum line to keep your mouth open so that your dentist can easily apply the bleach.
Hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide are the two most commonly used whitening agents. They can penetrate your enamel and remove deep-rooted stains very easily. You’ll be given a predetermined amount – this may seem like a trivial detail but it’s not. Too much bleach and your enamel and dentin (the layer beneath your enamel) will be weakened and your teeth will be rendered more vulnerable.
The chemicals are put on your teeth and left to sit for about a minute or so. A special light is employed to activate the actual whitening process. The bleach is wiped off before being reapplied. Such actions are repeated over and over again until the shade of white that you desire is officially achieved.
If you’re dealing with sensitivity, your dentist may also give you fluoride to protect your teeth from damage.
And voila! All done! By dutifully practicing good oral health habits, the effects of treatment should last up to three months. Since this process isn’t permanent, you’ll eventually need to come in and have your smile touched up.
Keeping Your Smile White
Once you’ve obtained a glistening new smile, there are a number of things you can do on your own to make sure that your teeth stay white. This includes the following:
• Brushing and flossing after you eat. (You can do it at least twice a day but doing so after each meal is ideal).
• Limiting certain foods and drinks. Soy sauce, tomato sauces, berries, tea, and wine all leave visible stains on your teeth.
• Don’t smoke.
• Rinse out your mouth (with water).
• Dutifully attend your regular dental cleanings. Not only do these visits freshen up your breath, but they stop bacteria and other debris from amalgamating. They also help you and your dentist stay on top of your oral health.
If you’re looking to undergo treatment for teeth whitening near you, at Aspire Smiles, we’re here to help! Our capable team can’t wait to start working with you. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect along the way and that you’re as relaxed as possible. Give us a call, go to our website, or drop by and see us in person when you can. Never has brightening your smile been simpler!