Are you considering having your teeth whitened? There are numerous teeth whitening options, but not all of them are effective — or even safe. Our dentists in Summerland can advise you on how to safely whiten your teeth.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
At Jubilee Dental Centre, 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
Our teeth gradually lose their natural whiteness as we age for a variety of reasons. Your dentist can perform a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile based on the current colour of your teeth, the cause of their darkening, and your specific needs. Keep in mind that existing restorations may still be painted in their original colour.
Our dentists offer take-home teeth whitening treatments. There will be two appointments available for you. During your initial appointment, impressions of your teeth will be taken to create a customized whitening tray for you. At your second appointment, you will be given your tray, whitening gel, and instructions on how to apply the gel.
You will wear the trays in your mouth for 1 to 2 hours per day after filling each tray with whitening gel. The majority of bleaching systems yield results in 10 to 14 days. In as little as four to six weeks, you may notice a noticeable change in the colour of your teeth.
Work with your dentist to avoid adverse side effects
Because everyone's teeth react differently to teeth whitening, it's critical to consult with your dentist before, during, and after the whitening process to minimize the risk of side effects. Gum irritation and tooth sensitivity are two of the most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening. These side effects are usually temporary and disappear once the teeth have been whitened. Consult your dentist if the irritation or sensitivity persists.
Avoid dark-coloured or acidic foods and drinks.
You recently paid for teeth whitening. The good news is that there are steps you can take to keep your teeth in pristine condition. The challenge for coffee and soda drinkers is to avoid drinking their favourite beverages immediately after whitening. Sports drinks, tea, red wine, and tomato juice can all dull the appearance of your new colour.
Furthermore, after your teeth whitening treatment, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods such as strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup 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 maintain the radiance of your newly whitened teeth. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day as part of your daily routine maintenance to remove stains.
Touch up your smile periodically
The effects of at-home teeth whitening treatments can last between two and three years, depending on your oral hygiene routine and the daily care you invest in your smile. While discolouration may accumulate 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.