What You Need to Know About Professional Teeth Whitening

With the growing emphasis on oral aesthetics, professional teeth whitening has become increasingly popular too.

A bright, healthy smile is a timeless accessory. It radiates confidence, makes you stand out, and can significantly impact how people perceive you. But before you jump onto the bandwagon, it’s essential to understand what’s involved to make an informed decision.

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Understanding Teeth Discoloration

Recognizing the causes of teeth discoloration will help you understand how in-office whitening procedures work. There are two kinds of tooth discoloration - intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic Discoloration

This happens when the dentin, the tooth's inner layer, darkens or takes on a yellow hue. Several factors can lead to it, which include:

• Childhood trauma to the teeth
• Ingesting certain medications during tooth formation
• Overexposure to fluoride
• Natural aging

Extrinsic Discoloration

Extrinsic stains, on the other hand, appear on the surface of the tooth's enamel and are usually simpler to remove. The following are some of the common causes:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Consuming highly-pigmented beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine
• Smoking or chewing tobacco

Professional whitening can address intrinsic and extrinsic issues and provide significant aesthetic improvements.

Benefits and Potential Risks

Professional teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic procedure with several advantages.

• A More Vibrant Smile. Professional treatments can make your smile significantly brighter, often after only one session.
• Customized Solutions. The benefit of having customized whitening treatments from dentists is that they can address any issues you may have about sensitivity or the degree of discoloration.
• Long-lasting Results. Professional teeth whitening can produce results that last far longer than over-the-counter options when coupled with good oral hygiene.

Despite these advantages, it's important to note the potential risks:

• Tooth Sensitivity. Temporary sensitivity is common, especially during in-office treatments.
• Soft Tissue Irritation. Whitening agents can cause mild irritation to the gums and other soft tissues.
• Overuse. Over-whitening can lead to the translucent, bluish-white appearance of teeth which can appear unnatural.

Professional versus DIY Teeth Whitening

Over-the-counter whitening kits differ greatly from professional treatments in dental offices in several ways.

• Strength and safety. Professional treatments contain higher doses of whitening agents and can only be applied by a licensed expert.
• Efficiency. Professional treatments frequently produce faster and more noticeable results than do-it-yourself alternatives.
• Customization. Teeth whitening administered by dentists is tailored to each patient's specific needs, whereas over-the-counter products offer a one-size-fits-all approach.

What to Expect During Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening often involves several steps:

Dental Examination

Your dentist will assess your teeth and gums to ensure you're a good candidate before beginning the whitening procedure.

Treatment Plan

You and your dentist will work together to develop a personalized whitening plan, which may include in-office sessions or at-home maintenance.

The Procedure

During an in-office procedure, a protective gel is applied to your gums and a whitening solution is administered to your teeth. A specialized light may be used to improve the procedure.

Post-Treatment Care

Your dental team will educate you on how to manage post-treatment sensitivity and maintain your new, brighter smile.

Keeping Your Smile Brighter

By prioritizing your dental health and taking advantage of today's cosmetic dentistry choices, you can enjoy the confidence and appeal of a beautiful smile. Keep in mind that how well you take care of your oral health will impact the longevity of the whitening results.

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are all essential. Likewise, avoiding acidic and staining foods and beverages can help keep your smile looking brighter for longer.

That being said, having your teeth professionally whitened is a safe and effective way to enhance your smile. It can be a life-changing step if done properly and with understanding, preparation, and maintenance.

Speaking with a dental professional is an important first step toward achieving a brighter smile. They can guide you through the procedure, recommend the best course of action, and guarantee that the results fulfill your expectations.

For more information on professional teeth whitening in South Calgary, Alberta, please visit Chinook Village Dental. We’re happy to answer your questions and assist you in scheduling an appointment with a Calgary dentist.