Have you seen the smiles of superstars and celebrities? They are radiant and pearly white. You may think they are lucky and have perfect teeth; however, teeth are not naturally that white.
Teeth have a layer called dentin, which is yellowish. It lies beneath the enamel, and since the enamel is translucent, the dentition has the colour of the dentin.
The thing is that, over time, teeth lose their bright appearance. It happens due to several factors:
- Aging – As you age, the enamel wears down, exposing the dentin.
- Pigments – Over the years, all the coloured drinks and foods stain the dentin. You may look for teeth whitening near you to dissolve these pigmented particles. We will discuss this further.
- Medication – Some antibiotics discolour your teeth, such as Tetracyclines.
- Smoking – Tobacco products stain your teeth with time. It will happen sooner or later, depending on how much of a heavy smoker you are.
- Poor oral hygiene – If you don’t brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss between your teeth, plaque buildup will occur, and your dentition will look darker.
Keep reading if you can relate and are interested in teeth whitening in NW Calgary. Our cosmetic dentist near you will explain who qualifies for teeth whitening and the benefits of the treatment.
Who Qualifies for Teeth Whitening?
If your tooth discoloration is due to internal stains, you may look for teeth whitening in NW Calgary. The bleaching products react with the coloured particles and break them down, making your dentition look whiter and brighter.
But if your dark teeth are due to other causes, such as plaque buildup (for example), you need teeth hygiene.
If you have enamel hypomineralization, teeth whitening won’t fix discoloured enamel. In these cases, it is best to opt for porcelain dental veneers. We offer a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures. You can consult with a professional by contacting us at your best convenience.
What to Expect During This Procedure?
There are two common types of teeth whitening:
- In-office Whitening – This consists of applying a bleaching agent (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide) on the visible surface of your teeth. To see every tooth, your cosmetic dentist will retract your lips with a lip retractor. They will cover the gums with resin because the peroxide burns gingival tissue. Afterwards, they will paint your dentition with the bleaching agent and wait about 20 minutes for the product to act. After washing it away, they will add a second application. Some dentists use a blue light to activate the peroxide and make it faster; however, there is no scientific evidence that it works.
- At-Home System – Your dental professional will determine what product suits you best. At-home whitening kits have a lower concentration, so you must apply the product daily or every other day, depending on your dental sensibility.
How Long Do Results Last?
It will depend on your habits, diet, oral care routine, and other factors. For example, if you are a severe smoker and drink lots of coffee, you may need a touch-up after three months. And we have had patients that didn’t need a touch-up until after two years.
Remember that teeth whitening doesn’t act on dental fillings, crowns, or other restorations. If you need dental work, your doctor will advise placing the dental fillings before the whitening, so you can choose a colour that matches the restored teeth and achieve a natural smile.
For more information, be sure to get in touch with us at your best convenience.
