Teeth whitening is something many people consider because it can lead to a brighter and more beautiful smile. If this is something you are interested in, it is important that you take the time to learn about the available options and how this works so that you know what to expect from this process.
The first step is understanding what causes yellow teeth. This includes everything from smoking, trauma, ageing, poor dental hygiene, excessive fluoride and the consumption of dark liquids like coffee, tea, cola and red wine. If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth, you can turn to whitening options, which can include whitening toothpastes, at-home bleaching kits or professional in-house whitening.
Whitening toothpastes contain chemical or abrasive agents that can lighten the colour of your teeth by about one shade, so many people may not really see a difference, and the results will likely be very subtle. At-home bleaching kits can include gels, which you have to paint onto your teeth or whitening strips or mouth trays containing whitening solutions. These contain a low concentration of the whitening solution, and must be used consistently. Additionally, it can take a lot of time for you to see any results, which may be less obvious than what you would achieve at a dentist’s office.
In-office whitening will generally provide people with the best results because a professional will complete the process. They will use all of the right tools, formulas and techniques. They will also use the right amount of whitening solution, so you do not have to worry about mistakes, and the results will likely be more noticeable and immediate. This option does cost more. However, the results can be more dramatic, and you can love your new and improved smile, which may be a lot brighter.
It is very important to note that teeth whitening does not work for everyone, so you have to accept this. While yellow discolouration can usually be improved with whitening, brown or gray-toned teeth may not respond as well and, in some cases, may not respond at all to whitening. Teeth whitening can also be ineffective if the discolouration was caused by medications or an injury and cannot work on veneers, crowns, caps or fillings.
The dentists at Carlton Dental will discuss teeth whitening in great detail to determine whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. We always provide our patients with better smiles and help improve the condition of their teeth. Our dental clinic is always ready to help, so if you are looking for professional dentists in the downtown Toronto area, contact our office today to schedule an appointment!