Are you looking for a whiter smile? Your initial step should be your dentist.

Why? First, your dentist will help you sort through the information and decide if whitening is right for you. If you have cavities or other dental diseases, your dentist will need to treat them before you begin the whitening process, to help avoid tooth sensitivity and other issues. In addition, whitening will not change the colour of restorations (veneers, crowns, fillings), and your dentist can advise you on the appropriate approach for your situation.

Dentists recommend 3 approaches to whiten your teeth:

1. Whitening toothpastes.

Toothpaste polishing the tooth surface and remove superficial stains on the surface of the tooth (external discoloration). Although some types of toothpaste may seem to brighten your teeth, they are not bleaching the tooth or changing its actual coluor. They also take the longest for you to see results.

2. Home-use whiteners.

You are probably familiar with ads for strips or gels you paint on your teeth or put in a tray that you then put over your teeth. You can get home-use whiteners from your dentist or buy them over the counter. There are few benefits for using home-use whiteners given to you the dentist:

The trays are better fitted to limit the contact that the gel has with your gums, and minimize gum irritation.

The concentration of peroxide, the whitening material, is higher and you will see the results faster.

The dentist will examine your teeth’s health before treatment – using whitening materials on decayed or diseased teeth may be painful.

3. In-office whitening which is performed by your dentist.

The dentist will apply concentrated peroxide gel to your teeth, and then he/she may shine a light on the gel to get the whitening reaction started.

What are the side effects?

Some people experience tooth sensitivity or irritated gums become. Your dentist may be able to help you minimize these effects.

Be cautious when examining do-it-yourself whitening approaches recommended in magazines, television programs, or web sites. Many of those do not whiten teeth and others may even cause damage to your teeth!

Call us today and ask us about tooth whitening!