Your North Vancouver Invisalign® Provider
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
At Seymour 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 number of reasons. Your dentist can conduct a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile based on the colour of your teeth currently, the reason they are discoloured, and your unique needs. Keep in mind that older restorations might still have their original paint job.
Our dentists provide at-home teeth whitening services. Usually, you'll have a choice between two appointments. In order to make a personalized whitening tray for you, impressions of your teeth will be taken during your initial appointment. You will receive your tray, whitening gel, and application instructions at your second appointment.
Following the filling of each tray with whitening gel, you will wear the trays in your mouth for one to two hours each day. Most bleaching methods produce results in 10 to 14 days. You might see a change in the colour of your teeth in as little as four to six weeks.
Work with your dentist to avoid adverse side effects
To reduce the risk of side effects, it is essential to consult with your dentist before, during, and after the procedure because everyone's teeth respond to teeth whitening differently. Gum sensitivity and tooth sensitivity are the side effects of teeth whitening that are most frequently reported. Usually temporary, these side effects disappear after teeth whitening. Consult a dentist if the sensitivity or irritation doesn't go away.
Avoid dark-coloured or acidic foods and drinks.
You just paid money to have your teeth whitened. The good news is that you can take action to maintain beautiful teeth. Coffee and soda drinkers must refrain from consuming their favourite libations right after teeth whitening. Red wine, tomato juice, sports drinks, and tea can all make your new colour appear dull.
Additionally, since it takes time for saliva to form a natural protective coating around tooth surfaces, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods like strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup after your teeth whitening procedure.
Use teeth whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes to keep your smile bright
You can keep your newly whitened teeth sparkling by using toothpaste and mouthwash that are not prescription-only. As part of your daily maintenance routine, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to remove stains.
Touch up your smile periodically
Two to three years, depending on your oral hygiene regimen and daily care for your smile. Even though discoloration can accumulate over time, it should never return to its original hue.
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.