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Considering whitening your teeth and thinking about which options may be right for you? Our Edmonton dentists discuss at-home teeth whitening in this post.
Teeth Whitening
The natural colour of most people's teeth is greyish to yellow in shade. Our teeth naturally darken with age and their appearance may be impacted by the accumulation of surface stains from consuming of dark-coloured foods and drinks such as chocolate, coffee, tea, red wine and more.
Our skin tone and makeup can also affect our perception of the colour of our teeth. People who use dark makeup or who have darker skin may look like they have teeth that appear brighter.
While teeth are not naturally completely white, many people wish for a better smile. Those individuals have their pick of many teeth whitening options.
Teeth whitening methods come in two main categories: surface whitenings and bleaches.
Surface Whiteners
Most of these products are toothpastes or chewing gums that contain special abrasives to remove surface stains.
Since the special abrasives in these teeth whitening products are often only finer versions of what's in regular toothpastes, they are unlikely to cause excessive wear on teeth.
However, these products can typically only effectively remove surface stains and should not be used to replace professional cleaning.
Bleaches
Most bleaching products, including the take-home teeth whitening options offered at Azarko Dental Group, are peroxide-based and can actually change the colour of teeth. However, not every kind of tooth discolouration responds to tooth bleaching treatments.
If you are considering whitening your teeth, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our Edmonton dentists to determine whether a bleaching treatment can produce the result you desire.
Taking this step is particularly important if you have had root canal treatments, crowns or fillings, and/or have very dark stains on the anterior teeth (incisors and canines in the front of your mouth).
At-Home Teeth Whitening from Azarko Dental Group
At our Edmonton dental office, we offer take-home teeth whitening options to help lighten the shade of your tooth enamel and remove surface stains.
With take-home whitening methods, you'll be able to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, and on your own time.
Take-Home Trays
This custom-made tray and whitening gel can only be obtained from your dentist and uses a traditional bleaching method designed to whiten your teeth.
You will not require a prescription and you'll be able to simply press the plastic strip to your teeth to let it set for the amount of time specified in the instructions.
Typically, people who use take-home strips report noticing a change in tooth shade within 10 to 14 days.
Sheer White® Take Home Strips
These whitening strips closely adhere to the contours of your teeth. One 30-minute application of these self-applied whitening strips is included with a professional cleaning at our dental office and should be applied at home on the same day.
Iveri Speed™
You can use Iveri Speed, a professional, light-activated teeth whitening system with no custom trays or strips.
Professional Cleaning & At-Home Routine
One of the most reliable ways to maintain a white, healthy smile as long as possible is to attend regular dental exams and cleanings, along with following a good daily oral health care routine at home.
During a professional deep cleaning, a dental hygienist will start by using a scaler to loosen plaque buildup and tartar between your teeth and along your gums. They'll then floss and polish your teeth to leave you with a fresh, clean smile.
Our dental team recommends brushing your teeth an hour after each meal using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Remember to floss once a day to ensure you properly clean your teeth and the spaces between them.
If you are wondering what the best teeth whitening product for you is or you are hoping to learn more, ask your dentist at Azarko Dental Group if either of our take-home teeth whitening options would be right for you.