Everyone wants healthy white teeth and a bright smile but no matter how hard you strive to maintain good oral hygiene, teeth can still stain and discolour over time. When regular brushing and flossing are no longer enough to maintain bright smiles, professional teeth whitening offers an attractive solution to restoring optimal appearance of teeth.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?

Healthy white teeth go hand-in-hand with bright smiles. Not only do white teeth shine brighter, but they also look cleaner and more well-maintained. However, not all teeth whitening treatments are created equal — a professional treatment still offers numerous benefits that an over-the-counter product that is self-administered.

Specialized, Thorough Whitening

Unlike over-the-counter products, a professional teeth whitening procedure is done with the unique dental needs of every patient in mind. Store-bought whiteners usually come in just one size and strength level, but these do not suit the needs of all patients. Commercial products have a number of limitations that can impact the speed of tooth whitening.

A professional whitening procedure allows you to work with your dentist to determine the result you want to achieve. Your dentist can then adjust the strength of the whitening agent to achieve your desired outcome.

Treat Extrinsic and Intrinsic Stains

Most stains are extrinsic — found on the outer surface of the teeth — and are commonly caused by eating and lifestyle habits. Some patients, however, exhibit signs of intrinsic staining — those that come from the inside of the teeth. Intrinsic stains have a better chance of removal when treated professionally.

In addition, we can also note discoloration that may indicate tooth decay or other oral health issues. They can examine these issues and provide adequate treatment before proceeding with whitening.

Safe, Long-lasting Results

While store-bought treatments may be attractive due to the convenience they offer, they do not provide long-lasting results. With a professional whitening, however, you can expect to achieve a more desirable , longer lasting result.

Aftercare Following Teeth Whitening

Brush and Floss Regularly

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is not only required to prevent cavities and tooth decay, but also to enjoy a lasting bright smile. Make sure to floss and brush your teeth twice a day and after meals.

Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Alcoholic drinks like red wine and nicotine in tobacco contain ingredients that can cause staining on teeth, resulting in yellow teeth. While the optimal choice for the whiteness of your teeth is to stop entirely, moderating intake can be a good alternative to prevent reversing the effects of teeth whitening.

Swap Out Heavily Pigmented Food and Drinks

A lot of common food and drinks can cause stains on teeth, which is why it’s important to consider swapping them out or cutting down on them in the long run. It’s even more essential to avoid them right after your teeth whitening procedure. These include:

• Drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and dark-coloured sodas
• Acidic and heavily pigmented fruits like berries
• Green vegetables, including pickles
• Chocolate
• Curry
• Vinegar

Teeth Whitening Methods

We use a variety of professional whitening techniques to restore the appearance of your teeth and improve discolouration.

However, not all tooth discolourations respond to tooth whitening treatments. Individuals contemplating tooth whitening should consult with us to determine the cause of the tooth discolouration and to determine whether a whitening treatment will have the desired result. This step is especially important for patients with fillings, root canal treatments, crowns and/or with extremely dark stains on the anterior teeth.

In our experience, the most gentle professional whitening option has been professional take-home whitening system . First, custom fitted trays are made to fit your teeth and a whitening gel is applied in the tray to whiten from the comfort of your own home. The type of whitening gel and length of treatment time will depend on your desired final result. Your treatment progress will be reviewed and any modifications can be made to achieve your final result.

How Horizon Dental Can Help

At Horizon Dental, we believe in the power of a bright and confident smile — and that starts with having healthy white teeth. Your well-being and comfort are key to effective treatment and lasting results.

To learn more about the power of professional teeth whitening or book your treatment, call Horizon Dental at 905-475-5673 or contact us here.