A non-invasive dental procedure that transforms your smile in minutes? That’s the power of teeth whitening!
Think of all the things your teeth endure. Over time, daily habits can lead to dull or yellow teeth. All sorts of foods and drinks stain your teeth, including soda, coffee, and smoking.
Some over-the-counter products aren’t just ineffective—they can be downright harmful if they’re applied improperly.
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I find safe and effective teeth whitening near me?”, then this is the post for you.
In this teeth whitening guide, we’re going to cover all your options and help you determine a method that’s right for your smile:
Types of Teeth Whitening
You’ve heard of all kinds of different teeth whitening methods—strips, toothpaste, gels, and more. So, which one is right for you?
Here’s a breakdown of all your options:
Teeth whitening strips
Like most over-the-counter products, the biggest advantage of whitening strips is the price. In addition, whitening strips are widely available; you can pick them up at the same store you buy your groceries.
However, this comes at the cost of safety. Since the strips are designed to be one-size-fits-all, some of the bleaching agent may get on your gums. This can cause pain and may burn the tissue.
To use whitening strips, start by brushing and flossing your teeth. Remove the strips from the package and place them directly on your teeth. Then, let them sit there for as long as the product specifies. Don’t consume any food or drinks while the strips are on your teeth.
Whitening toothpaste
By far, the most widely available tooth whitening product is toothpaste. You’ll find it on the shelves of any grocery store. Use it just as you would regular toothpaste.
Depending on the type of toothpaste you purchase, the product will whiten your teeth in one of two ways:
- Hydrogen peroxide. A bleaching agent that targets surface stains. Most whitening toothpaste products have a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide.
- Abrasives. These products use small abrasives to polish teeth and remove stains. Prolonged use may gradually wear away tooth enamel.
Due to the low concentration of the bleaching agent, it often takes a long time to see results.
A word of warning: Recently, activated charcoal toothpaste became the latest trend in at-home whitening. But charcoal is too abrasive for regular use, making it unsafe and potentially harmful. It can wear down the enamel and result in increased tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening gel
Using a tooth whitening gel is a convenient way to brighten your smile. Fill the trays with the gel, then apply them to your teeth. You can wear the trays for a few hours at a time or overnight.
Here’s the thing about the whitening process: You get what you pay for. Since these trays aren’t created to fit your teeth, they may not apply the gel evenly. Again, you run the risk of getting the bleaching gel on your gums.
In-office whitening
If you want results that are safe, effective, and long-lasting, professional teeth whitening is the way to go. Here’s a look at our whitening process:
First, we apply a protective coating to your gums. This shields the tissue from any damage should the whitening gel get on them.
After that, we’ll apply the gel to your teeth and activate it with a special blue light. Each session takes just 15 minutes! It is possible to do up to four sessions in one visit. Once it’s done, we remove the gel and protective coating.
We want you to be completely satisfied with the brightness of your smile. When your treatment is complete, you can consult your dentist to determine if more sessions are necessary.
Take-home whitening kits
Prefer to whiten your teeth at home? No problem; we’ll create a customized take-home kit for your convenience. We’ll make custom whitening trays so that you get consistent results. Over 2-3 weeks, you can use this kit to gradually lighten your teeth.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Teeth whitening procedures vary widely in cost. Many patients believe that the least expensive route is to buy OTC whitening products like toothpaste or mouthwashes.
While these teeth whitening products have a lower upfront cost, they take repeated treatments to get the same results and may end up damaging your teeth and/or gums. You’ll see limited results.
To safely get a brighter smile, we recommend visiting a dentist.
How Long Does Teeth Sensitivity Last After Whitening?
If you have sensitive teeth, you may notice increased sensitivity in the days following your treatment. The duration will vary depending on whether you used over-the-counter kits or professional treatments.
At our office, our dentists take care to apply only as much product as you need to get your desired results. This minimizes any sensitivity that may result from your treatment.
How Long After Teeth Whitening Can I Eat Normally?
In the 2-3 days following your treatment, we recommend avoiding any foods or drinks that cause staining. This includes red wine, tea, coffee, and cola. After ~72 hours, you can resume eating and drinking normally.
How Long Will Results Last?
At Dental House, our whitening treatments offer results that can last months or years.
But here’s the catch about teeth whitening: It only reverses the existing stains on your teeth.
If you continue the habits that caused the stains in the first place, they will return eventually. For long-lasting results, consider giving up things like drinking coffee/tea or smoking.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
For certain patients, teeth whitening may not be the best approach for repairing dull or yellow teeth. Consult your dentist if you have:
- Stains from tetracycline antibiotics
- Brown or grey teeth
- Dental restorations
- Sensitive teeth
If you have any of the above conditions, you may be better suited for dental veneers, which will improve the appearance and strength of your smile. To find out if teeth whitening is right for you, book a consultation at our dental clinic in Saskatoon.
Book Your Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Today!
At Dental House, we offer in-office whitening procedures and take-home whitening kits. Cosmetic dentistry is one of our areas of expertise.
We won’t just restore your smile—we’ll make it brighter than it’s ever been before. To schedule your appointment, contact us today!