Tooth Whitening in Little Italy Toronto.

What are teeth whitening procedures?

Teeth whitening procedures bleach the teeth to make them lighter than their current shade. But note that they only take effect on natural teeth.

Who can perform teeth whitening procedures?

Professional teeth whitening is performed by the dentist. Aesthetic centers may also offer this procedure, but be extra cautious. For your safety, always start with a dental consultation.

The shade of the teeth can darken due to various reasons. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, tartar buildup, dietary choices, and the intake of certain medications can all contribute to tooth stains.

Identifying the potential causes of discolouration allows your dentist to determine the most suitable option to brighten your smile. An assessment is necessary to know if the stains are only at the surface (extrinsic) or have penetrated deep down (intrinsic).

If the stains are deep into the teeth, over-the-counter products, such as tooth whitening toothpaste and rinses, won’t be enough.

A dental consultation saves you time and money as you learn which products and treatments will work and which won’t.

What can I expect during teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening can be performed in-house or at home. Here are the general steps involved in the procedures:

1. In-office teeth whitening

   In-office or chairside teeth whitening uses stronger hydrogen peroxide, which is the bleaching agent. This gives you more satisfactory results than using over-the-counter products. The amount of the peroxide gel is controlled and applied only by your dentist. First, your teeth are cleaned, and any decay or debris buildup is removed. Then, a gingival barrier is placed in your mouth to keep your mouth open and protect the lips from the bleaching agent. Then, the whitening solution is applied at 15-20 minute intervals and activated using a special light. The entire procedure can last for up to 2 hours, depending on the results you want to achieve. Results can also vary per session. You can see your teeth brighten up to 8 shades per visit.

2. At-home teeth whitening

   Teeth whitening can also be done at home under the guidance of your dentist. Your take-home whitening kit is prepared by your dentist and is safe to be used on your own. You’re provided with instructions to follow. You must wear the bleaching tray as directed. The bleaching tray is customized to fit well on your teeth and gums and to keep the bleaching solution from leaking.

Does tooth whitening have side effects?

You may experience heightened sensitivity after your teeth whitening procedure, but this should be temporary. Let your dentist know if it persists.

If the bleaching agent accidentally gets in contact with the gum tissue, irritation may also occur. But the effects are also temporary, and your gums should look and function normally once the irritation subsides.

How long do tooth whitening effects last?

The effects can last from 6 months to 2 years with good dental care habits and lifestyle changes. You can minimize discolouration by avoiding smoking and reducing your intake of highly pigmented beverages or food options.

To learn more about professional teeth whitening, contact us at Little Italy Dentistry. Determine which smile-enhancing method is best for you through consultations with the dentist.

Our dental office is located in Little Italy, Toronto, ON, and we welcome patients of all ages. We look forward to hearing about your smile goals!