Your teeth’s natural color is not stark white but can be light grayish or yellowish. Teeth may become darker with age or stained by tobacco use, drinking coffee or tea and eating certain foods. In Canada, there is an increasing demand for teeth whitening products as more Canadians go in search of a brighter smile. While there are many whitening options being sold in the market, your dentist in Toronto can whiten your teeth safely with lasting results.
Kinds of whiteners
Not all teeth whitening products are the same. What are being sold to consumers fall under any of two types:
Surface whiteners: These contain special abrasives that remove surface stains of teeth. Whitening toothpaste and chewing gums are examples of surface whiteners which are safe to use but are not effective for removing dark stains or discoloration due to root canal or dental fillings.
Bleaches: More effective than surface whiteners, bleaches often contain peroxide ingredients which are a powerful whitening agent that is best applied by a dentist. In Toronto, there are three ways for bleaching teeth. These include the following:
1. Applying a special bleach on stained teeth and using heat, with or without light, to activate the bleach;
2. Wearing a custom-made tray filled with a special bleach for a few hours everyday; or
3. Brushing teeth with a toothpaste containing special bleach.
Depending also on the condition of your teeth, your dentist may perform vital (for live teeth) or non vital (no longer alive due to root canal procedures) bleaching.
Proper care for whitened teeth
The decision to whiten your teeth should be weighed against your existing lifestyle. If you cannot give up coffee or tea or continue
smoking, you can expect stains to return on your teeth. Bleaching agents can cause teeth to become more sensitive and can irritate gums but these effects are temporary. You should be prepared to spend more time taking care of whitened teeth to avoid future stains and to use special products for sensitive teeth.
It’s important to consult your dentist in Toronto before applying any teeth whitening product on your own. You will need the skillful eye of a dentist to determine the cause and extent of your teeth discoloration because not all stained teeth respond to just any kind of treatment. In some cases, your dentist may determine that your teeth need only professional cleaning instead of extensive bleaching. Moreover, because of the powerful ingredients used in bleaching, it is best to get it done under a dentist’s care. Use only home bleaching products recommended by your dentist to ensure safety.
