Are you noticing that your teeth are not as white as they once were or are appearing yellow? Dr. Janet Kan and her team at Rideau Dental on 4th Street are here to help you! There are a variety of options to help you freshen up your smile, which can be as simple as using a whitening toothpaste to having an in-office treatment whitening session. If you are interested in learning more about how to whiten your teeth, contact Dr. Janet Kan near Downtown, Calgary, AB to discuss your treatment options!
Why are my Teeth Looking Discolored and Yellow?
Age and diet can play a role over time, causing teeth to appear discoloured and yellow. Over the years, as we age, the first layer of tooth structure, called enamel, can wear down, becoming thin and exposing the next layer called dentin, which has a natural yellow appearance.
Furthermore, overtime if your diet consists of foods and beverages that are prone to causing stains, this can lead to discoloured and yellow teeth. Beverages such as black tea, coffee, red wine, and certain fruit juices can not only stain teeth but also, since they are acidic, can contribute to enamel wear. Foods that contain deep pigmentation and smoking can also contribute to staining.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products – Whitening Toothpastes and Strips
If the staining on your teeth is very light and superficial, it is possible that whitening toothpastes and whitening strips can help lift the mild surface stain, revealing a whiter smile. Mild abrasives, such as baking soda, as well as chemical whitening agents and polishing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are found in whitening toothpastes and strips.
While whitening toothpastes and strips will generally only work if the stain is on the surface of the tooth, factors such as diet, home care routine, technique, and condition of your enamel can affect the results
Custom Whitening Trays and In-Office Whitening
If over-the-counter products are not achieving the results you want, custom whitening trays and in-office whitening are other options. Custom whitening trays and in-office treatments are effective for deeper-stained teeth. At Rideau Dental on 4th Street, we offer both services. For Custom Whitening Trays – we will scan your teeth, and our dental lab will create a custom-fitted whitening tray for you. Whitening gels are included in our whitening package. Another option is our in-office whitening, where you will receive a professional in-office treatment by one of our team members, who offers a faster and more noticeable result.
How Can I Keep My Teeth White After Treatment?
While it varies from patient to patient on how long the results of teeth whitening last, there are many ways to help prolong the whiteness of your teeth.
Daily maintenance includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. Also, maintaining your regular hygiene appointments at least every 6 months is important. Limiting beverages and food that are known to stain teeth can also help to prolong the effects of whitening.
Is There Anything I Should do Before I Whiten my Teeth?
If you want to achieve the best results for your whitening treatment, it is recommended to whiten your teeth within 2 weeks of having them professionally cleaned. A professional cleaning will remove any surface stain as well as plaque and tartar on the teeth, thus allowing the whitening products to be the most effective on your teeth.
Our team of Dental Hygienists at Rideau Dental on 4th Street are here to help with your professional dental cleaning prior to your teeth whitening treatment.
In addition, if you have any cavities, it is advised those be addressed prior to whitening treatments, so that these areas are not exposed to the whitening products, which can cause more pain or sensitivity as well as damage the area further.
If you plan to do any esthetic dental work, such as crowns, veneers, bridges, or dental bonding, we strongly recommend that you whiten your teeth prior to so that the shade of your new restorations can match your teeth perfectly.
I Whitened my Teeth – How do I Keep the Results?
Daily maintenance, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing, is recommended. Dr. Janet Kan also recommends maintaining your regular dental appointments at least every 6 months.
Will Whitening Damage My Teeth?
While whitening can cause temporary sensitivity to your teeth, if used as directed, it will not damage your teeth. As with anything, it is important to use any whitening product as directed and in moderation, followed by proper technique and home care.
Rideau Dental on 4th Street can help answer all your questions and provide treatment options to achieve your whiter smile. Contact Dr. Janet Kan and her team today for a consult to discuss what is the best option for you based on your whitening goals, lifestyle, and dental health!