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Summer is around the corner, and it's usually time for many social events including reunions, weddings, retreats, BBQ parties and much more. If you want to look your best on any special occasion, consider getting a professional teeth whitening treatment. It delivers quick and stunning results, ensuring you have the brightest smile possible for your special day.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to restore discoloured teeth to a healthier, more natural colour or shade. It is a safe, efficient, and highly effective procedure under the supervision of a dental professional.
Teeth discolouration can occur due to various reasons, from everyday habits to the natural aging process. Factors like consuming certain foods and beverages (think coffee, tea, and red wine) or smoking tobacco can leave stubborn stains on your teeth. Additionally, as we age, the enamel layer thins out, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath it.
Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products include whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, which can be easily purchased at many drugstores. These products may contain baking soda, which works as a mild abrasive to scrub stains away. Some whitening toothpaste also contains charcoal, which also has abrasive properties. Whitening formulas also may contain low concentrations of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. Abrasive substances can damage your teeth' enamel if used too often or in the long term, and whitening chemicals can also be aggressive or irritating to your body in high doses. Talk with our dentist to make sure you're using these products safely and to manage any teeth sensitivities.
There are also home whitening kits available for you to purchase. These usually take the form of a gel or paste that is applied to your teeth using a brush or in the form of sticky strips. Some home whitening kits involve covering your teeth with a whitening agent before placing a mouthguard on your teeth. The active ingredients in whitening kits approved for home use are at a milder concentration. For that reason, you will need to use the kit every day for several weeks to see visible results. Most at-home whitening kits achieve results within 2 to 4 weeks.
Professional teeth whitening results can last up to a year, depending on your lifestyle and diet. Touch-up treatments can help extend the results even longer. These treatments are particularly helpful for those who consume teeth-staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine. It is recommended that you consult with our dentist to compare treatments and determine the most effective solution for you.
In-office teeth whitening procedure involves the use of a stronger formula containing hydrogen peroxide. This formula decomposes into water and oxygen molecules when exposed to air and water in the mouth. The oxygen molecules help to break down stains, thus reducing their concentration and brightening teeth.
Professional teeth whitening results can last as long as 5 years, depending on your lifestyle and diet. Touch-up treatments can help extend the results even longer. These treatments are particularly helpful for those who consume teeth-staining beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine.
It is recommended that you consult with our dentist to compare treatments and determine the most effective solution for you.
If you're interested in getting your teeth professionally whitened or want to learn more about OTC whitening products, schedule a consultation appointment with us today!
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At our North York dental office, our fees are based on the most current Ontario Dental Association fee guides.
If you have any questions about the costs of any of our dental services, please contact us so one of our staff members can clarify and guide you through the price determinations.
You can find our patient referral form here. We provide dental care for the whole family, including children's dentistry and emergency dental care.
