10 Facts everyone should know before seeking teeth whitening from their Hamilton dentist

Vibrant, white teeth are one of the most desirable traits of a beautiful, healthy smile. Stains due to foods and beverages, tobacco, medications, or natural aging can make you feel less uncomfortable or even embarrassed smiling. The good news is that with the help of your dentist, you can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile quickly and cost-effectively. At Dentistry on Parkdale in Hamilton, our team offers two convenient types of professional whitening: in-office and at-home, so that you can choose which option best suits your need. In the following article, we will examine the basics of teeth whitening and 10 facts that everyone should know before undergoing treatment.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves eliminating discoloration of teeth and restoring them to their natural color or whitening beyond their natural shade. In-office teeth whitening procedures are completed in about an hour and are perfect for the patient who wants fast results. At-home whitening provides patients with gradual results as they wear the whitening trays for a specified amount of time in the comfort of their own home.

Why choose professional teeth whitening versus over-the-counter options?

While it may seem convenient to pick up a package of whitening strips while you are doing your weekly grocery shopping, over-the-counter solutions do very little beyond removing surface stains. Most patients are unhappy with the results and end up in our office looking for a way to make their smile really shine. Professional teeth whitening uses stronger bleaching agents, so the enamel can reach a much brighter shade of white.

10 facts you should know about teeth whitening

1. Teeth whitening is safe. Just about everyone has heard the myths that teeth whitening will damage your teeth, and this is true if done incorrectly. When done by trained professionals like the team at Dentistry on Parkdale, teeth whitening is completely safe.
2. Teeth whitening is not permanent. Once you have your brand new sparkling smile, it can be tempting to go back to old habits. It’s important to know that dark foods and beverages, and tobacco can stain your newly whitened teeth and leave your smile looking dull again.
3. Increased sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal. Many people suffer from sensitive teeth and it’s completely normal to experience an increase in sensitivity during whitening. This occurs when the teeth are dehydrated from the whitening process, and therefore, unable to properly insulate the nerve from temperature changes. Most increases in sensitivity disappear within about 36 hours.
4. Teeth whitening does not work on dental restorations. When dental restorations such as crowns are placed in the mouth they are color matched to neighboring teeth. Because teeth whitening does not work on crowns they will often need to be replaced to blend in naturally with the newly whitened smile.
5. A professional dental cleaning prior to whitening is recommended. This will remove any plaque and tartar build-up and allow the teeth to respond optimally to treatment.
6. Teeth whitening requires maintenance. To enjoy your sparkling white smile long term, we recommend maintenance appointments to eliminate stains that have developed.
7. Good oral hygiene will keep your smile whiter longer. Regular brushing and flossing can keep stain causing agents off your teeth so that you can maintain your whitened smile. If you can’t brush, make sure to rinse your mouth after eating or drinking stain-causing beverages.
8. Teeth whitening does not handle all types of staining. There are certain types of permanent discoloration that are not responsive to teeth whitening. For these cases, we recommend veneers.
9. There is a limit of how white your teeth can get. While you may have a certain celebrity smile in line when you choose to whiten, it’s important to know that there is a ceiling, beyond which your teeth will not get any whiter.
10. Teeth whitening does not replace regular dental cleanings. While your teeth may look amazing, it’s still important to stay up to date on regular examinations and cleanings.

If you are tired of your dull, discolored smile and are ready to see the amazing results possible with professional teeth whitening, call the team at Dentistry on Parkdale today. We’ll work with you to determine which method of whitening will work best and have you on your way to your perfect smile.

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Dr. Karen Ho is a trusted dentist serving patients of all ages in Hamilton, Ontario. Having studied at prestigious institutes such as McMaster University and University of Toronto and trained at Hartford Hospital (General Practice Residency), she opened her private practice in 2003.

Dr. Ho is committed to lifelong learning as she believes that she can serve her community better by constantly updating herself. She is affiliated with many professional organisations like the Academy of General Dentistry, Institute for Clinical Practice of Pediatric Dentistry, The Dawson Academy Study Club, Niagara Peninsula Dental Diagnostic Study Club, Hamilton Chapter of the Seattle Study Club (Founding Member), and Boston and Tufts Universities.