Teeth Whitening in Saskatoon
Tooth whitening uses proven bleaching techniques to help lighten and remove stains and discoloration from teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments. This is due to its ability to improve and enhance the appearance of a person’s teeth. Teeth whitening is not a one-time treatment. It requires continued treatments to maintain the preferred shade of white.
As we grow old, certain factors such as genes, age, disease and lifestyle choices make an impact on the appearance of our teeth. Today having white, shiny teeth is perceived as socially acceptable and desirable. For these reasons, people often visit a Saskatoon dental clinic nearby to consult with an experienced dentist to establish the best treatment plan.
Why Whiten Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening affects the outer layer of the tooth or enamel. The color of a person’s teeth is dependent on the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, combined with the color of the dentin under it. Your genes have an impact on the thickness and smoothness of the enamel. Thinner layers of enamel allow the color of the dentin to show through much more. Having smoother enamel affects the reflection of light and in turn influences the color. Tooth enamel contains pores that hold stains and impacts the appearance of the teeth as well.
The most common reasons people have teeth that are dull or yellow in appearance are the following:
- Using tobacco products
- Drinking dark-colored liquids such as coffee, cola, tea and red wine
- Poor oral care and hygiene routines
- Aging makes teeth less bright as the enamel gets thinner and the dentin becomes darker
It is also possible to have stains inside the tooth, which are called intrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains can be caused by overexposure to fluoride as a child during development. Trauma may also cause the teeth to darken. Tooth whitening is most effective on surface (extrinsic) stains.
Types of Teeth Whitening
Over-the-counter methods are the cheapest form of whitening. These methods include the following:
Whitening Toothpastes: These whitening products strictly whiten and will not bleach your teeth. Whitening toothpastes can have a mildly abrasive effect, and some are able to lighten teeth by up to one shade or more.
Whitening Gel: Whitening gel offers comparable results to teeth whitening strips. The treatment depends on the type of gel and the strength of the whitening agent used.
Whitening Rinses: Whitening mouthwashes contain small amounts of peroxide. You can use these rinses the same way you would with traditional anti-bacterial mouthwash. Many experts believe that whitening rinses are not as effective as other methods, since the peroxide comes in contact with your teeth for 60 seconds or less.
Pre-made whitening trays: Over-the-counter whitening trays are made in a generic size that is not specific to your set of teeth. Saskatoon dentists will recommend in-office teeth whitening instead.
Whitening Strips: Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic coated in peroxide. You will attach the strips to the front of your teeth and wear them roughly 30 minutes a day for two weeks. These results typically last up to four months.
In-Office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening methods usually offer the most effective and long-lasting results that can last between 6 to 12 months. Your Saskatoon dentist will use whitening gels with a much stronger concentration of peroxide. After an hour or less, the gel will begin to break apart the bonds between stained molecules and create a dramatically brighter smile. Many dentists use laser whitening methods or specially formatted lights to achieve optimal results. The high-powered light will aid in activating the whitening gel, allowing the oxygen to penetrate the teeth more thoroughly.
* All dental services offered at Saskatoon Smiles are provided by general dentists at each location.