Your Whitecourt Invisalign® Provider
You may know some people that have done teeth whitening treatments in order to brighten their smile and you may be wondering if it would work for you. Our Whitecourt dentists shed light on what actually happens during the teeth whitening process.
What is teeth whitening?
The most common reason behind our teeth darkening is time. This gradual change in the colour of our smile as we age can be a side effect of lifestyle factors such as drinking dark beverages like tea, coffee or alcohol, taking certain medications, smoking and general wear and tear from years of use.
Professional teeth whitening treatments use peroxide-based bleaching agents to lighten the colour of your teeth and remove basic surface stains that are dulling your smile. As the peroxide breaks down, oxygen acts on tooth enamel and creates a whitening effect.
Professional Teeth Whitening Completed at Our Office
Professional teeth whitening complete at the dentist's office can be completed in as little as a single visit.
During your in-office whitening treatment, the dentist will start by placing a rubber shield over your gums which will protect them from being potentially irritated by the solution.
Next, they will apply the bleaching solution to your teeth with a small brush-like applicator. The solution will be left to work on your teeth for 15 minutes under a low-heat lamp. Your hygienist will then clear the solution and repeat the application process.
This process usually takes approximately 1 to 2 hours. For some patients, one session may be enough, but depending on your specific case, your dentist may recommend a second treatment session in order to reach your desired outcome.
At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Kit
Look up “how to whiten teeth” online and you’ll soon find a wide range of at-home teeth whitening options. While these present one alternative, they are not quite as strong or as effective as the teeth whitening kits at our Whitecourt dental office.
The teeth whitening solutions we offer come with custom whitening trays and specific instructions about how to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. Plus, you’ll have your dentist to supervise the process, and your teeth whitening cost may be somewhat less than with the in-office solution.
To begin, you’ll first need to visit the dentist so an impression of your teeth can be taken in order to create custom whitening trays to fit your smile. You’ll use these trays at home to apply the whitening solution yourself.
Once your trays are ready, you will return to the dentist’s office to confirm they are a good fit. Next, you’ll be sent home with the trays, the whitening solution, and clear instructions from your dentist.
If you opt for the at-home professional teeth whitening kit then you will perform the treatment yourself for about 30 minutes daily over two weeks, until you achieve the desired level of whiteness. Then, you can use the whitening solution to touch up your smile every 6 months or so.