Medical Issues and Aging
Teeth can also become discoloured from the inside out, and this is known as “intrinsic discolouration.”
Common causes of intrinsic discolouration in Langley include:
Professional whitening dental care is often the most effective option for this type of discolouration. Our dentistry team helps determine which type of stains you have, which will make it easier to find a whitening option that’s right for you.
How Do You Choose the Right Dental Whitening Method?
Dental teeth whitening has advanced over the years, and today, you have more dentistry options than ever for your smile.
There are three main types of teeth bleaching methods:
- Ones administered by the dentist (in-office procedures) at our Langley clinic
- Ones given to you by the dentist for at-home use.
- Ones bought in stores for at-home use without a dentist’s guidance like “White Strips”
It's best to talk to one of our dentists about your teeth whitening goals to help determine which method may be correct for you and which range of our dentistry services may enhance your results.
There are several factors that patients need to consider, including
- Your age (specifically, for children)
- The cause of your discolouration
- Costs – Take home trays can cost anywhere from $300-$400 and in office Zoom treatment can range from $600-$700. Over the counter options can range from $20 to $200 but usually results are not long lasting or effective
- Your dental history (do you have a prior root canal procedure, metal or ceramic crowns, restorative fillings or laminate veneers?)
A few other important things to note in regarding teeth whitening dentistry for patients:
- Dental teeth whitening isn’t permanent – no matter which method you choose. To maintain your new, bright smile, you will need to get your teeth whitened from time to time.
- Teeth whitening products are designed for natural teeth. If you have dental implants, dentures, permanent crowns or a dental bridge, talk to your dentist about your whitening options.
- If you have cavities or you’re undergoing dental work, you may need to wait until these issues are resolved to have your smile whitened. This is why current digital dental x-rays are essential prior to whitening your teeth.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
Many people are anxious to see results when they whiten their teeth. They want to see dramatic changes overnight, but in many cases, teeth whitening is a gradual process (if you want to do it safely).
The time it takes to reach your goal will largely depend on the following:
- Method used
- Type and extent of discolouration
Teeth Whitening Options in Langley:Professional and At-Home Dental Products
There are two main options when whitening your teeth in Langley: procedures performed or overseen by your dentist and over-the-counter products.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Our Langley dentists use several methods to whiten teeth. Dental treatment can be performed in the office, or we can give you products that you can use at home. In either case, carbamide peroxide will be used to bleach your teeth. Carbamide peroxide breaks down to urea and hydrogen peroxide. This causes a chemical reaction that can change the colour of your teeth. Carbamide peroxide is a safe way to whiten teeth.
When the impressions are sent to the lab, the creation can take 2 to 3 weeks to come in. Once they do come in, the second visit will include placing the permanent crown.
In-Office Treatments
Many patients prefer in-office dentistry treatments at our office because they work very quickly, and the effects tend to last longer. It may be possible to reach your teeth whitening goals after just one hour of treatment due to the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide that’s used.
Light may also be used to speed up the teeth whitening process. If you have abfraction lesions or receding gums, in-office cleanings may be recommended.
We use Zoom Whitening for our in-house treatments, which uses light to enhance the dentistry whitening process. Here's how it works:
- We recommend getting a teeth cleaning prior to your whitening session.
- First, the lips and gums are covered to ensure that only your teeth are exposed.
- Next, we apply Zoom’s hydrogen peroxide dental whitening gel.
- The gel stays in place for about 15 minutes while the Zoom light is applied. The light penetrates your teeth to break down discolouration and stains. During this time, you’re free to relax, watch TV or listen to music.
- The gel is applied for three to four 15-minute sessions with light activation. In total, an entire session will last 45 minutes to an hour.
- Following the procedure, a special gel is applied to your teeth to reduce sensitivity.
Some people do experience sensitivity after Zoom treatments, and this is usually due to the Zoom light, which produces a small amount of heat. In rare cases, patients experience tingling after the procedure. Using a sensitivity-reducing toothpaste before your session can help minimize the risk of these side effects.
A few other things to know about the Zoom procedure in our Langley clinic:
- It is not recommended for children under the age of 13, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Make sure that you have realistic expectations of the procedure. Zoom whitening may not be as effective for some people.
Before leaving the office, you will be given a Zoom home-use kit for touch-ups. The kit includes whitening trays, which are custom-fitted to your teeth. We'll show you how to use the touch-up dentistry kit. To keep your new, bright smile, we recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks or consuming them in moderation, including coffee, tea, red wine and soda. We also recommend avoiding tobacco products, as they will continue staining your teeth.
Of course, you should continue with regular cleanings and exams, including brushing at least twice a day and flossing. See your hygienist and dentist regularly for your scheduled dental cleanings.
At-Home Treatments From Your Langley Dentist
If an in-office treatment isn’t the right choice for you, we can provide an at-home method. Here’s how it works:
- We create a custom-fit tray that fits your unique mouth.
- You apply a gel to the tray that you wear for 30 minutes to 1 hour each day.
- Treatment will last 10-14 days, depending on what the dentist recommends.
Some patients prefer to use our at-home method, particularly if they have trouble sitting through the entire in-office procedure.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
There are several teeth-whitening dental products available over-the-counter in drug stores and other retailers. These are convenient, easy to purchase and affordable, but they aren’t the right choice for everyone.
Over-the-counter products don’t contain carbamide peroxide, or they have very little compared to the products used by dentists. If you have intrinsic discolouration, over-the-counter dentistry products may not work for you, or they may take longer to see results.
Still, at-home products are a popular option for people who want to whiten their teeth. Over-the-counter products can include:
- Whitening toothpastes: Instead of carbamide peroxide, teeth whitening toothpastes use abrasives and a chemical called blue covarine to whiten teeth. Whitening toothpastes work gradually, so it takes longer to see results.
- Whitening strips: Most strips do contain hydrogen peroxide, but in much smaller amounts compared to what your dentist would use. Strips can be applied one to two times per day for a recommended period of time. It’s important to follow the manufacturer's directions when using these products.
In addition to these two products, you may also find some DIY or homemade dentistry teeth whitening remedies. Activated charcoal is one of the most popular remedies, but it’s important to remember that this method has not been scientifically proven to whiten teeth. If you want to try a home remedy, talk to one of our dentists first to make sure that it’s the right option for you and your smile. Homemade remedies can damage your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Side Effects
Although teeth whitening is generally safe, some people may experience side effects, which can include:
- Tooth sensitivity: Some people have increased tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening. Sensitivity is more common after the first or second treatment and should dissipate over time. We may recommend an anti-sensitivity toothpaste that contains sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate.
- Gum irritation: It’s also possible to experience gum irritation, also known as gingival irritation. This side effect can occur when the tooth whitening product comes in contact with the gums. The irritation should subside after the treatment.
Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results
Once your each your teeth whitening goals, it’s important to maintain your results. Your diet and oral hygiene routine will have a big impact on how long your results last when you smile. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily and rinsing your mouth after you eat or drink can help keep your teeth as white as possible.
The Bottom Line from your Langley Dentist
Teeth whitening is safe and effective dentistry at our Langley clinic as long as you’re using our cosmetic dentist-approved methods. Consider your needs and your dentist’s recommendations when choosing a whitening method, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing side effects after a whitening treatment.
