Benefits of At-Home Teeth Whitening
One of the main advantages of an at-home whitening system is flexibility. You can complete your whitening sessions at home rather than scheduling multiple appointments specifically for whitening.
Whitening Kits also use custom-fitted trays. A close fit helps distribute the whitening gel over the teeth being treated while making the trays more comfortable to wear.
Treatment can also be adjusted around your goals. Rather than relying on a generic over-the-counter product, you have a whitening system provided through a dental practice along with instructions for its use.
Custom Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products
Drugstore shelves contain plenty of whitening toothpastes, strips and other products, but they don’t all work in the same way.
Whitening toothpastes primarily help remove surface stains and generally don’t produce the same degree of colour change as a bleaching treatment. Whitening strips use bleaching ingredients but rely on standardized strips rather than trays fitted to your teeth.
Custom Teeth Whitening Kits combine whitening gel with custom-fitted trays for more consistent contact with the teeth. They also give you the benefit of discussing your whitening goals with a dental professional before beginning treatment.
Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive?
Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation while whitening their teeth. The amount of sensitivity varies between patients and may depend on factors such as the condition of your teeth and how frequently the whitening product is used.
Using the whitening gel exactly as directed is important. Applying excessive gel or whitening for longer than recommended won’t necessarily produce better results and can increase discomfort.
If you already experience sensitive teeth, let our team know before beginning treatment.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent because your teeth remain exposed to the foods, drinks and habits that caused staining in the first place.
How long your results last will depend on your individual habits and oral hygiene. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and other strongly coloured substances can contribute to new staining over time.
Regular brushing, flossing and professional dental cleanings can help maintain the appearance of your smile. Depending on your needs, occasional whitening touch-ups may also help maintain your preferred shade.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Whitening can be a straightforward cosmetic treatment, but it’s still worth determining why your teeth are discoloured before starting.
Our dental team can evaluate your teeth, discuss what you’d like to change and determine whether whitening is an appropriate option. If your concern involves the shape of your teeth, chips, gaps or restorations that won’t respond to whitening, another cosmetic treatment may be worth considering.
The goal isn’t simply to make teeth as white as possible. It’s to find an approach that works with your teeth and gives you a natural-looking result you’re comfortable with.
Teeth Whitening at Richmond Dental Centre
Richmond Dental Centre provides Custom Teeth Whitening Kits for patients looking for a convenient way to brighten their smiles at home. Our practice is located at 8211 Cook Road in Richmond, BC, and we welcome new patients.
If staining or discolouration has been bothering you, talk to our team about your options. We can assess your smile, discuss what you would like to achieve and determine whether teeth whitening is suitable for you.
Call Richmond Dental Centre at (604) 273-3368 to ask about teeth whitening or schedule an appointment.
