In the pursuit of a radiant smile, tooth whitening has become a very popular cosmetic dental procedure. Whether it’s to combat stains from coffee or tobacco, or simply to achieve a brighter smile, tooth whitening offers a solution. Let’s delve into the details of this procedure and what you need to know before brightening those pearly whites.
Tooth whitening, also known as dental bleaching, involves the use of bleaching agents to lighten the colour of teeth and remove stains or discolouration. The procedure can be performed in-office by a dental professional or at home using over-the-counter kits or products.
The primary benefit of tooth whitening is the enhancement of one’s smile. A brighter smile can boost self-confidence and improve overall appearance. It’s a non-invasive procedure that can yield quick and noticeable results, enhancing both personal and professional interactions.
There are varies types of teeth whitening and these include:
- In-Office Whitening: This method involves the application of a high-concentration bleaching agent, typical 35% and above, by a dental professional. It typically produces rapid and significant results in a single session.
- At-Home Kits: At-home whitening kits include custom- fitted trays and a bleaching gel with lower concentrations of the active ingredient. Users apply the gel to the trays and wear them for a specified amount of time, typical 4-6 hours, each day for several days or weeks to achieve gradual whitening.
- Over-the-Counter Products: Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, or toothpaste, are readily available without a prescription. While less potent than professional treatments, they can still provide noticeable improvements with consistent use.
- Internal Bleaching: This is the process of bleaching a single discoloured tooth. Important to note, that this procedure may only be performed on a tooth that has already received a root canal treatment. Hence, this procedure should performed by a Dentist.
Before embarking on your tooth whitening journey, it’s essential to consult with a dentist to determine the most suitable option based on individual needs and dental health. As there may be existing conditions that may affect the overall treatment, leading to less than desirable results. Your dentist will help in identifying these conditions, thereby allowing treatments to be tailored to your individual needs. Rather than a generic, “one size fits all’ approach. Costs vary depending on the method chosen, with in-office treatments being the most expensive, followed by Internal bleaching, at-home kits(with custom fabricated bleaching trays) and finally
over-the-counter products.
Tooth whitening offers a simple yet effective way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. Whether you opt for an in-office treatment or choose to whiten at home, achieving a dazzling smile is within reach with the myriad of tooth whitening options available today.
Call in to schedule your next Bleaching appointment.
