Are you thinking about getting your teeth whitened? There are numerous teeth-whitening options available, but not all of them are effective or even safe. Our dentists in Victoria can help you safely whiten your teeth.
How can I safely whiten my teeth?
At InHarmony Dental Care, we get many questions from patients about how they can whiten their teeth safely and effectively. While teeth whitening treatments can help us to feel more self-confident with a whiter, brighter smile, not every option out there is safe. In this post, our dentists recommend ways to get the job done safely — and offer some advice on how to keep a sparkling white smile.
Ask Your Dentist for the Best Teeth Whitening Options
Our teeth gradually lose their natural whiteness as we age for a variety of reasons. Your dentist can perform a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile based on the current shade of your teeth, the cause of their discoloration, and your unique requirements. Keep in mind that older restorations may retain their original paint job.
Our dentists provide at-home teeth whitening services. Usually, you'll have to come in for two appointments. In order to make a personalized whitening tray for you, impressions of your teeth will be taken during your initial appointment. You will receive your tray, whitening gel, and application instructions at your second appointment.
Following the filling of each tray with whitening gel, you will wear the trays in your mouth for one to two hours each day. Most bleaching methods produce results in 10 to 14 days. You might see a change in the colour of your teeth in as little as four to six weeks.
Work with Your Dentist to Avoid Adverse Side Effects
It is essential to consult with your dentist before, during, and after teeth whitening to reduce the risk of side effects. The most frequently reported adverse effects of teeth whitening are tooth and gum sensitivity. Typically, these side effects are transient and disappear after teeth whitening. Consult a dentist if the sensitivity or irritation persists.
Avoid Dark-Coloured or Acidic Foods and Drinks
You just spent money having your teeth whitened. The good news is that you can take action to maintain a beautiful smile. Coffee and soda drinkers should refrain from consuming their preferred libations right after teeth whitening. Red wine, tomato juice, sports beverages, and tea can all make your new colour appear less vibrant.
Additionally, since it takes time for saliva to form a natural protective coating around tooth surfaces, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods like strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup after your teeth whitening procedure.
Use Teeth Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwashes to Keep Your Smile Bright
Using non-prescription toothpaste and mouthwash will help keep your newly whitened teeth sparkling. As part of your daily maintenance routine, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to remove stains.
Touch Up Your Smile Periodically
Depending on your oral hygiene routine and daily smile care, teeth whitening should last two to three years. Discoloration can build up over time, but it should never go back to its original colour.
If you notice your teeth starting to darken again, our dentists recommend touch-ups — ask your dentist at your regular hygiene appointment for personalized advice.