Your Dawson Creek Invisalign® Provider
Are you watching movie stars and your friends get great results from teeth whitening, and wondering how the procedure actually works? Our Dawson Creek dentists share how the teeth whitening process brightens your smile safely.
What is teeth whitening?
As we age, our teeth naturally become darker. The gradual change in colour may be a side effect of lifestyle factors including drinking dark beverages such as tea, coffee or alcohol, smoking, general wear and tear from years of use and taking certain medications.
Professional teeth whitening treatments contain peroxide-based bleaching agents to lighten the colour of your teeth and reduce the appearance of surface stains. Oxygen acts on the tooth enamel as the peroxide breaks down, creating the whitening effect.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Our Office
Some patients opt to go to their dental office for professional teeth whitening treatment, as the full process can usually be completed in one or two sessions.
During an in-office whitening treatment, a dentist will begin by placing a rubber shield over your gums to protect them from the whitening solution.
Next, the bleaching solution will be applied to your teeth using a small brush-like applicator. The solution will then be left on your teeth to work under a low-heat lamp for 15 minutes. A hygienist then clears the solution and repeats the application process. This process typically takes about 1 or 2 hours. For some patients, one session may be enough. However, you might need more treatments depending on your specific case and the whitening effect you had in mind.
Professional Teeth Whitening At Home
Look up “how to whiten teeth” online and you’ll soon find a wide range of at-home teeth whitening options.
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 Dawson Creek dentist to supervise the process, and your teeth whitening cost may be somewhat less than with the in-office solution.
First, you’ll first need to visit the dentist so an impression of your teeth can be taken to create the 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.
At home, you’ll wear the trays for about 30 minutes every day for approximately 2 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.