Here’s how professional teeth whitening works

Almost everyone has stained or discolored teeth. A lot of things you eat from berries, chocolates, red wine, coffee and much more hold the potential to stain your teeth. If you smoke or use tobacco, you are likely to be more prone to yellowing and discoloring. If you are dissatisfied with the look and shade of your teeth, you should consider getting a professional teeth whitening treatment.

Professional teeth whitening delivers optimum results in a relatively short amount of time. Performed by a cosmetic dentist in Calgary, Alberta; this method of whitening has gained popularity as opposed to over-the counter whitening treatments.

Why should you opt for professional teeth whitening?

The biggest advantage of professional teeth whitening is that it is done by experts in a safe way. This is undoubtedly the safest method of teeth whitening that does not cause any harm to the teeth and mouth. As compared to other methods of teeth whitening, professional in-office whitening produces the fastest results. The entire process can be wrapped up in around one hour, giving you a dazzling white smile.

The cosmetic dentist near you offering teeth whitening services will also be able to control gum and tooth sensitivity. What’s more, professional teeth whitening can fix most stains or discolorations. These include staining caused due to coffee, red wine and other staining food and beverages; ageing and even tobacco use.

How does professional teeth whitening work?

To effectively whiten your teeth while ensuring that your gums are not injured in any way, the cosmetic dentist needs to be careful and skilled. There are several standard steps involved in teeth whitening:

1. Preparing the teeth – Before whitening, the dentist will have to prepare your teeth. To begin with, the current shade of your teeth will be recorded by the dentist. Then your teeth will be cleaned to get rid of any debris or plaque. Further, a thorough dental examination will be done to check for any problems such as tooth decay, gum disease or cracks.


2. Protecting other areas – The dentist will most likely use retractors to keep your lips, cheeks and tongue away from the whitening solution. Your mouth will then be isolated with gauze to keep your teeth dry. The whitening solution can only be applied to dry teeth. The dentist may also place a barrier along the gum line for added protection from the bleaching agent.


3. Actual whitening – When everything has been prepared, your teeth will be coated with a whitening solution. This is only done on the front surface as the back surface is not visible. Your dentist may use a laser or curing light to activate the bleaching agent. Once applied, the solution will be left on the teeth for 30-60 minutes depending on the whitening agent.


4. Wrapping up – Once the desired shade has been achieved, the teeth will be rinsed. Your cosmetic dentist may apply fluoride on the teeth to ease sensitivity. Additional visits may be required if you face any sensitivity or the desired shade is not achieved. When the retractors are removed, you will find that your teeth could be up to 8-10 shades whiter.

When the treatment is done, you will be asked to avoid any food or beverages that have a high level of pigments. These include items like tea, coffee, tomato sauce or juice, black grapes, red wine and other staining products.

Professional teeth whitening is favored as they are quick, comfortable and safe. Your dentist will also be able to tell you what is causing discoloration or staining of your tooth and how you can avoid it. If you are looking to get your teeth whitened, contact a cosmetic dentist near you in Calgary, Alberta today!