About Teeth Whitening
- Do you just want to change the colour? Professional teeth whitening is perfect for those who are happy with the appearance of their teeth but would like them a few shades whiter. However, if you have chips, old fillings, or discolouration, you might want to look at getting a set of veneers.
- How much are you willing to spend? Budget is always an important factor when choosing cosmetic treatments. Veneers can be pretty expensive, so whitening is a more affordable option for many people. Have a chat with your dentist to figure out which option is right for you.
- Are your teeth worn down? Professional teeth whitening procedures can create unpleasant sensitivity with no real results when there’s no enamel to whiten. It’s often better to choose veneers if you have little enamel left.
- How long do you need the treatment to last? Unfortunately, professional teeth whitening won’t last forever. You’ll need to book regular appointments to maintain their colour. However, veneers will last up to 15 years depending on the material, and they can be replaced as they’re chipped, stained, or broken.
- Switch to sensitive toothpaste. Sometimes, teeth whitening procedures can make the teeth very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, so it’s a good idea to switch to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth a couple of weeks in advance.
- Book a consult and clean. Our team likes to make sure our patients are thoroughly informed on the treatments we offer, so we’ll always ask you to come in for a consultation before any whitening procedure. During your consult, we’ll listen to your concerns, note your smile goals, and check that you’re the right candidate for professional teeth whitening. Then, we’ll clean your teeth to remove tartar and plaque, so the teeth whitening treatment is more effective.
- Get your teeth whitened. At your appointment, your dentist will cover your gums to prevent damage and apply premium-grade dental bleach to your teeth for a short time, which works to break down pigmentation and stains on the enamel.
- Apply relief gel. If you typically suffer from sensitivity, we may provide you with some relief gel to manage your discomfort.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions. After your appointment, you’ll need to avoid certain drinks, such as dark liquids, for a couple of days while your teeth are still porous.
- Organise regular touchups. You’ll need to have your teeth maintained for 2-4 sessions after each checkup or treatment.
- Brush and floss. Keep plaque and tartar from discolouring your smile by brushing twice a day and flossing every 1-2 days.
- Avoid acidic drinks. While tea and coffee definitely play a role in staining your teeth, the really dangerous ones are those with high acidity levels, which eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Without enamel, you can’t whiten your teeth, so it’s very important to preserve them as much as possible. On the other hand, coffee, tea, and wine stains can be easily removed with further whitening treatments.
- Visit the dentist regularly. The team at Granite Belt Dental will let you know how often you need to visit to maintain your bright white smile.
