Even if you practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day, your teeth can become discolored or stained over time. Your teeth have pores that act like sponges, so certain foods and beverages such as wine, coffee, tea, and berries can stain them. Unless you actively remove these stains, they won’t go away on their own. Fortunately, with teeth whitening services, your dentist can lighten or eliminate stains so you can have a naturally white smile. If you’re searching for a teeth whitening specialist in Scarborough, The Tooth Corner has you covered. Here’s more information about what the teeth whitening process involves, how long it takes, and what to expect.
What Happens Before a Teeth-Whitening Treatment?
Although your dentist cares about ensuring that you have a confident smile, his or her primary focus is on improving your overall oral health. A good dentist will recommend fixing any oral issues that are present before performing a teeth whitening treatment. Whitening your teeth if you have exposed roots, gum problems, misaligned teeth, cavities, and other problems could subject you to further problems.
Why You Need a Dental Cleaning before a Teeth Whitening Treatment
In addition to resolving oral issues before beginning your treatment, your dentist will most likely recommend thorough teeth cleaning procedure. Pre-cleaning allows the dentist to maximize benefits and achieve greater results during the whitening process. It also:
- Removes food particles that are lodged in your teeth
- Helps to remove accumulated tartar and plaque
- Allows the dentist to spot-treat heavily stained areas which may cause the whitening process to last longer
- Can prevent uneven coloring
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A routine cleaning appointment can typically be completed in under an hour. However, if you’re in need of a deep cleaning treatment, the process may take longer and may require two visits to the dentist. Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning if you have excessive tartar or plaque buildup if you’re suffering from bone loss, if you have periodontitis, or if other major gum or teeth issues are present.
Professional Teeth Whitening at a Dental Office
Although at-home teeth whitening treatments can be effective, an in-office procedure may yield the best results. A dentist may be able to help you achieve a dramatically brighter smile in as little as an hour or less.
If you opt for an in-office treatment, you may need to visit your dentist for a few different sessions. The dentist will apply a high concentration of peroxide to your teeth and use a special light to accelerate the process.
Another professional teeth whitening treatment involves your dentist making a custom-fit tray from impressions of your teeth. The trays contain a hydrogen peroxide solution and surround all surfaces of your teeth while keeping your gums safe. This method of teeth whitening may be the most cost-effective because as long as your teeth don’t shift, you can reuse the tray forever.
If you’re ready to improve your smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment, contact The Tooth Corner today to schedule an appointment. Our specialists will gladly address any questions you have about the process.
