Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need to Know

Contrary to popular belief, teeth are not naturally meant to be blindingly white. However, many individuals strive for a brighter and beautiful smile because it helps them interact with people confidently and in an uninhibited, pleasant manner.

As a response to this growing demand, many teeth whitening products and procedures are available to consumers and fall under two categories: surface whiteners and bleaches.

Read on to learn more about products and procedures and everything else you’ve ever wanted to know about whitening your teeth.

What Causes Yellowing of the Teeth

For the majority of us, yellowing teeth is an unfortunate, yet normal part of aging. It can be caused by the wearing of the outer layer of your teeth, or enamel, due to several factors such as acid erosion, teeth grinding or brushing your teeth too forcefully.

When your enamel thins, the inner and darker part of your teeth, known as dentin, shows through making the overall appearance of your teeth look dull. Staining from the food and drinks you consume can also contribute to your teeth looking more yellow over time.

Fortunately, whitening your teeth has become a common cosmetic dentistry procedure that can help reverse discoloration and restore the natural surface color of your teeth.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

There are two ways to whiten your teeth, one method generating better results than the other.

Extrinsic Whitening

Extrinsic whitening removes stains on the surface of your teeth that are caused by substances like coffee, wine or tobacco. This process can be done by using any over-the-counter teeth whitening product such as teeth whitening kits. However, the results may vary depending on the underlying reason for the yellowing of your teeth.

Intrinsic Whitening

Intrinsic whitening goes deep below the surface of your enamel to whiten the inner part of your teeth. A whitening gel, or bleach, lightens the dentin rather than the enamel, but the lighter color of the dentin will make your teeth look whiter. These types of teeth whitening procedures are usually overseen by a dental professional to ensure that there is no harm caused to your natural teeth.

You’ll find 2 types of intrinsic whitening treatments at Centre Dentaire Pierrefonds. The first type of treatment is sold in the form of take-home prefilled trays. The trays can be generic ready-to-wear trays or trays customized to your smile. These treatments are less expensive, give you more flexibility, but will take longer to achieve the desired results.

The other type of treatment is professionally applied directly at your dentist’s office for faster results. Chemically activated, this treatment will give you a brighter smile in about an hour.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

While whitening your teeth is a safe treatment, it should always be performed under the supervision or recommendations of your dental professional. The ingredients are safe but be sure to follow your dentist’s advice and avoid contact between any whitening products and your gums. It is normal to experience slight sensitivity after treatment and this is unrelated to changes in your enamel.

How Much Does a Professional Treatment Cost?

The cost of whitening your teeth can vary depending on a number of factors such as the products being used, where you are having your whitening treatment done, and who is performing it. Since it is considered a cosmetic procedure, patients can expect to pay out of pocket for the treatment.

However, individuals who have experienced the benefits of an improved smile know that professional teeth whitening is a worthwhile investment in dental health. On average, the price for this procedure varies between $150 and $550 but contact us for a more accurate quote as it varies from one clinic to another and depends on the condition of your teeth.

Enjoy a Brighter Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry Services

If your teeth have stubborn stains, don’t waste your time on teeth whitening kits sold at the drugstore. It’s unlikely that you will get the results you want. You may even end up damaging your teeth with harsh treatments that erode your tooth enamel.

On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry professionals will assess the condition of your teeth, determine the reasons why your teeth are discolored and recommend an appropriate treatment solution that works for you.

Learn more about all cosmetic dentistry procedures.

At Centre Dentaire Pierrefonds, we can help you get a whiter, brighter smile. If you wish to learn more about our fast and effective teeth whitening services, please feel free to contact us.