Are you considering whitening your teeth? Today the dentists at Guildford Dental share why the take-home professional teeth whitening kits we offer are a safe and effective way to brighten your smile.
How can I whiten my teeth safely?
At our dental office in Surrey, patients often inquire about safe teeth whitening options. Teeth can naturally darken over time, especially if a person regularly smokes or drinks coffee, red wine, soda, or other dark beverages.
When you come in for a teeth whitening consultation our dentists will determine whether cosmetic teeth whitening is a good choice for your smile.
Our dentists at Guildford Dental offer at-home teeth whitening treatments that can be used to effectively whiten your teeth. You'll see us for two appointments. At your first appointment, the dentist will create impressions of your teeth so a custom whitening tray can be made. At the second you will be given your trays, whitening gel, and detailed instructions on how to apply the gel and how long you should leave it on your teeth each day.
Remember that existing restorations will not change colour as whitening only works on natural tooth enamel.
Avoid Adverse Side Effects by Working With Your Dentist
It's important to consult your dentist before, during and after whitening your teeth, since everyone's teeth respond differently to the teeth whitening process. This can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Some patients may experience gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. This is normal and should subside when your treatment ends. If irritation or sensitivity persists, consult your dentist.
Keep Your Smile Looking Bright
You'll want to keep your smile looking as white as possible long after you've invested in whitening treatments. We recommend that people who have whitened their teeth refrain from drinking beverages such as coffee or pop immediately after whitening. Sports drinks, wine, tomato juice and tea are also common culprits that can cause your new colour to prematurely darken.
You may want to consider mouthwashes and over-the-counter toothpaste to keep your smile white. Add these to your daily routine maintenance to remove stains from your teeth. Brush twice daily for two minutes each time and be sure to floss daily.
Depending on the nature of your daily oral hygiene routine, effects from at-home teeth whitening treatments typically last between 1-5 years. Discolouration can slowly accumulate but will not return to its original pre-treatment shade. Talk to your dentist about touchups as required.
Would you like to learn more about our teeth whitening services? Contact Guildford Dental today to schedule a consultation.