Let’s take a look at the options for whitening your teeth yourself or asking your dentist to perform professional teeth whitening in SE Edmonton chairside. With all the information in hand, we’re confident you’ll agree that you can obtain the safest, most efficient, most dramatic, most long-lasting and most personalized results from your dentist. When it comes to whitening your teeth, we recommend leaving it to the pros. Here’s what you need to know.
How does professional teeth whitening work?
Professional teeth whitening by a dentist can be performed in two different ways: In the dentist’s office or at home using customized kits provided after a consultation with your dentist. Both options will use bleaching products containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to break down stains. Whitening by a dentist in SE Edmonton or using take-home trays containing bleaching products selected formulated specifically for your teeth is an extremely safe procedure because it is based on a careful assessment of the health of your teeth and gums and the exact nature of the stains being targeted.
DIY teeth whitening options
Do-it-yourself teeth whitening options include whitening mouthwashes and toothpaste, whitening chewing gums and whitening strips. Products approved by the Canadian Dental Association (ask your dentist if you’re not sure!) are safe if used as directed. Keep in mind that there’s a trade-off to the safety of these DIY options: Time. Any whitening effect you’ll notice from DIY options will take much longer to develop and will have a much shorter lifespan than teeth whitening provided by a dentist near you. That’s because the bleaching compounds used in DIY options are much weaker than the bleaching compounds your dentist will use.
The weaker compounds make them safer for use by amateurs, but slow down any whitening process so be patient. When people suffer any ill effects from using DIY teeth whitening options, it’s usually because they use them too often or for too long because they’re not patient enough. Always use the products according to their instructions. If you want more dramatic results more quickly, make an appointment with a dentist near you. Professional teeth whitening in the dentist’s office or at home using bleaching compounds in trays provided by your dentist may be a better alternative for you.
Can there be side effects?
One of the biggest advantages of getting teeth whitening near you from a dentist rather than doing it yourself is that your dentist will be able to tailor the bleaching compounds precisely to your stains, the condition of your teeth and any prior experience you’ve had — negative or otherwise. This is important because there are a couple of common, though minor and temporary, potential side effects of teeth whitening (especially if you use DIY options without following the instructions precisely).
Some people who have undergone teeth whitening notice increased tooth sensitivity, though that sensation is usually minor and disappears over several days. Your dentist may recommend that you use a toothpaste containing sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate to help ease that sensitivity. If you know you have particularly sensitive teeth, let your dentist in SE Edmonton know before your whitening appointment. They’ll be able to adjust and perhaps provide some preventative tips, too.
Whatever your goals are when it comes to whiter and more beautiful teeth, you’ve got options. The staff at The Meadows Dental Clinic are ready and able to answer all your questions. But here’s the bottom line: For the safest, most tailored, most effective, most dramatic, most comfortable and longest-lasting results, book an appointment with a dentist near you.