Neighbourhood Dentist Teeth Whitening

Most people’s teeth have a natural colour that is in a light-greyish-yellow range of shades. They naturally darken with age, and the appearance and colour of teeth are affected by an accumulation of stains on the surface. Staining occurs from tobacco use and consuming certain food and drink. 

Additionally, our perception of tooth colour is affected significantly by makeup and skin tone. Independent of the actual colour of their teeth, people who use dark makeup or who have darker skin appear to have brighter teeth.

Teeth are simply not naturally white in colour. Regardless of that fact, however, many Canadians value a brighter, whiter smile. In response, there is a vast range of “whitening” solutions available to consumers. Whitening options come in two categories: surface whiteners and bleaches.

Please note: Health Canada considers claims related to tooth whitening cosmetic in nature. These claims must be accurate to avoid misleading the public. However, the regulator does tolerate some puffery or exaggeration. Consequently, the results of whitening treatment may not be as convincing as consumers might expect.

Surface whiteners

Surface whiteners use special abrasives to enhance the product’s ability to remove surface stains. These often include toothpaste or chewing gums. As the abrasives in surface whitening products are usually finer versions of what is used in regular toothpaste, chances are they won’t cause excessive wear on the tooth. Keep in mind the effectiveness of products like these is limited to surface stains. Surface whiteners are not a substitute for professional cleaning.

Bleaches

Most often peroxide-based, bleaching products can alter the colour of the tooth. But, it’s important to note that bleaching isn’t effective on all tooth discolourations. Before you consider a bleaching treatment, consult with your dentist to determine the cause of the discolouration. They’ll determine whether or not bleaching treatment will give you the desired result. It’s very important you check with your dentist if you have fillings or crowns, has had a root canal, or if your teeth have very dark stains on the anterior teeth.

To whiten your teeth, your dentist will use one of the following methods:

• Vital bleaching. Performed on “living” teeth, it is used to whiten teeth with surface stains or if they’re darkened with age.

• Non-vital bleaching. Applied to teeth no longer “alive”, this bleaching works well if your teeth are discoloured from a root canal. It lightens the tooth from the inside out.

The best method for your teeth depends on the degree of staining or discolouration and the number of teeth to be bleached.

Are your teeth already whitened, and you’d like a refill solution?

If you’ve already had a whitening treatment but are in need of more whitening solution, we have solution refills – touch up at home. Ask our reception about it!