Wishing for a Whiter Teeth – Procedures That Can Help

closeup of smile with white heatlhy teeth

Who doesn’t wish for whiter teeth? Everyone wants to have the best smile they can ever have and that means having sparkly pearly whites. One of the ways to do that is to rid the surface of your teeth of stains. Whitening toothpaste can help with this. But deeper stains may require more than just your usual whitening toothpaste.

There are certain types of whitening procedures that can be done in the dentist’s office like the ones we offer at Pickering Square Dental and there are bleaching products that you can try at home.

Will Whitening/Bleaching Work?

Generally, whitening works for yellowish teeth really well and moderately well for more brownish ones. So if your teeth have been darkened a little by constant drinking of tea or coffee, smoking, or age, you might want to consider bleaching your teeth.

However, if you have grayish teeth, bleaching may not work that well for you. It may also not be applicable if your front teeth have tooth-coloured fillings or bonding. You won’t be able to change the color of artificial materials and they might end up standing out against your whiter natural teeth.

At-Home Whitening/Bleaching

You can also inquire about dentist-supervised bleaching. For this approach, a custom made and fit whitening tray will be prepared by your dentist or hygienist. A bleaching gel will be placed in the bleaching tray and you’ll wear the tray as instructed. Your dentist might suggest that you wear it overnight for a span of a week or two.

In-Office Whitening/Bleaching

If you prefer faster results, you can always opt to have your teeth professionally bleached by your dentist. You can visit Pickering Square Dental to have this done. It may take anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour. Depending on how much whitening your teeth requires.

If you want to know more about our teeth whitening procedure or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us, simply give Pickering Square Dental a call!


 

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our teeth whitening services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

tooth repair

For more information, visit the CDA Dental Procedures Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.

Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?

Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.

What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?

We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.

Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Keeping your teeth looking healthy means keeping that smile bright.  Over time teeth can be stained by food and drink.  They can also be dulled and darkened by fluorosis – the excessive intake of fluorine compounds – or simply as part of the aging process.  Whitening teeth has become a big part of dental care but not all whitening products are equivalent.

Toothpaste

Your drugstore will likely have an entire row dedicated to teeth whitening.  The most common are whitening toothpastes which are just regular toothpastes with additional ingredients to lighten the teeth.  While whitening toothpaste can be useful for removing stains its power to lighten teeth is limited – generally only lightening by about one shade – in contrast to other methods.

Gels & Strips

Whitening gels are peroxide-based and applied directly on the surface of the teeth.  Strips, which are becoming quite popular are transparent adhesive bands coated with similar gels and folded around the teeth.  Based on instructions each application needs to be left on for 30 minutes to overnight on a daily or twice daily basis.  For many people this can be annoying.

Mouthwash

Mouthwash with whitening has become available more recently.  It has all the benefits of regular mouthwash – better breath and reduction of plaque and gum disease – with ingredients to lighten teeth.  This presents obvious benefits but with such a limited time for the whitening compound to interact with your teeth the capacity to whiten may be limited.  In fact most manufacturers state that it may take 12 weeks before any results can be seen.

Dentist Administered

Your dentist can offer a wide range of whitening options.  The most popular of which is bleaching.  With a dentist-administered in-office whitening your teeth can get – in a single 30-60 minute treatment – three to eight shades lighter.  Of all the options it is the shortest in duration with the biggest immediate impact.  With a few more treatments you’ll be able to reach a beautiful white shine with limited effort.

Keeping your teeth white is an important part, not just of dental care, but of maintaining an overall great look.  If you have questions on the wide variety of whitening options available contact us at Pickering Square Dental today.

Looking for professional help? Learn more about our teeth whitening services at Pickering Square Dental or call (905) 420-1777 to book an appointment.

Helpful Resources

Teeth Whitening

For more information, visit the CDA on Tooth Whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

Professional whitening results can last 1-3 years depending on your diet and oral hygiene. Avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco helps maintain your results. Ask about our Whitening for Life program at Pickering Square Dental.

Is teeth whitening safe for my enamel?

Yes, professional whitening supervised by a dentist is safe for your enamel. Over-the-counter products can cause sensitivity if overused, which is why professional treatment at our Pickering office is recommended for the best and safest results.

How white will my teeth get?

Most patients see their teeth lighten by 3-8 shades. Results vary based on the type and severity of staining. Dr. Lean will assess your teeth and set realistic expectations during your whitening consultation.