Everyone wants a more beautiful smile with whiter and brighter teeth. That’s why teeth whitening has become so popular. If you are considering teeth whitening in North Vancouver, here are some important things you should know:
Why do teeth become discoloured
The colour of your teeth is determined from birth by genetics. Therefore, your teeth cannot be whitened beyond their original colour. However, there are many factors that may cause teeth to become discoloured. You will notice that as you age, your teeth appear more yellow. This yellowing comes from the inner part of the tooth called dentin. When your teeth repair themselves, new dentin is formed. This new dentin is darker in colour than the original. As the outer enamel wears, it is easier for the dentin to show through giving the teeth a yellowish appearance. Your teeth may also become discoloured if you used an antibiotic called tetracycline before the age of 10, if you’ve had silver fillings, from excessive fluoride or because of a rare dental condition known as Amelogenesis Imperfecta. Furthermore, the outer enamel may be stained by substances you place in your mouth. So, drinking wine, black tea or coffee, eating dark berries, or smoking tobacco can result in discolouration.
How teeth whitening works
There are two types of teeth whitening procedures—intrinsic and extrinsic teeth whitening.
Intrinsic teeth whitening
Intrinsic whitening refers to a procedure that whitens the inner parts of your teeth. In this type of procedure, hydrogen peroxide gel is used. Because the teeth are porous, this whitening gel is absorbed to lighten the dentin. Once the dentin is lightened the reflection through the enamel will appear whiter and brighter.
Extrinsic teeth whitening
An extrinsic whitening procedure is one which removes the staining on the outer enamel. These stains can usually be easily removed with a polishing toothpaste during an appointment with your dentist for a cleaning. You may use over-the-counter whitening products to remove extrinsic stains as well.
Things to know before you go in for teeth whitening
You must start with healthy teeth
When you are considering teeth whitening, it is best to start with healthy teeth. If you are suffering from cavities, exposed roots, receding gums or other untreated dental problems, it may cause more pain and further compound the issue. It is unlikely that any reputable North Vancouver dentist will offer whitening services until you have corrected your dental problems.
You might experience tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a very common side effect of teeth whitening. Usually, you will experience this within 24 hours after your teeth have been exposed to the whitening gel. If you experience any sensitivity that is too much to bear, you may take over-the-counter pain medication.
Teeth whitening is not permanent
After you’ve whitened your teeth, the natural yellowing process that comes with ae will continue. Your teeth can also be re-stained. Usually, the results will only last for about 6 months to 2 years.
Results vary
Teeth whitening results vary from patient to patient. Firstly, you cannot whiten your teeth beyond their original colour. Then, how well you have cared for your teeth throughout your lifetime will affect your results. Your teeth will appear whiter following your procedure if you have practised good dental habits at home and had regular appointments with your dentist.
Do you need teeth whitening in North Vancouver?
Teeth whitening can dramatically improve the colour of your teeth and make you feel better about your smile. If you are looking for a dental clinic that offers teeth whitening in North Vancouver, give us a call at Peak Dental Arts. At Peak Dental Arts, we believe that everyone deserves to look and feel their best. And we work to provide all patients with exceptional dentistry in our state-of-the-art clinic. So, contact us today to book an appointment or to learn more about our teeth whitening services and other dental procedures.
