A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. But over time, our teeth can become stained or discolored due to a variety of factors, including the food and drinks we consume, tobacco use, aging, and certain medications. If you’re considering teeth whitening, you have two main options: professional treatment at a dental office or over-the-counter (OTC) products.
My Dentist at Morgan Creek, a leading family dental clinic in South Surrey / White Rock, BC, offers a range of dental services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, including professional teeth whitening. Our dental team utilizes the latest dental equipment to provide you with optimal patient experiences and precise treatments.
We will discuss the differences between professional and OTC teeth whitening options, helping you make an informed decision about the best choice for you.
Why Teeth Become Discoloured
Before we discuss whitening options, it’s helpful to understand why teeth become discoloured in the first place.
Extrinsic Stains
These stains occur on the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) and are typically caused by dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Tobacco use can also cause extrinsic stains.
Intrinsic Stains
These stains originate from within the tooth, often in the dentin layer beneath the enamel. Intrinsic stains can be caused by aging, genetics, certain medications (like tetracycline), and trauma.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is performed by a dental professional at a dental clinic like My Dentist at Morgan Creek. These treatments use a higher concentration of bleaching agents (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) than OTC products, resulting in faster and more dramatic whitening results.
In-office teeth whitening, also known as power bleaching, can lighten teeth by several shades in just one appointment, which typically lasts 60-90 minutes. At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we offer the Zoom!® teeth whitening system. Zoom!® is a safe and effective whitening treatment that combines a powerful bleaching gel with a special light to accelerate the whitening process.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
- Faster Results: You’ll see a noticeable difference in the whiteness of your teeth after just one appointment.
- Longer-Lasting Results: Professionally whitened teeth can stay brighter for up to three years, depending on your lifestyle habits.
- Customized Treatment: Your dentist can tailor the treatment to your individual needs, ensuring even whitening and minimizing sensitivity.
- Safety: A trained dental professional supervises the procedure, protecting your gums and ensuring the safe application of the bleaching agent.
At-Home Professional Teeth Whitening Kits
At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we also offer a convenient and effective at-home teeth whitening solution, customized to each patient’s unique needs.
We begin by taking a digital scan of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays. These trays, designed for optimal fit and comfort, hold professional-grade whitening gel in concentrated syringes. By wearing the trays for 20-30 minutes daily for 3-6 days, you can achieve a noticeable whitening effect.
To minimise potential sensitivity issues aftere the whitening sessions, we provide a special desensitizing gel.
For long-lasting results and occasional touch-ups, our at-home whitening system is an excellent choice. It offers a cost-effective alternative to in-office procedures, allowing you to whiten your teeth at your own pace and convenience.
If you desire immediate results or prefer a professional, in-office treatment, our Zoom whitening system is the ideal solution. This single-session procedure, performed by our dental professionals, provides dramatic results in a short amount of time.
Over-the-Counter At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening kits purchased over the counter typically contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents than professional treatments.
At-home kits come in various forms, including:
- Whitening Strips: These thin strips are coated with a bleaching gel and are applied to the teeth for a specified period.
- Whitening Trays: Custom-fitted trays are filled with a bleaching gel and worn over the teeth for a certain amount of time each day or overnight.
- Whitening Toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives and low concentrations of peroxide to help remove surface stains.
Benefits of At-Home Teeth Whitening
- Convenience: You can whiten your teeth at your own pace and in the comfort of your home.
- Affordability: OTC kits are generally less expensive than professional treatments.
Potential Drawbacks of At-Home Whitening
- Slower Results: It can take several days or weeks to see noticeable results with at-home kits.
- Shorter-Lasting Results: The whitening effects of OTC products typically last only a few months.
- Uneven Whitening: One-size-fits-all trays can lead to uneven whitening and may not adequately protect your gums from the bleaching agent.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Some people experience tooth sensitivity after using at-home whitening products.
Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. You should consult with your dentist to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Some conditions that may make teeth whitening unsuitable include:
- Tooth decay: Whitening agents can irritate decayed teeth and should be addressed before whitening.
- Gum disease: Active gum disease should be treated before undergoing teeth whitening.
- Sensitive teeth: Whitening treatments can worsen tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or treatments before or after whitening.
- Dental restorations: Whitening treatments will not change the colour of dental restorations like crowns, veneers, or fillings.
Choosing the Right Path to a Brighter Smile
The optimal teeth whitening option for you depends on various factors, including:
- Severity of Staining: For mild to moderate staining, over-the-counter products may suffice. For more severe discoloration, professional whitening is often the preferred choice.
- Desired Results: If you seek a dramatic and long-lasting transformation, professional whitening is the way to go.
- Sensitivity Concerns: Individuals with sensitive teeth may benefit from a professional whitening treatment with sensitivity-reducing measures.
Maintaining Your Whitening Results
Whether you choose professional or at-home teeth whitening, there are steps you can take to help maintain your results and keep your smile bright for longer.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with whitening toothpaste and floss daily.
- Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: Reduce your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and other dark-colored foods and drinks. When you do enjoy these items, consider using a straw and rinsing your mouth with water afterward.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco use is a major contributor to tooth discoloration. Quitting smoking will not only benefit your oral health but also your overall health.
- Regular Dental Check-ups: Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings to remove stubborn stains and maintain your oral health.
- Consider Touch-Up Treatments: Over time, teeth may naturally re-stain. Your dentist can recommend touch-up treatments to maintain the whiteness of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How long does professional teeth whitening last?
A: Professional teeth whitening results can last up to three years, depending on your individual habits and oral hygiene practices.
- Q: Is teeth whitening safe?
A: Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when performed by a qualified dental professional or when using dentist-approved at-home products as directed.
- Q: Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
A: Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist can help minimize sensitivity by recommending desensitizing products or adjusting the treatment plan.
- Q: Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
A: Teeth whitening treatments only work on natural tooth enamel. Dental restorations like crowns, veneers, and fillings will not change color with whitening treatments.
- Q: What’s the difference between in-office and at-home whitening from my dentist?
A: In-office whitening uses a stronger bleaching agent and a special light to accelerate the process, producing faster and more dramatic results in a single appointment. Take-home kits from your dentist also contain a stronger bleaching agent than OTC products but require multiple applications over several days or weeks.
Why Choose My Dentist at Morgan Creek?
At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to families in South Surrey and White Rock. Our experienced dentists utilize the latest dental technology to deliver precise and effective treatments. We offer a range of teeth whitening options to cater to your specific needs.
What sets us apart:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: We tailor our approach to meet your unique goals and concerns.
- Advanced Technology: We employ state-of-the-art equipment to ensure optimal patient comfort and results.
- Comfortable and Relaxing Environment: Our friendly and knowledgeable staff strive to create a welcoming and stress-free experience.
- Comprehensive Dental Care: We offer a wide array of dental services, from routine check-ups to complex procedures.
At My Dentist at Morgan Creek, we offer the Zoom!® teeth whitening system, which is a safe and effective treatment that is proven to whiten teeth by 3 to 6 shades after just one application. Additionally, this system has advantages over other whitening systems such as whitening strips, bleaching toothpaste, and take-home whitening gels. The Zoom!® technology used at the clinic combines the newest advances in dental technology with proven chemical formulae to whiten teeth.
What’s more, the dentists at My Dentist at Morgan Creek are well-trained in the use of this technology and can help patients make informed decisions regarding their teeth whitening procedure. They also provide detailed care instructions during and after the teeth whitening treatment
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today!
If you’re ready for a brighter, more confident smile, contact My Dentist at Morgan Creek in South Surrey / White Rock, BC to schedule your teeth whitening consultation today! Our experienced dental team will assess your needs, discuss your options, and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
For more personalised advice and support, contact My Dentist at Morgan Creek in South Surrey / White Rock. Schedule your teeth whitening consultation today by calling us at 778-742-5731 or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 15252 32 Ave #110, South Surrey, opposite Fire Service Hall 17 on 32nd Avenue, minutes away from Vancouver – Blaine Hwy.
Our dental team is dedicated to providing the best dental care and helping you on your journey to a beautiful bright smile. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!
