Everyone wants to have a healthier, brighter smile because a pearly white smile gives you increased confidence and is an indication of good oral health. Sometimes, though, our teeth become stained due to a number of different factors. The foods we consume, the beverages we drink, the medicines we take, and many other things contribute to tooth stains.

If you are a resident of Edmonton, AB, and you are struggling with stains or discoloration of your teeth, you may be in need of a professional teeth whitening procedure. At the dental clinic of Dr. Molly Rodgers in Edmonton, our cosmetic dentist and her team are here to help you understand the whitening process and work to achieve a bright smile that you will be proud to show off as often as possible.

Benefits of Having Your Teeth Whitened Professionally

You can have a lot of benefits from investing in this cosmetic dentistry procedure. Rather than trying to rely on whitening toothpaste or other at-home whitening kits, which promise results but often do not deliver, professional tooth whitening is a safe and trusted procedure that provides the results you want.

After drinking coffee or red wine or smoking tobacco products for a number of years, many people notice that their smiles have become darkened. Whitening your teeth is not an instant process, and some of the at-home kits can be dangerous if not used properly. With professional teeth whitening, you can rest assured that your teeth, gums, and mouth will be protected at all times by a trained cosmetic dentist.

If you are considering the benefits of professional teeth whitening treatment, contact our Edmonton dental clinic. Dr. Molly Rodgers and her friendly staff are here to answer all of your questions and address any concerns that you may have about whitening gel, the use of hydrogen peroxide, and other things related to having your teeth whitened through the in-office treatments.

5 Questions to Ask Before Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

Very frequently, patients who come to our Edmonton dentist for whitening treatment have a variety of questions that need to be answered before the procedure can begin. Below are five of the most common questions we are asked about whitening and the dental condition of patients’ teeth.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Once you have achieved your desired bright results, it is up to your discretion and your at-home oral health regimen to determine when you may need a touch-up. Typically, patients will be able to wait for a year before they need to have another session. However, certain factors can play a part in shortening that timeframe.

Drinking beverages or consuming foods that are known to stain tooth enamel can result in more rapid darkening. Likewise, smoking tobacco and taking certain medications can affect the brightness of your teeth. When you visit your dentist for your twice-annual cleaning and checkup, ask her if your teeth may be in need of another whitening session sooner than the one-year mark.

Is it True that Professional Teeth Whitening is Better Than At-Home Whitening Products for Tooth Enamel?

When it comes to your tooth’s enamel as well as making your teeth sensitive, at-home whitening products are notorious for being damaging, especially if they are overused. While the products you can purchase at a store are not always bad for your oral health, the professional teeth whitening treatments you receive at our Edmonton dental clinic are guaranteed to be safe for your teeth and are the best bet when you want long-lasting results.

Will Whitening Result in Tooth Sensitivity?

Some patients do experience minor tooth sensitivity for a brief period of time. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Molly Rodgers, will provide you with instructions to minimize the sensitivity that some patients experience.

In the day or so following treatment, it is best to avoid very hot or cold foods as well as those which are extremely sweet or acidic. Be sure your dentist is aware of the sensitivity and how long it lasts.

Can I Have Teeth Whitening Work Done with Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, or Cavities?

Because teeth whitening is a cosmetic process, it is the best option to take once all of your other more necessary dental work is completed. If you’ve got a cavity, make sure to have it filled before you get any teeth whitening done. The gels used in teeth whitening are very strong and can negatively affect the health of a tooth if it gets inside a cavity. You will also likely experience quite a bit of pain.

As for other dental procedures, such as getting porcelain veneers or crowns, you will want to have your teeth whitened to the desired brightness before having the crown or veneer placed because a dentist cannot whiten them in the same way that your natural teeth can be. We will make sure to match the color of the veneer to your natural teeth, so the whitening should be done first.

How Can I Prevent Future Tooth Stains after I Have My Teeth Whitened?

One of the best ways to prevent future staining on your teeth is by improving your oral health regimen. This includes brushing your teeth after eating or drinking (especially stain-inducing items) to prevent the formation of the biofilm produced by bacteria attracted by food particles in your mouth. Plaque can also contribute to staining, so removing that film from your teeth after eating is especially important.

Contact Our Edmonton Teeth Whitening Experts

If you are a resident in Edmonton, AB, and you are dealing with staining on your teeth, contact the whitening experts at the dental office of Dr. Molly Rodgers. She and her team are happy to discuss the right type of treatment to whiten your teeth and greatly improve your smile.

When you want to increase the whiteness of your teeth, our team has the solution you need. Call our office today to make your whitening appointment with Dr. Molly Rodgers!

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry