Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching in Oshawa appear to mean the same thing. However, there is a subtle difference. A teeth whitening process restores the natural colour of teeth by removing surface stains from tooth enamel. You can find teeth whitening agents in toothpaste that can be mildly abrasive to polish away stains. When teeth are bleached, they are whitened to a shade brighter than their natural colour using active bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is also used and is a more stable form of hydrogen peroxide, so it’s often found in bleaching products prescribed by dentists for use at home to bleach teeth safely.
Even though there is a subtle difference between these terms, they are frequently used interchangeably, so if you visit Margolian Dentistry for a teeth whitening treatment, you can rest assured that we will understand what you want and ensure you get the desired results.
Why See a Dentist for Teeth Bleaching?
If you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth and are considering brightening them, it’s always best to see your dentist first. While many teeth whitening treatments are available over the counter, it’s important to remember this is a dental treatment and that safely whitening your teeth should always be your priority. It’s vital to ensure your teeth and gums are strong, healthy, and free from any signs of oral disease. If you try teeth bleaching when you have dental problems, it can cause unwanted tooth sensitivity and possibly pain. Also, there are different reasons why teeth stain, and stains can be internal or external.
External stains affecting the tooth enamel tend to respond well to ordinary teeth whitening treatments, but internal stains may need a different method to brighten them. Teeth can be internally stained if you have an old root canal or when teeth were exposed to certain antibiotics when they were developing. Exposure to an excess of fluoride during childhood can also create white lacy flecks or brown stains on teeth that can be more difficult to remove with a standard tooth whitening treatment.
Lastly, it’s always best to have your teeth cleaned professionally before bleaching them, so schedule an appointment to see the hygienist in Ajax. Getting rid of plaque and tartar buildup over your teeth will help ensure the bleaching agents can penetrate your tooth enamel more easily and effectively. It’s also a great way to maintain healthy teeth and strong gums.
Professional Teeth Whitening Using Zoom
Our dental office uses Zoom whitening in Whitby, a whitening system that is used worldwide and produces safe and effective results. Treatment is quick and comfortable, typically taking around an hour to complete. We ensure your lips and gums are protected before painting on the whitening gel, which is then light-activated. Activating with light helps the gel penetrate your tooth enamel more quickly and effectively, producing better results. The gel may be removed and reapplied several times during treatment. In the end, your teeth will be several shades lighter and visibly brighter. It takes a few days for your teeth to settle down afterwards, and it is not unusual for your teeth to become even whiter during this period. While your tooth enamel is still settling down, it is slightly more porous, so it’s important to avoid highly coloured foods and beverages and instead stick to eating neutral-coloured foods, for example, tomato-free pasta sauces, mac and cheese and white pizza.
Eventually, your teeth will darken after a bleaching treatment as it is not permanent. However, the results should last for quite a while, depending on whether you smoke or prefer eating and drinking a lot of highly coloured or dark-coloured foods.
