Over time, the elements and the foods we eat can stain our teeth making them appear dull. Here, our Surrey dentists talk about how professional teeth whitening can help to brighten your smile, how safe these treatments are, and tips for maintaining your newly whitened smile.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Our Surrey dentists get many questions from patients about how they can whiten their teeth safely and effectively. While teeth whitening treatments can help us to feel more self-confident with a whiter, brighter smile, not every option out there is safe. Here, our dentists share some of the ways you can maintain your bright smile and ensure successful teeth whitening treatments.
Schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation
The causes of tooth discolouration are endless. Whether from stains or time, there are options to help restore a youthful shine. Your dentist can perform a tooth colour analysis and recommend options for safely whitening your smile based on the current shade of your teeth, the cause of their discoloration, and your specific needs. However, you should be aware that this will only alter the colour of your natural teeth. If you have any restorations they will stay the same colour.
Our dentists in Surrey offer professional teeth whitening services to help brighten your teeth. Usually, you'll have to come in for two appointments. To make a personalized whitening tray for you, impressions of your teeth will be taken during your initial appointment. You will receive your tray, whitening gel, and application instructions at your second appointment.
Following the filling of each tray with whitening gel, you will wear the trays in your mouth for one to two hours each day. Most bleaching methods produce results in 10 to 14 days, but it could take up to a month or so.
Stick to Professional Teeth Whitening Services
Taking the time to speak with your dentist before beginning teeth whitening treatment can help you understand the potential; side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening are tooth and gum sensitivity. These side effects are usually temporary and go away after teeth whitening. Be sure to speak with your dentist if you have ongoing pain or sensitivity after teeth whitening.
Steer Clear Acidic and Dark or Very Brightly Coloured Foods
You just spent money to have your teeth whitened. Luckily, there are ways that you can help to keep your newly whitened smile nice and bright. Coffee and soda drinkers should avoid drinking their favourite beverages right after whitening their teeth. Red wine, tomato juice, sports drinks, and tea can all make your new colour appear dull.
Additionally, since it takes time for saliva to form a natural protective coating around tooth surfaces, avoid highly acidic or brightly coloured foods like strawberries, oranges, chocolate, and ketchup after your teeth whitening procedure.
How Whitening Toothpaste & Mouthwash Can Help
Be sure to keep your smile fresh by brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste and flossing once a day. You can help clear away stains and prevent future staining by brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice each day.
Keeping Your Teeth White With Touch-Ups
Depending on your oral hygiene routine and daily smile care, teeth whitening should last two to three years. Discolouration can build up over time, but it should never be restored to its original state.
If you notice your teeth starting to darken again, our dentists recommend touch-ups – ask your dentist at your regular hygiene appointment for personalized advice.