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Centennial West Rouge Dentistry

Port Union and Lawson rd

Whitening your Teeth

How can you brighten your smile?

Your wedding is coming up and you want your smile to be its brightest. Or maybe you have an important speaking engagement. Whatever the reason, tooth bleaching isn't just for the movie stars, and it isn't just for one day. Many people have had their teeth bleached, and probably millions more are thinking about it. The desire for a brighter smile with whiter teeth is very strong, and tooth bleaching safely lightens the color of the teeth, lasting for up to five
years. The most effective and safest method of tooth bleaching is dentist-supervised.

Is bleaching for you?

Generally, bleaching is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth bleaching if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. Teeth darkened with the color of yellow, brown or orange respond better to lightening. Other types of gray stains caused by fluorosis, smoking or tetracycline are lightened, but results are not as dramatic. If you have very sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, or teeth with worn enamel, your dentist may discourage bleaching.

What's involved?

First, the dentist will determine whether you are a candidate for tooth bleaching and what type of bleaching system would provide the best results.   If you're in a hurry for whiter teeth, you may decide to have your teeth lightened immediately. Your dentist will use either an in-office bleaching system or laser bleaching while you sit in the dental chair. However, most patients choose dentist-supervised at-home bleaching, which is more economical and provides the longer lasting results.
  For take-home whitening, the dentist or hygienist will make impressions of your teeth to fabricate a fitted tray. This appliance is custom made for your mouth and is lightweight so that it can be worn comfortably while you are awake or sleeping. It is so thin that you should even be able to talk and work while wearing it. You will also receive the bleaching materials and instructions on how to proceed.
  Some  systems recommend bleaching your teeth from two to four hours a day. Generally this type of system requires two to four weeks to complete, and works best on patients with sensitive teeth. Other systems recommend bleaching at night while you sleep. This type of system usually requires less time. Recently newer systems recommend only a half an hour a day for 2 weeks.

How long does it last?

Whitening should last from one to five years, depending on your personal habits such as smoking and drinking coffee and tea. At this point you may choose to get a touch up. This procedure may not be as costly because you can probably still use the same custom mouth tray. The retreatment time also is much shorter than the original treatment time.

How does it work?

The active ingredient in most of  the whitening agents could be 10,15,20,25 or even 35, percent carbamide peroxide, more recently this form of buffered peroxide has been mixed with fluoride to reduce dental sensitivity
 

Is it safe? Any side effects?

Several studies, during the past five years, have proven bleaching to be safe and effective. Some patients may experience slight gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, which will resolve when the treatment ends.

What are realistic expectations?

No one can really predict how much lighter your teeth will become. Every case is different.
Typically, there is a minimum of two-shade improvement as seen on a dentist's shade guide. The success rate depends upon the type of stain involved and your compliance. Bleaching will provide a shift in color from gray to a lighter shade of gray, for example. Bleaching will not lighten artificial teeth or white fillings and consideration for people with fillings on their front teeth should be carefully considered..
 

Dr. Joseph Tabri

 449 Lawson Rd.

  Scarborough, Ontario,

M1C 2K2

Canada

joseph@drtabri.com

(416) 282-5213

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