Truth be told, most teeth aren’t actually white even in their most pristine condition. Teeth fall on a spectrum between light gray and yellow. But age, trauma, certain medications, food and drinks, and smoking can all change the colour of your teeth.
The good news is that there are options for people looking for teeth whitening in Red Deer. Those options range from DIY toothpaste, gum, and grocery store bleaching kits to whitening supervised at a dental clinic near you.
Saying goodbye to unsightly yellow-stained teeth is possible, and may be a lot faster than you think. We’ll break down three reasons to consider teeth whitening.
First, teeth whitening in Red Deer is a lot easier than you think
For DIYers hoping to achieve whiter teeth at an entry-level price point, there are whitening gums and toothpastes on the market. Generally, their whitening compounds are just the same ingredients as in regular toothpaste, but in a finer form. Don’t expect professional-grade results.
Up a step from there are whitening-at-home kits that you can purchase at a drugstore or grocery store, and that use bleaching compounds similar to those used by dentists in Red Deer, but at a much lower strength. You will notice some whitening effect after multiple applications.
Second, it’s safe and less expensive than you might imagine
The bleaching compounds in whitening products are made of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. If you follow the directions carefully, they are not harmful and can be used safely. That is an important “if.” Using the products incorrectly, too often, or for too long can cause harm to your gums. To eliminate those risks, consider receiving whitening treatment from a dental clinic in Red Deer. Dentists will use stronger compounds that will produce better results faster and you’ll be safer than if you do it yourself. Teeth whitening in Red Deer comes at a cost, but less than other common cosmetic medical procedures.
Third, if DIY isn’t your cup of tea, your dentist in Red Deer can do an even better job
You don’t have to do it yourself. Going to a dentist’s office will give you faster results with fewer applications thanks to their stronger compounds, specialized equipment, and professional training. Dentists have access to products and treatments that can address a wider range of stain-types and causes of discoloration than off-the-shelf products.
Though not permanent, teeth whitening by a Red Deer dentist can last for up to two years depending on your oral care habits. DIY options will require much more frequent re-application.
What do you need to keep in mind about teeth whitening?
With this and any other cosmetic procedure, managing expectations is important. Here are some important details to keep in mind.
- Whitening products will not have any effect on stained caps, crowns, veneers, and fillings
- Whitening is most effective on yellow-stained teeth, less effective on brown-stained teeth, and minimally effective on gray-tinged teeth
- If your teeth are discoloured due to trauma or the side effects of medication, whitening products will not remove discolouration, though your dentist in Red Deer may be able offer alternative approaches
- Teeth whitening products are not safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children under 14 years of age
If you’re ready for whiter teeth, reach out to a dentist in Red Deer to discuss your options for teeth whitening and other cosmetic treatments.