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How to achieve and maintain a whiter smile

Over time, teeth can become discoloured due to a variety of health and lifestyle factors. Our Warman dentists provide insights and advice on how you can achieve a whiter smile, and how to keep it that way.

Teeth Whitening Options

Your Warman dentists will explain the various teeth-whitening options available below. These consist of over-the-counter remedies, personalized bleaching trays, and laser teeth whitening.

Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser Teeth Whitening at your dentist's office can usually be completed in a single appointment but may require further appointments to achieve the desired results.

Your dentist will first place a barrier over your gums to protect them from the whitening solution. Following that, your dentist will use a syringe to apply the solution to your teeth and a small laser to activate the formula. As the compound lifts the stains from your teeth, they will foam.

Once your teeth have been whitened, your dentist will let the solution sit for a period of time before removing it with a small vacuum tool. These steps will be repeated 2-3 times over (in most cases) until the desired shade is achieved.

Custom Bleaching Trays

Take-home teeth whitening trays allow you to whiten your teeth over a longer period of time, in the comfort and flexibility of your own home. However, your dentist can also use custom trays to whiten your teeth with a stronger whitening solution in-office. In-office whitening treatments use a much higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Home treatments use about 5%, whereas in-office treatments usually use up to 43%.

To begin, your dentist will create a custom mould for your teeth. This ultimately allows the lab to create your whitening trays. These custom trays are made to fit your teeth as precisely as possible and to provide uniform coverage for the whitening gel. Your dentist will then place the tray firmly against your teeth, wiping away any excess gel, and leave the tray on your teeth for 30-60 minutes before removing it and cleaning your teeth.

Alternatively, the dentist will provide you with the necessary instructions and materials to use the trays at home.

Over-The-Counter Treatments

While over-the-counter treatments are less expensive and easier to use, they may be less effective than professional treatments. Whitening strips, special toothpaste, and take-home whitening trays are some common over-the-counter treatments available at your local drugstore.

Maintaining Your Teeth Whitening Results

There are a variety of ways to maintain your whitened teeth, including watching your diet, brushing & flossing, and doing touch-ups.

Diet

Avoid foods and beverages that may stain your teeth whenever possible. Coffee, tea, certain spices (such as curry), and foods such as chocolate and dark fruit can discolour and stain your teeth over time.

Brushing & Flossing

A good oral hygiene routine can help you keep your smile looking its best. Brushing and flossing remove food and drink residue that would otherwise stain your teeth, and thorough brushing and regular professional cleanings can help polish away surface stains.

Whitening Touch-Ups & Maintenance

Despite your best efforts, your teeth may require a whitening touch-up after a certain period of time. This is perfectly normal! Contact your dentist to discuss your touch-up options.

If you have questions about teeth whitening and maintaining a whiter smile, contact our Warman dentists today!

(306) 933-3221