Teeth Whitening Facts
How does tooth whitening work?
The active ingredient (either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide) is broken down, allowing oxygen to enter the enamel and dentin, causing the protein stains to be lightened.
How long does teeth whitening last?
This will depend on you and your oral habits. Teeth whitening usually lasts 1-3 years, however some people prefer to have touch-ups every 6-12 months.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Research has shown that teeth bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is safe for teeth and gums. The Smile Spa only uses products that have been registered with Health Canada.
How white will my teeth get?
This will depend on your teeth and also how stained they are. Generally, the more stained your teeth are...the better the result. The whitening process will remove staining while restoring your teeth to their consistent natural whitestate.
What causes teeth to stain or discolour?
There are many causes of tooth stain or discolouration. Some of the most common include smoking, coffee, tea, red wine, berries, etc. Any food or drink with colour will stain teeth. Antibiotics consumed at an early age, natural aging, and trauma can also add to stain or discolouration.
Will my teeth whiten evenly?
There is an overall whitening of all teeth. Generally, the tip (biting edge) of the tooth will whiten quicker than the base (near gumline). Logically, thicker parts of the tooth take longer to whiten. Occasionally, during whitening treatments the teeth can result in a frosty, chalky appearance, This usually goes away by the end of treatment.
Are there any side effects?
For the majority of individuals there are none. However, some will experience temporary mild sensitivity on the teeth and/or gums. This will disappear after 48 hours of stopping the treatment.
Are there any long term side effects?
No. Dentists have been using hydrogen peroxide for over 50 years. Teeth whitening home kits were introduced to the public in 1989. There have been no known long term adverse effects.
Are my teeth more easily stained now that they have been whitened?
No. However, we recommend that you only drink water for at least an hour after the procedure.
Will my crowns, implants, veneers and fillings get whiter?
No, only natural teeth will whiten. Teeth that have restorations such as veneers or having been bonded with white fillings, cannot be whitened with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These materials do not whiten past the color they were originally made. The color of these types of restorations were determined by the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are whitened, the restorations will stand out and look artificial. Replacing old or discolored restorations will allow you to change their appearance.
Is it safe to whiten my teeth if I am pregnant or lactating?
No. The Smile Spa advises pregnant or lactating women not to undergo teeth whitening.
How can I maintain my whiter smile?
To extend the longevity of newly whitened teeth, we recommend:
- At-home follow-up or maintenance whitening - implemented immediately or performed as infrequently as once a year.
- Avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
- Whenever possible, sipping dark-colored beverages with a straw.
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene - brushing and flossing after meals and at bedtime.
Caveats
- No amount of bleaching will yield "unnaturally" white teeth.
- Whitening results are not fully seen until approximately two weeks after bleaching. This is an important consideration if you are about to have ceramic restorations and want to be sure the color matches that of your newly bleached teeth.
- If cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers or other restorations are part of your dental treatment plan, they should not be placed until a minimum of two weeks following bleaching to ensure proper adhesive bonding, function and shade matching.
- Recessed gums often reveal their yellowish root surfaces at the gum line. That yellow color has proven difficult to bleach.
