Who doesn't want a bright, beaming smile? If your teeth have become discolored or stained over time, teeth whitening may be right for you. Advances in whitening technology now allow for dramatic yet safe enhancement of tooth color. Whether performed in the dentist's office or with take-home trays, today's whitening yields transformative results. Read on to learn the art and science behind professional teeth whitening in Millwoods.

Whitening Consultation

The first step is to meet with your Millwoods dentist for a whitening consultation. They will assess the current shade of your teeth and determine the degree of discoloration. Your dentist also inspects for cavities or other problems that could become aggravated during whitening. They take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted whitening trays. Discuss your goals so they can recommend the ideal whitening method tailored for your teeth. Professional oversight ensures you safely achieve maximum brightening.

Types of Discoloration

Not all stains are created equal. The source of discoloration affects how readily it can be whitened. Surface stains from foods, drinks, and smoking lift quickly. These respond well to over-the-counter whitening strips. Mild internal graying caused by aging also lightens relatively easily. But ingrained internal stains are trickier. These can result from tetracycline antibiotics, fluorosis, or trauma. Your Millwoods dentist will advise you on what to expect based on your stain type. The more ingrained the discoloration, the more intensive and lengthy the whitening process.

Whitening Ingredients

The magic ingredients in professional whitening products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These whitening agents gently penetrate the tooth enamel to lift and dissolve stain molecules. When broken down, the peroxide releases oxygen molecules that disrupt pigmented compounds. Higher peroxide concentrations increase the stain-fighting power.

Over-the-counter whitening strips contain low peroxide levels around 5-10%. Dentist-dispensed home trays are 15-20%. In-office procedures use concentrated 25-40% peroxide gels along with light activation for the most dramatic brightening. Under dental supervision, these professional-grade peroxides safely remove years of discoloration.

Whitening Methods

At-Home Whitening Trays Your custom take-home trays allow you to gradually whiten on your schedule. Your dentist in Edmonton makes putty molds of your teeth, then fabricates ultra-thin plastic trays. You'll receive whitening gel syringes to load into the trays at home once or twice a day. As you replace the gel every few days, your teeth will incrementally brighten. With consistent use, trays whiten 4-8 shades typically.

In-Office Whitening For more immediate, dramatic results, your dentist can perform in-office whitening. First, they protect your gums from the concentrated peroxide gel. Then the whitening gel is painted directly onto your teeth. As you sit for 15-20 minutes, special lights shine on the gel to accelerate the whitening reaction. The light wavelength helps pull stains from the tooth deeper layers. This process is repeated until your desired shade is achieved, lightening up to 10 shades in one visit!

Whitening Maintenance For long-lasting whiteness, periodic touch-up treatments are ideal. Your Millwoods dentist can provide whitening gel syringes and trays for maintenance. Use them as directed whenever you notice some color relapse. Avoiding stain-causing habits like smoking helps prolong your bright smile too. With professional whitening and ongoing touch-ups, you can enjoy permanently whiter teeth.

The Art of Whitening

Achieving the optimal shade match requires an artistic eye by your dentist. They assess your original tooth color against the new whitened shade. The goal is for a natural yet enhanced white - not so ultra-bright they no longer match your skin tone. A "bleached white" look would appear artificial. Master esthetic dentists know how to choose the perfect shade that complements your complexion. This creates a naturally luminous, beautiful smile.

Whitening Considerations

• Existing dental work like crowns and veneers do not whiten, so they will need replacement after lightening natural teeth.
• Certain conditions make whitening riskier, including gum disease, significant recession, or teeth with translucency. Get dental clearance before whitening.
• Whitening is safe for teens under 16 provided it is dentist-monitored with custom trays at low peroxide concentrations.
• Temporary whitening side effects can include mild sensitivity and gingival irritation. These usually resolve within 1-2 days of ending treatment.

Conclusion

Today's dentist-monitored whitening protocols allow for dramatic yet gentle lightening. With advanced chemistry and artistry, your Millwoods dentist can remove years of discoloration for a brilliant smile. Keep your new whiteness vibrant with periodic touch-up treatments. Follow dentist recommendations and you can safely enhance your smile's shine.