Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments have gained in popularity over the past few years because of all the over-the-counter products now available. But do they really work? Let’s find out.

Over-the-counter products vs. products used by your dentist

The first thing you need to know is that over-the-counter products available online or in pharmacies can offer beautiful results on the surface. But at what cost? When you look at the ingredients of these products, you quickly realize that their acidity level is very high, which leads to demineralization of the teeth. Teeth will indeed be whiter, but they’ll also be dehydrated, which will make them more fragile, porous and sensitive. Regular use of this type of product can cause permanent damage to your teeth and lead to exorbitant costs later at the dentist.

The products used by Santé Dentaire VMR dentists have a neutral pH, which means that the whitening doesn’t come from demineralizing the tooth, but from a treatment that deeply penetrates the tooth. Lastly, your dentist will be able to advise you based on your current oral health.

Does it really work?

The short answer is yes but be careful! You certainly shouldn’t expect to have the smile of a Hollywood celebrity. These people have not had their teeth whitened, but rather have dental veneers.

The result of a teeth whitening procedure will vary from one person to the next as it depends on several factors, such as the following:

• The starting colour of the patient’s teeth. Brown or gray teeth will have more difficulty whitening, while yellowish or bluish teeth will get better results.
• The age of the teeth. The older the teeth, the worse the results.
• Existing fillings and crowns. A patient who has several crowns in their mouth may have difficulty obtaining a uniform result since crowns will not whiten, unlike teeth. Therefore, care must be taken.

No matter what your circumstances, your VMR Dental Health dentist will advise you on the best way to proceed if you wish to whiten your teeth. Your dentist will give you the facts about your current situation and be realistic about the outcome of the procedure on your teeth.

When should I whiten my teeth?

For best results, whitening should be done shortly after a thorough cleaning by your dental hygienist. Your dental hygienist will have polished your teeth and removed certain stains, preparing your teeth to receive a more thorough treatment.

The effect of the treatment will last a few months and at the next cleaning with the hygienist, your dentist will be able to proceed with a touch-up for the best results.

Note that during the week after the treatment, you should avoid any food that tends to stain such as coffee, beets, curry, cigarettes, etc.

Are there any contraindications?

Teeth whitening is not for everyone. Before starting any treatment, you must first do a dental examination to make sure that there is no disease in the teeth, bones, or gums. If this is the case, a teeth-whitening treatment should not be performed. Also, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children 14 years of age and under should not undergo this treatment.

Are there any adverse effects?

Teeth whitening treatments offered by Santé Dentaire VMR are safe. The only concern is the possibility of increased tooth sensitivity, especially for those who already have some sensitivity. Your dentist will advise you of this before you make a decision.

For your teeth-whitening needs or for any other tooth-related needs, make an appointment now or consult the different services offered by our team of dentists.