Cosmetic Dentistry in Victoria, BC

Teeth whitening has become especially popular in recent years. There is good reason for this, given that teeth whitening is a safe and quick procedure that can take years off your smile, making you appear younger and healthier. Whitening strips and gels are available over the counter from your drug store, and may be effective to some degree. However, the quickest and most effective means to have your teeth whitened is to visit your Victoria dentist for an in-office teeth whitening session. In-office dental whitening is most effective because it uses a higher concentration of whitening agents than can be purchased over the counter, and it is also safest, since it is done in the care of your dentist.

The procedure for teeth whitening is straight forward and takes usually between 45 minutes and one hour. First it is important to meet with the dentist to discuss your eligibility for teeth whitening, as whitening is more effective for some people than others, and individuals with tooth decay should have their other dental issues addressed prior to proceeding with whitening. If your dentist determines that you are a good candidate for whitening, he will proceed with the straightforward treatment. After a cleaning to ensure that all areas of your teeth are free of plaque or debris that might impede whitening, your dentist will use lip guards to expose the full area of your teeth and protect your lips, and will apply a whitening gel directly to your teeth. This gel is left on the teeth for a short period of time to carry out the whitening, sometimes in combination with a light to help the whitening process. After the necessary amount of time, the whitening gel is removed and the teeth are rinsed. Most often, the teeth achieve a whitening result that is several shades lighter than their teeth were prior to the procedure. The teeth should remain whiter for at least three to six months for most patients, but this depends on dietary habits. Your whitening will last longer if you refrain eating from foods that stain the teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine and curries. When you feel that your whitening needs a touch-up, you can either see your dentist again for another teeth whitening, or you try a professional at-home whitening system that is purchased from your dental office. For professional at-home whitening, you can have dental trays made using a mold of your teeth. These trays fit perfectly against your teeth and are used together with a whitening gel for between 30 minutes to one hour or overnight, depending on the system. Combining an in-office whitening with professional at-home whitening is a great way to make the most of your whitened smile since the in-office procedure will achieve maximal whitening, and the professional at-home kit will allow you to touch up your smile quickly and easily without having to visit your dentist.