We see more physical beauty today than we have throughout history. Men and women in modern society have solutions for just about every cosmetic concern, from fine lines and wrinkles to age spots to dull, discolored teeth. We have learned a lot about the importance of a healthy smile as well as the hygiene that can decrease the risk of dental disease. Brushing and flossing are beneficial to the appearance of the smile. For many of our patients, however, there comes a point at which teeth need a little extra TLC.
When To Consider Teeth Whitening
The simple fact of the matter is that teeth may stain. This is because enamel is porous. Fortunately, this same characteristic makes the removal of stains a possibility. Esquire Dental Centres offers patients from Pickering, North York, Scarborough, and surrounding areas options to rejuvenate the appearance of teeth with care tailored to their needs.
Teeth whitening is a treatment that has been developed over hundreds of years. The perfected process involves breaking up stain molecules with medical grade peroxide applied daily or in a one-hour expedited procedure. This method of whitening reaches into the pores of enamel to lift pigments deposited by substances such as tobacco, red wine, tea, soda, coffee, and more.
Many consumers try to remove stains using popular commercial products or even DIY home whitening treatments. Often very little improvement is seen with such attempts. In some cases, the method tried at home can actually do more harm than good. By seeking the care of licensed professionals, you know your teeth are in qualified hands.
When Whitening May Not Be Ideal
Not all stains on enamel stem from the same cause. For this reason, it is advantageous to consult with your dentist before attempting to whiten teeth on your own. Depending on the cause of stains, whitening may not produce the desired results. Teeth that have been stained by fluoride or medication, for instance, or those that have changed color as a result of injury or disease, are not likely to whiten as a healthy tooth would.
Patients who have existing dental work such as tooth-colored fillings, bonding, or crowns are also encouraged to have their teeth professionally whitened, as restorations are made from materials that do not respond to whitening treatments. Whitening natural enamel could make a restoration stand out as an unattractive dark tooth.
Instances in which restorations must be considered or stains have come from inside the tooth may be best treated with porcelain veneers, not whitening. Consulting with your dentist, you can ensure that you achieve the outcome you desire.
Contact our office in North York, Pickering, or Scarborough to see how we can help you love the look of your smile.
Back to Teeth Whitening Page
