The limits of supermarket whitening products
It is entirely natural for teeth to lose their brightness over the years. Everyday habits like drinking morning coffee and red wine contribute to a gradual staining of the enamel. Even with strict brushing, age naturally thins the outer enamel to reveal the slightly yellower dentin beneath it.
Exploring professional teeth whitening options at our Winthrop clinic is the safest way to see noticeable results. To brighten your smile safely, it helps to weigh up in-chair vs take-home whitening.
The dental aisle at the local supermarket is packed with whitening toothpastes and strips. These over-the-counter products rely on mild abrasives to simply scrub away surface stains. They lack the active ingredients required to chemically change the colour of the tooth underneath. Professional teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent to safely penetrate the porous enamel. This breaks down the discoloured molecules inside the tooth. This is how teeth whitening works on a chemical level to deliver a noticeably brighter smile.
In-chair whitening at the clinic
In-chair whitening is the fastest route to a brighter smile. The entire process takes place in the clinic under the direct supervision of your dentist.
We begin by applying a protective barrier over your gums to safely shield them from the bleaching gel. We then apply a high-concentration whitening gel directly to your teeth. The gel is left on for a set period before being reapplied. You walk out of the clinic after an hour or two with teeth that are several shades lighter. It is a popular choice for patients anticipating an upcoming wedding or major event.
Take-home whitening kits
Take-home whitening offers a more gradual approach with highly impressive end results. If you choose this route, we take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitting trays. Because they are moulded exactly to your teeth, they hold the gel securely and prevent it from leaking onto your gums.
We provide you with the custom trays alongside syringes of professional-grade whitening gel. You apply a small amount of gel into the trays and wear them at home. You generally start seeing results within a week. The full effect shows after about two weeks of consistent use.
Managing sensitivity and setting expectations
It is important to set realistic expectations for your treatment. Whitening treatments work beautifully on natural enamel to lift stains. Keep in mind that the bleaching agent will safely bypass existing fillings or crowns without changing their colour.
Some patients experience mild sensitivity to hot and cold drinks during the process. This is completely normal and almost always temporary. We often recommend using a sensitive toothpaste a week before you start your treatment.
If you are tired of hiding your smile in photos, we can help you choose the best approach for your teeth. You can easily book teeth whitening Winthrop patients trust to safely brighten their smile.