Bring Your Discoloured Teeth Back to Life with 7 Ways to Ensure your Teeth Stay their Optimal White

Bring Your Discoloured Teeth Back to Life with 7 Ways to Ensure your Teeth Stay their Optimal White

Teeth Whitening

As your Mississauga dentist, our team at Credit River Dental Centre takes pride in informing you of various techniques and treatments in dentistry that can help you improve or beautify your smile with the goal of helping you keep your teeth for life. Whether it may be as simple as offering techniques for homecare to more advanced treatments such as smile transformations, we have you covered. Our aim to always be the best dentist in Mississauga by helping you move toward your goal of optimal oral health.

A bright smile is often a goal many of our patients want to achieve so we’ll discuss various whitening treatments including home whitening, one hour whitening and internal whitening.  Sometimes a simple whitening treatment is all you need to give you the smile you’ve always wanted.  It is a cost-effective way to give you that beautiful white smile!

Home Whitening

Home whitening is an effective way to get your teeth their most optimal white.  It may not always be convenient or cost-effective to have whitening done in the dental office.  Home whitening allows for more flexibility and is more cost effective. There are two methods we recommend for home whitening. They are:

1. Whitening Strips

• How it works: Thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel.
• Usage: Apply to teeth for 20-30 minutes daily for 1-2 weeks.
• Pros: Effective for mild to moderate staining; relatively affordable.
• Cons: May cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.

2. Whitening Gels and Trays

• How it works: A gel containing peroxide is placed in a tray that fits over your teeth.
• Usage: Wear the tray for a few hours a day or overnight for 1-2 weeks.
• Pros: Custom-fitted trays can be obtained from our office for better results.
• Cons: Can be messy; trays NOT custom-fitted may lead to uneven whitening.

To learn more about home whitening click here.

In Office Whitening

In office whitening is a good option for those who prefer to have whitening done in one session.  For those who don’t have time at home to do the home whitening, this type of whitening treatment may be more ideal for you.  Here’s what you can expect:

Professional Whitening Procedure

• Preparation:
  • We will first examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough for whitening.
  • A protective barrier is placed on the gums to shield them from the whitening agent.
  • Your lips and cheeks may be held away from your teeth with a retractor to ensure the whitening gel stays on your teeth.
• Application:
  • A high-concentration peroxide-based whitening gel is applied to your teeth.
  • A special light or laser is used to enhance the whitening effect of the gel.
• Duration:
  • The procedure usually takes about 60-90 minutes. The gel may be reapplied several times during the session, depending on the desired level of whitening.
• Results:
  • You can typically see a noticeable difference in the shade of your teeth immediately after the treatment. Results can often be several shades lighter in just one session.

To learn more about one hour whitening click here.

Internal Whitening

Once a tooth has had root canal treatment, it can sometimes change colour.  Depending on the location of the tooth in the mouth and the force placed on it on day to day function, it can be recommended that the tooth be crowned.  When crowning isn’t necessary and the tooth discolours, another option available is internal whitening to achieve the natural colour that may have been lost.  She an example in the following photo.

Internal bleaching is a specialized dental procedure used to whiten a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. Unlike external whitening methods, which target the outside of the teeth, internal bleaching is performed from within the tooth. Here’s a detailed overview of the process:

Why Internal Bleaching?

• Discoloration After Root Canal: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may become discolored due to the breakdown of blood cells or the materials used during the procedure. This discoloration is often intrinsic, meaning it occurs from within the tooth, making it resistant to external whitening methods.
• Aesthetic Improvement: Internal bleaching is used to lighten the color of the tooth, making it match the surrounding teeth for a more uniform and aesthetic appearance.

The Internal Bleaching Procedure

• Assessment:
  • We will examine the discolored tooth to determine if internal bleaching is appropriate. This usually involves a digital x-ray to ensure the root canal is properly sealed and the tooth is healthy.
• Access:
  • Dr. Lee will then create a small opening in the back of the tooth to access the pulp chamber where the discoloration is present.
• Cleaning:
  • Any remaining root canal filling material in the pulp chamber is removed, and the chamber is cleaned thoroughly.
• Application of Bleaching Agent:
  • A bleaching agent, often a peroxide-based gel, is placed inside the pulp chamber.
  • The opening is temporarily sealed with a filling material to keep the bleach in place.
  • The bleach is left inside the tooth for a few days to a week, depending on the desired level of whitening.
• Evaluation:
  • After 2 weeks, Dr. Lee will evaluate the color of the tooth. If further whitening is needed, the bleaching agent may be replaced, and the process repeated.
• Final Sealing:
  • Once the desired shade is achieved, the bleaching agent is removed, and the pulp chamber is filled with a permanent material to seal the tooth.
  • The access point is then closed with a final filling.

Post-Procedure Care

• Sensitivity: Some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity after the procedure, which usually resolves on its own.
• Follow-Up: Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the tooth’s condition and ensure the bleaching results are maintained.

Suitability

• Ideal Candidates:
  • Patients with discoloration in a single or a few teeth that have undergone root canal treatment.
  • Those who seek a uniform tooth color and have no contraindications for the procedure.
• Not Suitable For:
  • Teeth with incomplete or failed root canals, as they may require further endodontic treatment.
  • Teeth with significant structural damage that may not withstand the bleaching process.
• Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing help maintain the color of the tooth.
• Avoid Staining Substances: Limit intake of foods and drinks that can cause staining, like coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Touch-Ups: In some cases, a touch-up may be needed if the tooth begins to darken over time.

If you’re considering internal bleaching for a root-canaled tooth, you can consult with us to discuss your specific needs and the expected outcomes.

Ways to Keep Your Teeth their Optimal White

Keeping your teeth white their optimal whiten involves a combination of good oral hygiene practices, and dietary choices.  Here are some effective ways to maintain a bright smile:

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

• Brush Regularly:
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Consider using a whitening toothpaste with mild abrasives to help remove surface stains.
• Floss Daily:
  • Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth, where toothbrushes can’t reach, helping to prevent staining.

2. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks

• Limit Consumption of Staining Substances:
  • Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas can stain teeth over time. Try to reduce your intake, or use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Rinse After Eating:
  • Rinse your mouth with water after consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as berries, tomato sauce, and curry.

3. Eat Whitening-Friendly Foods

• Crunchy Fruits and Vegetables:
  • Apples, carrots, and celery act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque and surface stains.
• Strawberries:
  • Contain malic acid, which may help whiten teeth. Strawberries have malic acid which has bleaching properties than can help make stained teeth lighter
• Dairy Products:
  • Foods like cheese and yogurt contain calcium, which strengthens tooth enamel and may help keep teeth white. These foods contain “casein” which protects your teeth by reducing the demineralization of tooth surfaces.

4. Avoid Tobacco Products

• Quit Smoking:
  • Tobacco use is a major cause of teeth staining. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can help maintain a whiter smile.

5. Stay Hydrated

• Drink Water:
  • Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to stains.
• Rinse After Meals:
  • Swishing water in your mouth after eating can help remove any leftover food particles that could contribute to staining.

6. Consider Remineralizing Your Teeth

• Use Fluoride Products:
  • Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, making it more resistant to stains. Consider using a fluoride rinse or toothpaste.
• Eat Foods Rich in Calcium:
  • Dairy products, leafy greens, and almonds can help maintain strong enamel.

7. Regular Dental Check-Ups

• Professional Cleanings:
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. They can remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t, helping to keep your teeth white.

As your Mississauga dental clinic, we hope that we have given you some valuable information if you’re thinking about whitening your teeth or keeping your existing teeth white.  If you choose to do some teeth whitening, we hope that our Mississauga dental clinic can assist you.  By following the tips we’ve provided, you can maintain a bright, white smile at home or see us to see how you can improve the colour of your teeth.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 905-278-4297 to answer any dental questions you may have regarding reaching your teeth whitening goals.