If you have stained or worn teeth, let our team brighten your smile with teeth whitening. At Langley Dental Centre, we have worked with those living in and around Langley for many years. Our team understands that many people are self-conscious of their yellowing teeth—we have the tools to restore your bright, white smile.
Our Whitening Kits
With years of experience, we offer at-home whitening kits and instructions so you can get results. These kits include a whitening agent and trays. Once you are home, fill the tray with the whitening agent and leave it on your teeth for a set amount of time (as instructed by one of our dentists).
Oral Hygiene Habits
Once you have used up the whitening agent, try the following methods to prevent future stains and discoloration:
- Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, soda, and juice. If you must drink one of these substances, use a straw and don’t swish the liquid around in your mouth.
- Brush your teeth three times a day. Although this may seem like a stretch, brushing your teeth will help you clean out your mouth and prevent plaque. If you drink an adequate amount of water (64 ounces every day) and avoid any of the beverages mentioned above, twice a day brushing is sufficient.
- Floss between your teeth two times a day. Flossing will break up plaque and prevent tartar from forming. Only dental professionals can remove tartar.
- Use fluoride. Choose toothpaste and mouthwashes that have fluoride. Fluoride products will protect your enamel and prevent tooth decay.
- Avoid cigarettes and other tobacco-based products. Smoking leads to tooth discoloration and decay. Try to eliminate tobacco-based products from your life.
If you are ready for whiter teeth, contact us to set up a consultation for teeth whitening in Langley. We offer convenient hours so you can fit a visit into your busy schedule. Call 604-455-6247 today.
Reasons for Teeth Whitening
Everyone wants a white, healthy smile. Unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. Stains and discolorations are all-too-common dental problems, which explains why teeth whitening is such a popular procedure. Regular oral exams and cleanings can ward off the majority of stains, but some things are beyond your control. The simple act of aging can produce stains, and various environmental and lifestyle factors can too. The good news is that most stains can be resolved through safe, effective teeth whitening procedures.
Avoid Stains with Good Oral Hygiene and Smart Habits
Avoiding stains on the teeth is a lot better than having to remove them. Excellent oral hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, can help you avoid the majority of stains. Visit the dentist to have your teeth cleaned at least twice a year.
Another great way to prevent stained teeth is by avoiding certain foods and drinks or brushing immediately after enjoying them. Examples include red wine, coffee, and soda drinks. Tobacco use can quickly and permanently stain teeth and is also bad for your health, so kick the habit as quickly as possible.
Are You an Ideal Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
As effective as teeth whitening can be, it’s not appropriate for everyone. Whether you decide to use an over-the-counter teeth whitening product or opt for a dentist-supervised procedure, you should consult with your dentist to find out whether it’s safe. Certain types of teeth should not be exposed to even mild concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which are used in these procedures and products.
Conditions that might preclude you from undergoing teeth whitening include:
- Tooth decay
- White spots on the teeth
- Infection of the gums
- Discolored teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Certain types of dental work, including crowns and bridges
How does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening involves a chemical reaction that penetrates the enamel of the teeth to bleach stains below the surface. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide may be used. In either case, these chemicals work their way into the porous parts of the enamel to bleach stain deposits in the dentin, which is the layer just below the enamel. Teeth whitening at a dental office is hastened through the use of special lights that accelerate the bleaching process.
Teeth Whitening: Explore Your Options
If you’ve ever walked through a drugstore, you already know that there are entire sections dedicated to teeth-whitening products. These over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits are easy to use, but they aren’t usually the best option. Don’t use one without consulting with your dentist first. After doing that, you will probably choose to have the whitening performed in the office or with a take-home kit from your dentist instead.
The main problem with over-the-counter teeth-whitening products is that they’re not as strong as the products your dentist can supply. You may have to expose your teeth to whitening chemicals over long periods of time to achieve noticeable results, which can be detrimental to the health of your teeth. Furthermore, your dentist won’t really be involved in the process, which can lead to problems later.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits from Your Dentist
A nice alternative to over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits is our take-home kit provided by your dentist. They are actually similar to what you’ll find in drugstores, but they contain stronger chemicals that produce results a lot more quickly. When used as directed, they can also whiten your teeth more dramatically.
The primary advantage of a take-home kit is that it’s convenient. It’s also reassuring to know that it has been approved by your dentist. After a routine oral exam or teeth cleaning appointment, your dentist will send you home with the kit. You will receive instructions on how to use it properly. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure that the kit has worked and that you’re satisfied with the results.
