Teeth Whitening in Edmonton

Don't we all want a whiter smile? A whiter smile is more pleasing to look at and is one way of meta-signaling to others that we are healthy and well cared for in our environment. When we care for our teeth by using a good oral hygiene routine and take care to limit the staining agents that we consume, we are less likely to develop a yellowed smile.

Staining - The Usual Suspects

- Red wine
- Tobacco smoke
- Coffee

When you drink a beverage with a straw, you allow the acids you’re consuming to bypass the front teeth as they are delivered to the back of the mouth. While you might feel silly the first few times, it is worth it to preserve the shade of your teeth.

Age and Gender

Teeth have a natural tendency to change colour as we age. Men often complain of these changes before women do since males typically have larger teeth and therefore display more surface area.

In order to whiten the teeth, we need to bypass the enamel to reach the dentin. While the enamel of the teeth can become somewhat discolored, the primary determining factor behind yellowing teeth is the inner core called dentin. Dentin is more yellow compared to enamel, which is partially transparent. Enamel protects the dentin from the effects of decay, while dentin safeguards the pulp and nerve of the tooth housed within it.

Teeth whitening using peroxide was discovered quite by accident, as peroxide was initially used to treat cases of periodontal disease in patients. After applying peroxide in a specific concentration for a period, dentists began to notice that teeth were actually whitening as a side effect of the treatment! It was time to investigate further—and it was indeed a breakthrough. Today, tooth whitening is one of the most requested services at dental clinics across Alberta due to its efficacy and affordability.

Sensitive Teeth - Troubleshooting

Patients will sometimes complain of sensitive teeth that seem to become more sensitive over time. After investigating the presence of gum recession or other causes, we often find the culprit to be over-the-counter whitening products. Some people are more susceptible to discomfort after whitening than others. This is because peroxide treatments dry the dentin out slightly, causing it to shrink and put pressure on the nerve housed in the center. This occurs after whitening but typically dissipates within a day or two.

If you're using whitening products in your toothpaste, mouth rinses, or chewing gum, however, there is potential for your teeth to become increasingly sensitive without you noticing until one day you are uncomfortable enough to speak to your dentist about it.

Our advice is to stick to clinical whitening products rather than those offered at your grocery store or drugstore. Clinical strength products can achieve more whitening in fewer treatments, which means reduced chances of discomfort for you. Additionally, your dentist has access to barriers that will keep the product from burning your cheeks and gums while it works to bleach the teeth. Dentists can also offer a rehydrating treatment to your teeth prior to leaving the clinic to shorten the time required for your teeth to rehydrate fully and return to their original state.

The approach of doing a little to whiten the teeth each day may seem pragmatic, but it often results in mediocre whitening with prolonged sensitivity and discomfort.

Of particular note is that teeth that appear gray in comparison to their neighbors and have had a root canal cannot be effectively treated without clinical products. In this case, we are not looking to bleach the outer layers of dentin; we need to bleach the inside of the dentin, as this is the source of the discolouration.

Gray teeth typically indicate a failed root canal where some debris was left inside the tooth when it was sealed following the procedure. As the debris decomposes, it can darken the tooth. To correct this, your dentist may suggest internal bleaching—this process involves entering the tooth with a small opening made with a dental drill and injecting the core with bleaching solution. This solution will be left for a day or two to ensure the bleach has the best chance for maximum effect before the inside of the tooth is cleaned and resealed.

If you have questions about this or other services offered by our general dentists, contact our clinic.