What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that focuses on reducing the appearance of stains and discolouration and lightening the shade of natural teeth. Whitening products use peroxide-based ingredients, including carbamide peroxide, in different concentrations. As your dedicated teeth whitening dentist, we can recommend an approach based on your oral health, the type of staining present, tooth sensitivity, and the shade change you would like to discuss.
Professional teeth whitening in Richmond is different from simply polishing the tooth surface. Whitening agents work within the tooth structure to help break down colour-producing compounds. A dental examination before treatment is important because cavities, gum inflammation, exposed roots, or other concerns may need attention first.
Why Dental Supervision Matters for Teeth Whitening
Although teeth-whitening products are widely available, bleaching should be done under a dentist’s care. A dentist can first examine your teeth and gums, identify factors that may affect whitening, and determine whether bleaching is appropriate for you. This is especially important if you have tooth sensitivity, cavities, gum concerns, exposed roots, or restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings.
Tooth bleaching performed under controlled dental-office conditions is a trusted and effective option for appropriate patients. With professional supervision, our dental team can select a whitening approach based on your oral health and monitor your teeth and gums during treatment.
How White Can I Expect My Teeth To Look?
Whiteness depends on the degree of discoloration as well as many other factors (e.g. whether you choose to have professional whitening done, or you use an over-the-counter method) as well how your teeth respond to whitening. In general, your teeth can be whitened up to eight shades, but it takes a change of just two to three shades to make a noticeable difference.
Your own long-term results will be influenced on your eating and drinking habits (dark berries, coffee, tea, red wine, etc.). If you find it hard to completely eliminate these and other stain-causing choices from your diet, touch-up treatments at regular intervals will definitely be necessary. We’ll help you decide which treatment is the best one for your smile.
Is There A Such Thing As Being Too Young Or Too Old To Get Teeth Whitening Done?
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, teeth whitening in Richmond Hill has become the most-demanded cosmetic procedure for patients under twenty – an ideal smile booster to complement completing orthodontics and prom or graduation prep, however it is not recommended for children while their teeth are still developing. After childhood, age is not a consideration and most people, from teens to seniors, can benefit from teeth whitening at Richmond Hill.
We can help you decide on your best whitening option! Call Don Head Dental Care today at (289) 809-2593 to have a consultation with our dentist in Richmond Hill and find out what option works best for you.
When You May Consider Teeth Whitening
You may want to ask about whitening if your teeth have become darker or more stained over time, if you regularly consume stain-causing foods or drinks, or if you would simply like to explore a brighter-looking smile. Some patients also ask about whitening before a wedding, graduation, professional event, or after orthodontic treatment. Timing matters, so speak with our dentist in advance rather than whitening immediately before an important occasion.
Teeth whitening in Richmond Hill, ON, is not recommended for children while their teeth are still developing. For teens and adults, suitability depends less on age alone and more on oral health, the cause of discolouration, sensitivity, and the presence of restorations.
How to Maintain a Brighter Smile
A few everyday habits can help reduce new surface staining and support your oral health after whitening:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day.
- Keep up with regular dental examinations and professional cleanings as recommended for your needs.
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea, red wine, or other strongly pigmented drinks when practical.
- Avoid tobacco products, which can contribute to tooth staining as well as broader oral health concerns.
- Use whitening products or touch-up treatments only as directed by our teeth whitening dentist or according to the product instructions.
The History Of Teeth Whitening Treatment
You might not realize it, but teeth whitening has been around for many centuries in some form or another. We’re glad we’ve abandoned the techniques of the past – it’s incredible the level of knowledge we have now compared to the beliefs of even just a few centuries ago.
- In about 4000 BC, the Egyptians whitened their teeth with a paste that was made from ground pumice stone and vinegar. Society, even then, thought that white teeth were beautiful. They also knew that they signified wealth as it was the higher-ranking people who favored the practice.
- Be glad you didn’t live in ancient Rome. Research shows us that they used ammonia-rich urine to bleach their teeth. Ammonia acts as a bleach due to its acid levels. The whitening effects likely weren’t that dramatic.
- In the 1600s, barbers provided care that would now be considered “dentistry.” Their focus was mostly on eliminating pain, e.g., extractions, but some provided whitening services. Their method was to file teeth down then apply nitric acid. It did whiten teeth but also encouraged dental decay.
- In the late 1800s, dentists who were treating gum disease with peroxide discovered that it was also effective at making teeth whiter.
- In 1918, dentists discovered that by directing a heatlamp onto the peroxide whitening product they were using, it sped up the teeth whitening process.
- In the 1960s, it was discovered that letting peroxide remain on the teeth for long periods increased the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.
- The dental tray filled with whitening gel with the active ingredient of carbamide peroxide came into play in 1989 – surprisingly recently.
- Today, not only in our practice but globally, teeth whitening is one of the most-requested dental treatments.
How Long Do Whitening Results Last?
Whitening is not permanent. Results vary, and gradual staining can return as you eat, drink, and age. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, dark berries, and other pigmented choices may influence how long a brighter shade is maintained. Your oral hygiene habits and individual tooth characteristics also matter.
If you notice staining returning, ask us whether a touch-up or a teeth cleaning in Richmond Hill is appropriate and how often it should be used. Following professional instructions is important; whitening more often or for longer than recommended can increase sensitivity without necessarily improving the outcome.
