A bright smile is tempting. But before thinking about having your teeth whitened, it is better to inform yourself.
That's it, it's decided: no duller smile, hello immaculate teeth! Whether you choose a whitening method offered in a pharmacy or administered by a professional, one precaution is essential: you must first consult your dentist.
“It's important to make sure our mouths are healthy, free from cavities or abscesses. A cleaning also eliminate the pie and stains so the whitening treatment will take place on clean teeth well and receptive.
As for those whose teeth present a grayish blue tint due to the taking of tetracycline (a drug) at an early age, they will have to arm themselves with patience: nearly six months could pass before obtaining satisfactory results.
Monthly teeth whitening subscription
Monthly teeth Whitening treatments contain peroxide, in varying concentrations. This ingredient works under the surface of the tooth, unlike some whitening toothpastes which only attack superficial stains by an abrasive process.
Since it penetrates enamel, peroxide can make teeth much more sensitive to cold or heat. A temporary side effect, But if you are already prone to this type of symptom, the dentist may suggest desensitizing toothpaste or other fluoride or potassium nitrate-based treatment to be followed at home a few days before proceeding with the whitening.
The method using custom-made aligners made by the dentist offers several advantages. First, the whitening gel can be placed there for e to target certain specific areas of our teeth. Then, since they are used for several days with a lower concentration of peroxide, the aligners are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity. On will also get reused a few years later for a new treatment, if it the wish.
Not excited about having to stretch the process over several days? Some treatments promise faster results: the dentist applies the peroxide gel based directly on the teeth, then active in using a laser or an LED light. However, scientific studies have not proven the superiority of this method to the treatment at home with gutter s. “The key d u success of a t treatment laundering is to allow the peroxide to act. And it takes time. Rarely is a single one-hour appointment sufficient. "
In all cases, only dentists and dental hygienists (on the recommendation of a dentist) are authorized to perform teeth whitening. Since fall 2020, it is illegal for any other person (think beauty salons, spas, etc.) to offer this service.
Over-the-counter products
The strips and gels found on the shelves of pharmacies do indeed whiten teeth. Those that bear the seal of the Canadian Dental Association have even been studied by independent experts who have verified that they keep their promises.
Be careful, however, with treatments sold on the Internet. “Now people can order products from all over the world
Variable results
We are not all equal when it comes to teeth whitening. The thickness of the enamel, for example, has a marked influence on the effectiveness of the treatment. Some parts of the tooth may also react differently. And the peroxide will not change the color of the material that makes up the crowns and veneers the peroxide does not act on the color of the dentin either, that is to say the ivory of the teeth normally protected by the gum, but which can be exposed with wear. It is a little more yellow than the enamel.