Many teeth will become stained or dull over time. This is a natural result of aging, though some food choices may speed up the process of staining. A tooth is porous and can absorb colours from foods and beverages, and many items such as wine, coffee, and smoking are well known to cause staining on teeth. Some tooth staining can be repaired with a tooth whitening process, either at the dental office or through an over-the-counter treatment at home. Based on what a professional cosmetic dentist in Vancouver claims, teeth whitening is one of the quickest and most practical cosmetic dental treatments that cost less than other cosmetic procedures. 

Options

               Tooth whitening is offered in many different systems, both for at home use and for treatment at the dental office. Some over-the-counter options are easily located at your local grocery store or home goods store, including whitening toothpastes, gels to be painted on the teeth and allowed to dry, and strips that are placed over the teeth for a few minutes at a time. These will provide a slight whitening effect and teeth should appear a shade or two whiter after use following the directions. 

               For an increased result a stronger product can be obtained from a dentist and used at home. These may include trays that are filled with a material, and some will have a light for processing. It is important to follow all directions closely to avoid damage to the teeth and loss of protective tooth enamel. These are stronger than the over the counter kits but still may not be as effective as treatments by a dentist or a cosmetic dentist. 

               Dental offices often offer a whitening procedure that is completed over a series of appointments spanning a few months at the dental office. These are the strongest and will provide a more drastic change in the shade of white that teeth are. Appointments will be spaced out to allow teeth to adapt between applications to protect the enamel and to limit sensitivity that can be caused by these products. 

Side Affects

               The most common side affects of these treatments include an increase in tooth sensitivity to both hot and cold, as well as thinning of the enamel. As the enamel is thinned teeth become more likely to form cavities and even become cracked or chipped. Side affects can be limited or minimized by using a gentle product when possible, by following all directions carefully, following after care instructions carefully, and using them only for the recommended time and not more frequently than suggested. 

Results

               Over the counter products will lighten the teeth a shade or two when directions are followed. Treatments at the dental office can provide a bigger change in the colour of the teeth, making them several shades whiter. If the foods and beverages that caused staining are continued the process may need to be repeated every few years to maintain the preferred shade of white teeth. 

               As teeth are whitened the density of the tooth and the health of the enamel will affect how the product works and the results that are achieved.