Get a Brighter Smile with Teeth Whitening in Calgary, AB

When you encounter someone for the first time, the first thing they notice about you is your smile- or lack thereof. The condition of your teeth tells a lot about you and, if yours are stained, you may worry that showing them will make people think badly of you. The good news is, at Peak Dental Group in Calgary, we offer teeth whitening treatments to brighten and whiten your smile.

There are two primary types of tooth stains:

• Extrinsic
• Intrinsic

Extrinsic staining

Extrinsic staining affects the tooth enamel and is often the result of exposure to certain environmental factors such as foods/beverages

Intrinsic staining

Intrinsic staining affects the dentin, the layer just under the enamel, and is most commonly caused by certain medications and dental trauma.

There are several factors that can cause stained teeth. Some of them are avoidable, others are not.

The most common avoidable causes of tooth staining include:

• Dark-colored foods/beverages, such as berries, red wine, soy sauce, tea, and coffee
• Smoking and tobacco products, research shows that tooth staining is more common among those who use tobacco products than those who do not
• Poor oral hygiene habits, if you are not brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, you’re more likely to develop stains on your teeth
• Excessive exposure to fluoride can cause fluorosis, which causes white spots to develop on tooth enamel

The most common unavoidable causes of tooth staining include:

• Genetics, tooth color naturally varies from one person to another- not everyone has perfectly white teeth
• Dental trauma, such as injuries due to sports accidents, falls, or car crashes can cause damage to teeth that results in discoloration
• Aging, tooth enamel thins over the years which exposes more of the underlying dentin
• Dental treatments, such as silver amalgam dental fillings can cause teeth to have a grayish appearance. Root canal treatments may also cause discoloration
• Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease, eating disorders, metabolic diseases, liver disease, and calcium deficiency can cause tooth discoloration
• Certain medications, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medications can cause discoloration. Adults who were given antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline as children may experience discoloration
• Cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy to the neck or chemotherapy can cause tooth discoloration

Teeth whitening is an affordable way to improve the appearance of your smile. White teeth improve your confidence and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, making you look younger. White teeth also make you seem friendlier and more approachable, and increase your chances of professional success.

Many people wonder why bother going to a dentist for professional teeth whitening when there are a variety of OTC whitening kits available. There are several reasons why you should avoid these kits:

There are several steps involved in an in-office whitening treatment. Here’s what you can expect:

• The dentist will record the current shade of your teeth
• Teeth will be polished with pumice to remove any plaque buildup on the surface
• Gauze will be used to keep your teeth dry, and retractors may be used to keep your tongue, cheeks, and lips away from the whitening solution
• A barrier will be placed along the gum line to protect your gums from the whitening solution
• The front surface of teeth will be coated with carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide whitening solution
• In some cases, a laser light will be required to activate the peroxide and once applied, the solution will be left on for 30 minutes to an hour. Some solutions must be reapplied periodically during this time
• Once the desired shade has been reached- or the maximum time has been reached- the teeth will be rinsed
• The dentist may apply fluoride to teeth to counteract tooth sensitivity
• If needed, additional treatments can be scheduled until the desired shade is achieved. Following that, periodic maintenance visits can keep teeth white.

After treatment, you should avoid foods/beverages that are known to cause stains, as well as avoid smoking or tobacco use.

Professional teeth whitening treatments offer several advantages over OTC treatments, including:

When you meet someone for the first time, your smile- or lack thereof- is the first thing they see. If your teeth are stained, you may feel embarrassed to smile. This can ultimately lead to anxiety and depression. However, teeth whitening treatments can brighten and whiten your smile, making you feel better about your smile.

If you are interested in teeth whitening treatments, schedule your consultation with the team at Peak Dental Group. Our team of highly trained dentists can help you get your smile back with a variety of dental procedures.

We are located on Brentwood Road in Calgary. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We offer general, cosmetic, and restorative dental services for the entire family.