Instant Teeth Whitening: Are the Results Really that Fast?

A gleaming, beautiful smile is always a confidence booster. Whether you have an upcoming event or an important interview, instant teeth whitening is the best solution for you. Today, having a brighter smile is as easy as using at-home products, or visiting your dentist for an in-office treatment. Moreover, many teeth whitening treatments are readily available to ensure you look your best within a short period.

What are the available instant teeth whitening options

When it comes to tooth whitening, time is of the essence. Therefore, depending on how fast you need to see the results, you can opt for an in-office treatment, at-home treatment or using over-the-counter whitening products. Read on for more details on the various available whitening options for your teeth:

In-office whitening

For better and instant whitening results, most dentists recommend an in-office procedure. Generally, your dentist starts by applying a base layer gel on your gums to protect them from irritation. Alternatively, he or she may use a rubber-like shield called a dental dam to protect your gums. Next, your dentist applies a bleaching gel. Usually, the bleaching agent is highly concentrated in hydrogen peroxide and is used on your eight front teeth. Afterward, your dentist shines a special light on the bleach to speed up the whitening effect. Within an hour after the treatment, your teeth can appear eight to ten shades lighter.

Using over-the-counter products

Over-the-counter products are both convenient and cost-sufficient. These products include:

• Whitening rinses: With rinses, you need to swirl the liquid in your mouth for a minute. Typically, rinses are excellent for preventing the formation of new stains on white teeth.
• Gel strips: Gel strips are put on your teeth once a day for a maximum of 2 hours. Depending on how reliable the product is, you may be able to see the results within 10 to 20 days.
• Whitening toothpaste: These kinds of toothpaste are great for removing stains on the surface of your teeth. With time and continuous use of this technique, your teeth will gradually become whiter. However, some people experience sensitive teeth when they use these products. If this is the case, consult your dentist for the best alternative. The advantage of toothpaste is that they are readily available in stores and are excellent for removing surface stains, although results take longer to manifest.
• Teeth whitening pens: This is one of the easiest ways to brighten your teeth. These products can be used before and after you whiten your teeth. Typically, they remove stains on the surface of your teeth and ensure the results of the whitening procedure lasts longer.

If you want to make your teeth whiter or brighter, it’s important to ensure you do it safely. All the whitening procedures mentioned above have side effects, if not used correctly. Therefore, it’s essential to read and follow the products’ instructions. Alternatively, you can consult your dentist for more information about safety measures as well as the right whitening techniques. 

What causes teeth to discolour or look yellow?

There are numerous factors that cause teeth to lose their shine and become yellow or discoloured. 

In most cases, foods such as coffee, wine, and tea are among the top culprits for staining teeth. Moreover, the buildup of plaque on teeth can cause them to look yellow. However, these types of discolourations can quickly disappear if you brush your teeth regularly as well as use other whitening remedies.

On the other hand, teeth may look yellow because the outer surface of the teeth or enamel has eroded, leaving the dentin exposed. The dentin is a yellow, bony tissue located underneath the enamel. 

Tips to keep your teeth whiter after a whitening procedure

• Avoid foods and beverages that cause stains
• Use a straw to keep stain-causing drinks away from your teeth
• Avoid smoking as tobacco causes your teeth to become yellow 

“Is there a dentist near me?”

Although a brighter smile is of great importance to most people, it’s essential to notice that tooth discolouration is a common occurrence. If you feel uneasy about your yellow teeth, consider visiting your nearest Thornhill dentist for more information. This way, you will be able to restore your bright smile safely and ensure you do not cause damage to your teeth.