Teeth Whitening in Kitchener, ON

Our Teeth Whitening Process

Many patients have a brighter smile as a major goal; there are several ways to whiten your teeth, but some can do more harm than good. Abrasive cleaners can wear down enamel, while some chemical options may result in damaged gums. A whiter smile should never come at the cost of long-term oral health.

For tooth whitening procedures in Kitchener, trust the experts at Enamel Republic Family Dentistry. Our team will help you choose the best way to brighten your smile without damaging your teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

At-Home Options to Whiten Your Teeth

Charcoal toothpastes have become very popular over the past 5 years. They work because charcoal particles are abrasive and therefore are more effective at removing surface stains from teeth. This is the same principle behind stain removal during routine dental cleaning in a dentist's office, using polishing. However, you typically get your teeth polished 1-2 times per year – you don’t want to be using abrasives on your tooth enamel every morning and night. We recommend either avoiding charcoal toothpastes altogether or using them very sparingly.

Peroxide teeth systems can also be implemented at home. This uses the same principle as a medical-grade, in-office whitening procedure, but at a lower concentration. However, hydrogen peroxide in whitening gels can have harmful effects in high concentrations over long periods of time. They can be cytotoxic, damaging the soft tissue cells in your mouth. Therefore, if you are using an at-home peroxide solution to whiten your teeth, it’s essential to consult your trusted local dentist to ensure you are proceeding safely.

Procedures Offered In Our Kitchener Office

When plaque calcifies, it becomes tartar. Tartar buildup makes teeth appear yellower because it is porous and soaks up stains. When you have a dental cleaning, your dental hygienist removes all tartar from around your teeth, including any stains within it. The additional polish removes superficial stains from your enamel, resulting in whiter teeth.

Peroxide tooth whitening is another in-office option. Just like the at-home version, this uses hydrogen peroxide to loosen particles that cause staining deep within your enamel. Under the direction of a qualified dental professional, a higher concentration can be used, shortening your application time.

How to Choose a Tooth Whitening Method

All in-office and at-home whitening systems utilize pretty much the same chemistry to whiten your teeth, meaning they all have the same ceiling or maximum effect. It’s not a question of which method produces the best results, but which method fits best into your lifestyle and can be safely utilized to reach the desired effect.

Call now to consult with a dental professional in Kitchener for guidance on which method to choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I be whitening my teeth?
You definitely don’t want to overdo it with whitening. The main reason is that tooth whitening can cause a big, short-term increase in tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity gradually subsides after whitening. Generally, if you want to give your smile a boost, you should re-whiten no more frequently than every 6-8 months.

Can whitening products make my crowns and veneers brighter?
Unfortunately, there is not a single whitening product that can whiten dental porcelain. In some cases, minor whitening will not cause a noticeable disparity between the colour of your teeth and artificial prosthetics like crowns. However, if you experience a significant change in shade with whitening, your dental prosthetics may stand out more.

This brings up a thought about strategy prior to treatment for dental crowns, fillings, or veneers. Generally, we recommend that you whiten your teeth before these procedures if you regularly whiten your teeth. This way, your dentist will be able to shade-match any dental restoration to the brightest version of your teeth.

Will whitening gels damage dental work?
No. Peroxide gels do not alter the porcelain in your veneers or the composite resin in your fillings in any way.

Schedule a Consultation Today at Enamel Republic

At Enamel Republic, your health is our priority; we will never try to upsell you on an unnecessary procedure or present the most expensive option as the best. Instead, we will look at your personal circumstances and dental history to determine the best way to achieve your brightest smile without compromising your teeth. Call us today or schedule an appointment online now.

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