Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Teeth Whitening

Whitening strips are made of flexible plastic material coated in a whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. You place the strip over your teeth––usually, one for each of the upper and lower teeth––and the gel permeates the teeth to remove stains.

Whitening strips do not provide instant results, so you will likely need to do several whitening sessions––though this depends on the extent of discoloration and your whitening goals. Though whitening strips seem more cost-effective than professional take-home or in-office whitening, there are some downsides:

Overall Safety and Effectiveness 

Most whitening strips are safe for your teeth, but if they contain chlorine dioxide, be aware. This substance is the same one used to disinfect swimming pools and can destroy your enamel. Professional teeth whitening, whether at home provided by your dentist or in the dental chair, is the best way to ensure safe and effective results. 

An Uneven Whitening Job 

Even if you are careful and precise with whitening strips, you won’t be able to cover every nook and cranny like you can with a customized treatment provided by your dentist. The strips will inevitably miss small spaces or crevasses in your smile, resulting in an uneven whitening job. 

The Dangers of Gum Problems 

Whitening strips contain bleaching agents that are harsh enough to damage your mouth’s soft tissues, especially your gums. To avoid irritation or chemical burns, you must carefully place the whitening strips, avoiding your gums as much as possible. 

Potential Tooth Sensitivity and Damage

If you use whitening strips, do so in moderation and ask your dentist for suggestions. Overusing whitening strips will cause tooth sensitivity over time, and they can permanently damage your enamel and dentin. Enamel doesn’t grow back, so once it’s gone, it leaves your tooth’s nerves vulnerable to decay, disease, and sensitivity.

Safe and Effective Professional Teeth Whitening in Vancouver, BC

Teeth whitening strips are a short-term solution to brighten your smile before a special occasion or event. However, please consider seeing a dentist for safe, effective, and long-term whitening. Delta Dental Studio provides professional teeth whitening to help you reach your aesthetic goals while caring for your oral health needs. Our team looks forward to helping you attain a brighter, whiter smile! 

We invite you to contact us today to book a consultation with our Vancouver dentists. 

Have you felt like your smile may not be as bright as you'd like it to be? Do your teeth appear more yellow than they once were? The good news for those seeking a brighter smile through teeth whitening in Vancouver is that the procedure is indeed safe for your tooth enamel.

The active ingredients in high-strength bleaching gels, typically either carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, penetrate tooth enamel to reach discoloured molecules. These ingredients then break down the bonds holding those molecules together, so teeth appear whiter again. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Today's teeth whitening gels also contain ingredients to help reduce tooth sensitivity, which can sometimes be a side effect of bleaching your teeth. Your Vancouver dentists also provide custom teeth whitening options that help protect your gums and soft tissues from the irritation of bleaching gel. Custom teeth whitening trays leave no room for bleaching gel to escape and harm your gums.

Teeth Whitening in East Vancouver

If you are interested in teeth bleaching in Vancouver, we encourage you to contact Alta Dental Studio today at (604) 876-5032 to learn more about your options. We offer both in-office treatments and take-home teeth whitening kits that are extremely effective and will have you smiling your brightest smile in no time.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, there are two main categories for teeth whitening products – surface whiteners and bleaches. Surface whiteners, such as teeth whitening toothpastes or chewing gums, are less likely to cause tooth wear, but the effectiveness of these products is limited to surface stains. In contrast, bleaches are capable of altering the colours of the tooth itself, but bleaching should be done professionally under a dentist’s care for safe and effective results as the responsiveness to a bleaching treatment will depend on nature of the stains and the dental treatments you have received before such as fillings, root canals, crowns and so on.

Professional Teeth Whitening in East Vancouver

At Alta Dental Studio, we use Pola whitening products because we have found them to produce the brightest, most consistent results. Pola whitening products contain the fastest bleach available to safely whiten teeth at a neutral pH to protect your teeth and gums.

Tooth brightness or the degree of lustre depends on several factors, but there are culprits when it comes to tooth stains. Below, we explore what to avoid to keep your teeth bright. 

Common Reasons for Tooth Stains and Discolouration

• Age
• Genetics
• Trauma
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Lack of Dental Care
• Specific Medications
• Tobacco Use

Foods and Drinks to Avoid Or Limit

Avoiding or limiting your intake of the following foods and drinks may help prevent further tooth discolouration:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Dark Sodas
• Wines
• Tobacco
• Bright Sauces
• Bright Berries

How Professional Teeth Whitening in East Vancouver Can Help

A brighter smile may mean professional teeth whitening. Our dental office is pleased to offer in-office teeth whitening and a convenient take-home option. 

Both systems can effectively lift away stubborn tooth stains and help restore a whiter, brighter smile. 

Your cosmetic dentist in East Vancouver will evaluate your teeth and gums to ensure that professional teeth whitening is safe and will eliminate or reduce your tooth discolouration. We'll also answer your questions and discuss costs. 

Trust Your Teeth Whitening to the Professionals

Trust your teeth whitening treatment to the dentist to ensure safety. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic options, including professional teeth whitening, or to book a consultation with the dentist