Your safest bet for getting teeth whitened in Toronto is going to be either an in-clinic treatment performed by a dentist or professionally formulated take-home trays. Both of these procedures are pre-screened by a dental expert, which ensures the safety of your teeth and gums during the treatment. It's also possible to go for over-the-counter strips and kits, although the chances of causing harm to your gums increase with their use.
I have been assisting my patients in getting rid of yellow stains on their teeth in a way that does not damage their enamel or gum line. Read further on to find out how.
Why See a Dentist Before You Whiten
Many individuals buy a tooth whitening kit from a pharmacy and cross their fingers that all will be well. In this case, things might become unpleasant. People who suffer from cavities, weakening tooth enamel, and even gum diseases will surely feel pain during application of whitening gels.
During a checkup, I perform the following procedures:
- The color and condition of your existing teeth
- Any fillings, crowns, or veneers (these don't whiten the same way as natural teeth)
- Signs of enamel wear or sensitivity
- Gum health
This step takes one visit and saves you from wasting money on a treatment that won't work for your mouth.
In-Office Whitening: Fast Results
In-office teeth whitening gives you results the fastest. I use an intense bleaching gel on your teeth and shine a certain kind of light on it. Most of my clients get several shades of white from their teeth in just one hour.
It will cost you more money than other options, but it’s supervised all the way through. I protect your gums before starting, and I can adjust the treatment if your teeth feel sensitive.
Take-Home Trays: Steady Results You Control
As these trays are created using your own teeth impression, the gel is evenly distributed around your teeth and not on the gums unlike the case when you use the over-the-counter strips that end up irritating your gums. You have to wear them for a specific amount of time daily.
I recommend this option to patients who:
- Want a gradual change instead of a sudden one
- Have sensitive teeth and need a lower gel strength
- Like being able to whiten on their own schedule
What About Store-Bought Whitening Strips?
Whitening strips and toothpaste will only be able to slightly whiten the outer layer of the teeth. But their effects do not go deep enough, and there is no way they could have a perfect fit compared to custom trays. In case the teeth aren’t even or the gums are thin, the gel from these whitening kits might end up in the wrong places and cause pain.
I am all for trying basic whitening toothpaste after professional whitening for everyday maintenance, but not for dealing with deep discoloration by itself.
When Whitening Isn't Enough: Other Smile Options
Whitening alone is not always enough to achieve that perfect smile. It's typical when you have problems such as tooth chipping, spacing between the teeth, or heavy staining due to old dental fillings.
Veneers for teeth in Toronto consist of thin shells that go on the front surface of the teeth to mask stains, chips, and spaces. Teeth veneers are not like natural teeth in terms of whitening, and therefore if you are having them, we will discuss your desired shade.
A smile makeover in Toronto consists of a few procedures such as whitening, teeth veneers, or bite correction according to your individual needs. I customize your treatment program depending on your facial structure, budget, and desire to change things.
When there are bite-related issues with your teeth, orthodontic treatment of an underbite should be done before any other treatment such as teeth whitening. An underbite can wear your front teeth quicker than normal, and thus the whitening results might look uneven with time.
Finding the Right Dentist in Etobicoke or Toronto
It is not true that all dentists offer the same quality of service regarding cosmetic dental treatment. If you are planning to visit a dentist in Etobicoke or even any other part of Toronto for teeth whitening or smile redesigning, then you should ensure that you inquire about:
- The years they have been practicing cosmetic dentistry
- Their before-and-after patient pictures
- If they offer both at-home and in-practice teeth whitening treatments
- How they handle sensitive teeth during treatment
A good smile dentistry practice in Toronto will walk you through your options honestly, even if that means telling you whitening isn't your best first step.
My Honest Advice
Whitening is one of the quickest options to revitalize your smile; however, whitening is just one of the many steps to be included in an overall treatment plan and not a standalone procedure. For a consultation, a quick examination will be done, followed by a recommendation for the best approach based on your teeth, budget, and desired speed of whitening process.
For people who live in Toronto and Etobicoke and wish to undergo teeth whitening, veneers, or even a complete smile restoration, it is recommended to schedule an initial consultation with an Etobicoke Dentist.