You’ve just had some cosmetic dental work done, and now your smile looks brighter than ever; congratulations! This is a great first step in reclaiming your self-confidence and feeling good about your dental health.
But no doubt you’re aware that teeth whitening treatment results, whether done by a dentist near you or at home, are not permanent. Prioritizing your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, can help your smile remain beautiful. Eventually, you will need to touch your teeth, typically after several months.
Luckily, there are strategies to help you maintain the effects of your cosmetic treatment. To learn more about such measures, talk to your local North York dentist today. They’ll be more than happy to answer all your questions.
What Does Teeth Whitening Mean?
Teeth whitening is the process of enhancing your teeth, so they sparkle and shine. More specifically, it involves scrubbing stains from your teeth using a peroxide-based substance, usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These bleaching agents are very good at penetrating your enamel and removing the discoloration.
This treatment is considered safe for patients of various ages, though it’s best to consult your dentist if teeth whitening in North York is the best method for your unique case. Porcelain veneers or even dental bonding are two alternatives worth considering as well.
Common Whitening Methods
Your preferences, budget, the current state of your oral health, and what your dentist in North York advises will all determine which mode of whitening is most appropriate.
Most, if not all, dentists champion professional whitening done in a clinic setting. Though this is the most expensive option, it is the most reliable, results are immediate, and they will last the longest, usually up to three months. A whitening session can be completed in a single visit, and it is both non-invasive and painless.
DIY methods are good to explore, too. They provide good results and are much more affordable; the biggest drawback is that the results don’t last nearly as long as the professional treatment. Popular strategies include brushing with toothpaste and baking soda, rubbing citrus peels over your teeth, or purchasing whitening gels, strips, or mouthwash.
The Cost of Treatment
Teeth whitening near you is not often covered by dental insurance since it is not considered a medical necessity like cleanings or root canals. Rather, it is an optional treatment that’s done to improve the aesthetic of your smile. So, with that said, if you’d like to undergo this service and don’t have coverage, you will need to pay out of pocket. Your dentist can help you set up a payment plan that suits your financial budget.
Maintaining a Bright Smile Post-Treatment
If you’re eager to know how to maintain your brand-new smile and be able to show it off without hesitation, here are some simple yet effective tips to help you do just that:
Tip 1: Avoid or consume less things that stain.
Foods like tomato sauce, curry and berries, and drinks including coffee, wine, and beer are notorious for leaving visible stains behind on your smile whether they’ve undergone treatment or not. Now, this is not to say you must cut them out of your life completely; if you choose to consume these things, brush your teeth afterward.
Tip 2: Rinse your mouth.
Rinsing with mouthwash and drinking water will help clear away particles and other debris that can amalgamate on the surface of your teeth and their nooks and crannies. This can lead to cavities, which darken your teeth and damage their internal structure.
Tip 3: Practice good oral hygiene.
Brushing and flossing your smile a minimum of twice a day is arguably the easiest way to maintain your smile. Using fluoride toothpaste is also a good thing to incorporate into your routine since fluoride is a mineral that helps ward off cavities. Make sure to brush the roof, bottom of your mouth, and your tongue. All these things help remove surface-level stains.
Tip 4: Keep your dental appointments.
Be diligent about visiting your North York dentist. Coming in for a cleaning and checkup every six months is a good rule of thumb to follow. Your dentist will any remove plaque and tartar using special dental instruments and reach the places you have trouble cleaning, like your molars.
Tip 5: Book touch-up treatments.
If your smile isn’t glowing as brightly as before, call your dentist and schedule a whitening session to have things touched up. This process is quicker than the initial treatment and will leave you with a visibly beautiful smile once again.
Make Your Smile Last; Visit Our Dental Clinic Today
At Lilac Family Dentistry, our dentist in North York is at your service. Whether you’re looking to undergo cosmetic or restorative treatment or would like to arrange an introductory consultation to learn if you’re a good candidate for a certain service, we invite you to speak with our staff.
Regain your confidence through a beautiful smile! Don’t wait to call or email us today!