Have you ever wondered how those red-carpet celebrities get their pearly whites so incredibly bright? Maybe you’ve spent time staring in the mirror, trying to figure out how to eliminate the years of coffee, red wine, and sugary beverages that have decided to stick around and stain your teeth as time’s gone by. Perhaps a combination of both of these—alongside the phenomenon known as ‘the selfie’—has piqued your interest about your own enamel’s darker-than-desired hues.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, our Montreal dental experts have come up with a few questions you should ask your own oral health pro.
1. Do I need intrinsic or extrinsic teeth whitening?
Before you ask this question, let’s back up a little and explain what these things mean.
Your teeth can actually become discolored for a number of different ways. If you have stains on your enamel—which can be caused by coffee, tea, wine, or cigarette smoke—the stains are extrinsic (or on the external part of your teeth). This type of darkening can be removed with various stain-removing options.
Intrinsic yellowing happens when the inside part of the tooth becomes discolored. This discoloration then shows through the enamel, causing it to look dark. Dentin discoloration can happen as a normal part of aging or as a result of certain health issues.
Your dentist will examine your teeth and let you know what whitening method would be best for your unique situation.
2. Do I have any damage that would prevent the whitening procedure from being effective?
If your teeth are cracked or damaged, whitening processes may not be effective. Additionally, exposed roots, damaged gums, and cavities can cause extensive sensitivity and pain in patients who undergo whitening treatments. Your dentist should investigate your overall oral health, fix cavities and other problems, and advise you if you might need dental implants to improve your smile in areas where your teeth are too damaged for whitening to take.
If you’re getting dental implants in Montreal, our team offers a full-service menu of cosmetic dentistry options, including single-, multiple, and full-arch implants. We also feature:
- Veneers
- Inlays and Onlays
- Crowns
Centre Dentaire offers top-of-the-line cosmetic dentistry of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a solution that’ll whiten your enamel, or you’re in search of more advanced treatments like the dental implant options we offer at our Montreal facility, our team will be happy to help you achieve a smile you’re proud of.