Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon, a glass of red wine with dinner. Some of the little things we enjoy can eventually leave their mark on our teeth. Age can also naturally change their colour over time. If your smile isn’t looking quite as bright as it once did, you’re certainly not alone!
At Brentwood Village Dental in NW Calgary, our professional teeth whitening services offer a simple way to address unwanted staining and refresh your smile. We’ll help you understand your options and choose an approach that fits your teeth, comfort, and goals.
Why Do Teeth Become Stained?
Tooth discolouration can happen for many reasons. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and highly pigmented foods can stain the surface of your enamel. Teeth can also naturally become darker as you get older.
However, not every type of discolouration responds to whitening in the same way. Some stains originate within the tooth rather than on its surface, and existing tooth-coloured restorations such as crowns and fillings won’t whiten along with your natural teeth. That’s one reason it can help to have your smile assessed before treatment.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
Most whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down compounds that cause discolouration in the teeth.
At Brentwood Village Dental in NW Calgary, our teeth whitening approach starts with understanding your individual smile. Our dental team considers your existing restorations, current tooth shade, sensitivity, and overall oral health before recommending treatment, helping you choose a whitening option that feels comfortable and fits your goals.
Some temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur with whitening treatments. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know. We can discuss your concerns and help determine an appropriate approach before you begin.
Spa Dent
Spa Dent is a product we supply that offers enhanced teeth whitening without the pesky sensitivity. Suitable for any age, it can whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades.
This degree of shade enhancement is accomplished with a session that takes place in the office. You’ll also receive a maintenance kit to take home that will boost the results of the whitening procedure.
How Does it Work?
The procedure starts with your orthodontist applying double-edged trays filled with a powerful whitening gel. From there, an LED light creates hydroxyl radicals that penetrate your tooth enamel and remove the particles that cause staining and discoloration.
This leads to a whiter, brighter smile without enamel damage and without the need for crowns, caps, etc. Afterward, it’s important to follow a post-care routine. Spa Dent clearly notes that after whitening, your teeth may be temporarily more sensitive and prone to staining, so they may need a little extra care for the first 24 hours.
During this time, drink only water. Also, avoid tooth-staining foods and beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks. And stay away from condiments such as ketchup, mustard, etc,
DIY Methods
With so many whitening strips, toothpastes, charcoal products, and internet remedies available, it can be tough to know what’s actually worth trying.
Over-the-counter whitening products can help with some staining, particularly when used correctly. However, they typically contain lower concentrations of bleaching ingredients than dentist-supervised options. Whitening toothpastes also primarily target surface stains rather than changing the underlying colour of teeth.
Be particularly cautious with DIY remedies involving acidic fruits, charcoal, or abrasive ingredients. If you prefer at-home whitening, talk with your dentist first. They can help you choose an appropriate option and avoid products or methods that may do more harm than good.
Keeping Your Smile Brighter
If you’ve recently had teeth whitening with us at Brentwood Village Dental in NW Calgary, a few everyday habits can help you maintain your brighter smile. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and keeping up with professional cleanings can all help minimize new surface stains over time.
You don’t necessarily need to give up your morning coffee, either. Being mindful of frequently consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks, rinsing your mouth with water afterward, and maintaining good oral hygiene can all help keep your smile looking its best.
Book an appointment with us soon, as we’d be happy to answer your questions, assess what’s causing your discolouration, and help you understand whether professional whitening is right for you!
