
Spring has finally arrived and summer is just around the corner. The sun is shining and it’s time to think about all we have to smile about; especially Brides, Grooms, Grads and their families and friends.
As we age, our teeth naturally turn yellow. Add to that tobacco, red wine, berries and other brightly coloured foods, and you get food stains. Chips, fractures and trauma, such as those caused by sports injuries, can also cause the teeth to discolour. There are also genetic factors at play that can cause teeth to be less than pearly white. For most of us, the change happens slowly over the years.
Teeth whitening can be a highly effective and simple method of lightening the colour of teeth; one that does not require the removal of any tooth structure.
It is important to have a dental exam prior to your whitening treatment. Your teeth need to be examined for cavities, gum problems and other issues. Not every teeth whitening procedure is good for all types of teeth. You should consult a dental expert to assess your teeth before the procedure. For example you may need fillings before you whiten your teeth, or perhaps your teeth need a good cleaning first.
Over-the-counter kits are not recommended as they contain only a small concentration of the bleach, reducing the effectiveness of the product. Some also contain mild acids, while others are abrasive. Although these products are cheaper, whitening is a complicated and precise procedure and should only be carried out by a dentist.

Bleaching kits and custom-fitted trays can only be fabricated for you in a dental office. Once treatment is started, you will be required to continue the process at home. You will need to apply several applications of the bleach over a period of about two weeks. After that it’s a quick follow up visit so we can check your progress.
If you are hoping for quicker results, we suggest using the Sapphire Whitening system made by Den-Mat. This process is done in a dental office and takes approximately 90 minutes for your desired shade. This system uses a very powerful Sapphire Plasma Arc Light along with professional grade teeth whitening gel.
It is important to consider how much time it will take so that your results will be apparent on your big day. Although it is a very safe procedure there are some side effects. Some people experience varying degrees of sensitivity after they have their teeth whitened. In order to ensure your special day is focused on you enjoying yourself, and not the sensitivity of your teeth, give yourself and your teeth plenty of time to recover.
We also recommend MI Paste which is re-mineralizing toothpaste that greatly reduces tooth sensitivity by protecting dental nerve endings. It forms a buffer against plaque and helps prevent re-staining.
A whiter smile can give you more confidence and help you look and feel better, no matter what your special celebration may be. Now get ready to smile for the camera!
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.