Teeth Whitening in Calgary
If you feel self-conscious about your smile, teeth whitening may help.
We offer a comprehensive service for teeth whitening in Calgary, which may also be known as teeth bleaching.
Teeth can be stained and discoloured for a number of reasons, so we always start by exploring the cause. Once the cause is understood, Dr. Meyer will create a teeth whitening program that is unique to you.
Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone so it’s important to manage expectations throughout the treatment. If you’re curious about the results you could achieve, book a consultation or mention teeth whitening during your next hygiene appointment or dental exam with us.
In‑office teeth whitening in Calgary vs. at‑home whitening
When choosing between options for teeth whitening in Calgary, you will have the option of in-office or at-home teeth whitening. The process is very similar, except that in-office teeth whitening will use a special light to accelerate the process.
With at-home teeth bleaching, you will use special trays to apply a thin layer of whitening solution to your teeth for around 30 minutes per day. This is a very flexible treatment plan that will give you the freedom to whiten your teeth at a time that is convenient for you.
Once you have your custom teeth whitening trays, it’s very simple to "top-up" your treatment. Patients often notice their oral hygiene improves following whitening. Once your teeth are pearly white, you’ll be even more inclined to take excellent care of them!
Dr. Meyer will create a teeth whitening program that's just right for you.
How teeth whitening works
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While your teeth may appear smooth and solid, the surface is actually porous. This means there are tiny holes in the surface of your teeth. These holes allow your teeth to soak particles up like a sponge.
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Some food and drink items are more likely to be absorbed and cause staining. These include tea and coffee, red wine, tomato-based sauces and curry.
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Tooth discolouration is very different than surface staining caused by plaque and tartar build-up. A trip to the dental hygienist can take care of the latter, but only teeth whitening can remove stains from inside your teeth.
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Teeth bleaching uses a substance called carbamide peroxide. When this active substance comes in contact with the teeth, it opens the pores and oxidizes the stains, allowing them to be flushed away. The result is whiter, brighter teeth.
When teeth whitening isn't practical
During your teeth whitening consultation, Dr. Meyer will explore the cause of your teeth discolouration to determine if you are a candidate.
Some instances will make you unsuitable for teeth whitening, including:
- Teeth discolouration as a result of trauma. If the underlying structure is dead, whitening will not help.
- Cloudy coloured teeth as a result of fluorosis. Exposure to too much fluoride can cause discolouration which teeth whitening cannot fix.
- Darkened teeth as a result of tetracycline. Exposure to this antibiotic can cause permanent discoloration which teeth whitening will not fix.
If teeth whitening isn’t right for you, Dr. Meyer can offer alternative treatments to improve the appearance of your teeth.
The ideal candidate for teeth bleaching
Not all dental discolouration can be treated with a whitening regiment. In some cases, alternative procedures should be considered, such as dental crowns or veneers.
The ideal candidate for teeth whitening has:
- Teeth discoloured from food / drink / lifestyle choices
- Good oral hygiene
- No gum disease
Get the white teeth you've always wanted
If you have concerns about the appearance of your teeth, then talk to Dr. Meyer about your teeth whitening options.