Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter

Every day dietary and lifestyle habits like a Starbucks addiction, or a cigarette break at lunch can take a toll on the color of your teeth. teeth whiteningWith no shortage of over the counter products promising to brighten a dull and discolored smile by a few shades, it's no surprise that many people feel they can skip the dentist and take matters into their own hands. And while whitening toothpaste and dental strips from the dental aisle of the supermarket or drug store can certainly help, some stains require professional treatment that an over the counter product just can't provide.

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment in Mississauga

On the surface, it might seem like all stains are created equal. In reality, the type of treatment required to clean up and brighten a stained and discolored smile depends on a number of factors, such as the cause of the staining, the color of the stains, and whether or not the patient has had cosmetic enhancements like bonding or veneers. Why does it matter? Some discoloration is caused by problems on the tooth's surface, while others result from a problem from inside of the tooth, making a surface treatment like a whitening toothpaste ineffective. After an oral exam and evaluation, a dentist at Mississauga Dental Arts can determine the cause of staining and recommend the appropriate option.

The most common sources of stains are:

  • Food and drink
  • Medication
  • Trauma
  • Enamel erosion/aging

Enamel erosion makes the teeth more susceptible to staining from food and tobacco. A professional teeth whitening treatment can help reverse this type of damage for a period of several years in many cases. Whitening agents work on the surface of the teeth and are therefore not effective for stains that originate from inside the tooth, or on teeth that have already been treated with cosmetic enhancements like enamel colored fillings. Porcelain veneers may be a more appropriate option for permanently eliminating tooth stains in some situations.

Contact a Cosmetic Dentist in Mississauga

For more information on the best professional teeth whitening option for you, contact a dentist at Mississauga Dental Arts by calling 905-286-1569 to request an appointment today.


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Contact Us

Mississauga Dental Arts

(905) 286-1569

Mississauga, ON Dentist
Mississauga Dental Arts
350 Burnhamthorpe Road East #2
Mississauga, ON L5A 3S5
(905) 286-1569