Teeth Whitening in Vancouver for Safe, Noticeable Results

Most dentists recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to have teeth professionally whitened, since there isn’t enough safety research on bleaching agents during this time. It’s a precaution rather than a proven risk, so mention it at your exam, and your dentist can advise on timing. Whitening is elective, so a short delay carries no downside to your oral health. In the meantime, a thorough cleaning and daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste can help keep your smile bright until you’re ready to whiten.

Teeth whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel, so it will not change the shade of porcelain veneers, crowns, or composite bonding. If you whiten around existing restorations, you can end up with a visible color mismatch between your natural teeth and the restored ones. In many cases, it’s best to whiten first and then have new restorations matched to your brighter shade. Talk with your dentist about the order of treatment before starting either process.

The duration of the effects of professional teeth whitening generally ranges from six months to a few years, this depending on what you eat and your oral hygiene practices. Foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can lead to new stains appearing more rapidly. To keep your whitening results for longer, it is helpful to brush twice a day, avoid habits that cause staining and have occasional touch-up treatments. A dentist can suggest a maintenance programme according to how fast your teeth tend to become discoloured.

Teeth whitening can still be an option if you already have sensitive teeth, but it’s important to let your dentist know beforehand. They may recommend a lower-strength whitening gel, a desensitizing toothpaste, or spacing out treatments to reduce discomfort. Professional whitening, supervised by a dentist, generally causes less irritation than over-the-counter products. Mild, temporary sensitivity during or after treatment is common and usually fades within a few days.

Most patients can safely have their teeth professionally whitened every six months to a year, the exact timeframe depending on how fast new staining appears and on how your teeth react. Whitening your teeth too often, particularly when using over-the-counter products on a daily basis, may lead to increased tooth sensitivity and can irritate your gums. Before suggesting another whitening treatment, your dentist will be able to examine your enamel and gum health. It is a usual practice for most patients to get a yearly touch-up during their regular dental checkup.

Teenagers can often have their teeth professionally whitened once all their permanent teeth have fully come in, usually by around age fourteen to sixteen. Younger teens may have larger, more sensitive nerve chambers in their teeth, so a dentist should first evaluate readiness. Parental consent and dentist supervision are typically recommended for any teen whitening treatment. Your dentist can advise on the safest approach and timing for your teenager specifically.

If carried out properly and with the dentist’s supervision, teeth whitening will not cause permanent damage to the enamel. However, overusing whitening products or keeping the whitening gel on for too long may lead to temporary softening of the enamel and greater sensitivity, although this generally disappears when you cease the treatment. Since professional whitening is carefully formulated and closely monitored, the risk of such problems is reduced when compared to using the products without a dentist’s supervision. The best method of protecting your enamel is to follow the dentist’s advice regarding concentration and the length of time the gel should be worn.

Lacamas Dental in Vancouver, WA, offers both in-office laser whitening and take-home whitening kits for patients throughout the area. Dr. Thomas Backus, DDS, a University of Washington School of Dentistry graduate who grew up in the Vancouver–Portland area, provides whitening treatments at the practice’s East Vancouver location, serving patients throughout Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, and the greater Portland metro. We welcome you to schedule a whitening consultation with our team.