What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
As we age, our teeth naturally become darker as they discolour or stain from age and use, both within the tooth itself and on the surface. Many factors may contribute to the discoloration of your teeth, including:
- Smoking
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Accidents
- Dental hygiene upkeep
Professional teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to help whiten and brighten your smile. The process is simple, non-invasive, and can change the colour of your natural tooth by targeting and removing stains.
At Downtown Dental, we are happy to sit down with you and determine whether a tooth whitening treatment is the right option for your smile.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's your choice.
Our goal is to help you to achieve a whiter ad brighter smile in the way you prefer. To this end, we offer our patients 2 treatment options: our in-office treatment supervised by our team, or a personalized process you can do yourself at home. Regardless of your preference, you'll be on your way to a new smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. Having a brighter smile can boost your confidence and your self-esteem.
Additionally, taking care of your oral health can have an impact on your overall health and well-being.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel in their teeth whitening treatments. This gel breaks down the stain molecules, helping to whiten and brighten your smile. The peroxide gel is non-allergenic, non-toxic and generally quite safe to use.
Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will help you choose the right shade for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our location, we offer a teeth whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. How does it work? First, a barrier is applied around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Upon successful completion of your treatment, your teeth will appear visibly whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process. If you choose the take-home whitening options from our dental clinic, we will make impressions of your smile and create custom whitening trays from this impression.
You will then apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions we provide you for their use. By the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth appear whiter than when you began!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Downtown Dental.
- How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Whitening is not permanent. Beverages such as coffee and wine, and certain foods, such as those that contain turmeric, can stain the teeth. Depending on diet, the effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others. If you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, you may just desire a touch-up after one year or so.
- Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.
- Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
One short-term side effect of teeth whitening may be sensitivity. For most patients, this fades away within a few days following a whitening session. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend that you use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment, and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
- Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Generally speaking, brown and yellow stains on the teeth will result in the best results from teeth whitening treatments. Some stains will tend not to respond to whitening treatments at all, however.
If having a whiter smile is important to you, but your teeth have stains or discolouration that isn't responsive to whitening treatments, your dentist may recommend a different procedure like crowns or veneers that may be able to better address your desires.
- Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Unfortunately not. Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and will not work on existing dental restorations such as dental crowns or veneers. If crowns or veneers are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive your dental restorations.
- Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is very unlikely to damage your dental enamel. Always consult with your dentist to ensure you are using any teeth whitening products safely. If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort anywhere in your mouth, let your dentist know right away. Even if it’s not related to whitening, they will be able to help.