What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth naturally darken as we age, both inside the tooth and on the surface, due to staining. Further, drinking beverages like coffee and red wine, and using tobacco can add to the discolouration of your teeth.
A good way to help bring your smile back to the colour you want it to be is through professional teeth whitening.
This safe, effective and non-invasive cosmetic procedure is designed to improve the colour of your natural teeth by targeting and removing stains.
Teeth Whitening Your Way
We want to help you achieve a whiter smile in a way that works for you. That's why we offer two treatment options - in our office with our dental team, or a personalized process you can do at home.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
If you've been hiding your teeth because of discolouration or noticeable staining, professional teeth whitening may help give you a smile that you will be proud to show off.
A newly whitened smile can inspire a renewed commitment to oral hygiene, which can help maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment. By focusing on your oral hygiene habits, you may find yourself brushing and flossing more often, clearing away bacteria which can positively impact your oral health.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening at Brookside Dental uses a non-toxic, non-allergenic peroxide-based gel designed to break down stain molecules that are stuck to your teeth. Once those stain molecules are gone, you will be left with a brighter smile.
Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will help you choose the right shade for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
If you decide to whiten your teeth in our office, the process will begin with your dentist applying a barrier around your gums to protect them. Then, a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Once your treatment is complete, your teeth should already appear visibly lighter. It usually just takes one treatment to see results!
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If your busy lifestyle doesn't leave you enough time to come to our office for teeth whitening, we also offer an at-home option. If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, we will start by taking impressions of your teeth to create custom trays that fit your mouth. When you're home, you will apply the whitening gel to the trays and wear them as instructed. Your teeth should be noticeably whiter when your treatment is done.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Brookside Dental.
-
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to tooth discolouration. Your diet plays a large part in how long your teeth will stay white. Beverages such as coffee and wine as well as foods such as those with turmeric or other staining properties can affect how white your teeth are.
-
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?
A short-term side effect of teeth whitening can be sensitivity. For most patients, this fades away within a few days after a whitening session.
To minimize discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
-
Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Typically, brown and yellow-coloured stains respond best to teeth whitening treatments.
However, some stains do not respond to whitening treatments at all. If having a whiter smile is important to you, but your teeth have non-responsive stains, your dentist may recommend other cosmetic treatments, such as dental crowns or veneers, that may be a better fit for you.
-
Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Unfortunately, teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and will not work on dental restorations such as dental crowns or veneers.
If crowns or veneers are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should occur before you receive dental restorations.
-
Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is unlikely to damage your enamel.
Always consult with your dentist to ensure you are using teeth whitening products safely. If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort anywhere in your mouth, let your dentist know right away.