What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth naturally darken as we age. They become stained and discoloured, both on the surface and on the interior of the tooth. Many factors can cause the discolouration of your teeth, including:
- Dental hygiene maintenance
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Accidents
- Smoking
Professional teeth whitening can be a safe, effective way to help brighten and whiten your smile. This process is simple, non-invasive and can alter the colour of your natural tooth by targeting and eliminating stains.
Our team at Demmings Dental Group can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's your choice.
We aim to help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. This is why we offer 2 treatment options - in-office with our dental team, or a personalized process you can follow at home. Either way, you'll be on your way to brightening your smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. With a brighter smile, your confidence and self-esteem may increase.
Additionally, taking care of your oral health can positively impact your overall health and well-being.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our teeth whitening treatments contain a peroxide-based gel that breaks down stain molecules. This can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The non-toxic, non-allergenic peroxide gel is very safe to use.
Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional can help you choose the right shade for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our dental office, we offer a teeth whitening option that can safely, effectively and efficiently whiten your teeth. How does this work? We first apply a barrier around your gums to protect them before putting a thin layer of whitening gel on each tooth. On successful completion of your treatment, your teeth will appear visibly whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also follow our at-home whitening process to achieve a whiter, brighter smile. If you do choose the take-home whitening option, impressions of your mouth will be made and custom whitening trays created. You apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use. By the end of the treatment period, you may notice that your teeth appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Demmings Dental Group.
- 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?
Typically, brown, and yellow-coloured stains respond best to teeth whitening treatments. Some stains tend not to 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 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.