What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
As we age, our teeth naturally darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside the tooth and on the surface. Many factors can cause the discolouration of your teeth, including:
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Smoking
- Dental hygiene upkeep
- Accidents
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.
The team at Prairie Smiles Dental Group can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer take-home teeth whitening kits – so you can whiten whenever you want! Whether you have an event coming up or an important day, your smile will be ready!
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 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 teeth whitening treatments. This gel breaks down stain molecules, which can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use.
Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will help you choose the right shade for your teeth.
Personalized Teeth Whitening
Achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process.
If you choose a take-home whitening kit, we will start the process by taking impressions of your mouth so that your custom whitening trays can be created.
When you're ready to whiten, you'll apply the whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use.
At the end of the treatment, you should notice that your teeth appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Prairie Smiles 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.