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If you are noticing that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, you are not alone. Come see our Ottawa team at St. Joseph Orleans Dental Centre to learn about our in-office and at-home teeth whitening options.
Request AppointmentWhy teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is an effective, safe way to remove stains and lighten the colour of your teeth.
Like many people, the natural colour of your teeth may be closer to a grey or yellow. Due to surface stains or aging, your teeth may change in appearance. Consumed items such as red wine, coffee, sweets, pop, tea or tobacco can cause surface stains on your teeth.
How does teeth whitening work?
The bleaching agents used during the teeth whitening treatment process are designed to reverse these effects of aging and staining, lightening the colour of your teeth. Oxygen acts on the tooth enamel as the peroxide-based agents break down, creating the whitening effect.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
- Are the effects of teeth whitening permanent?
While teeth whitening can help whiten your smile, it isn't a permanent solution.
Avoiding foods and drinks that cause staining after your teeth whitening treatment, may help you avoid the need for a touch up for about a year or so.
If you continue to consume these, you may begin to see the whiteness fade after a few months.
- Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?
A teeth whitening session may make your teeth more sensitive, but this is generally a short-term side effect. For most patients the sensitivity fades away within a few days.
Using anti-sensitivity toothpaste prior to treatment and for at least two weeks following your treatment, can help minimize any discomfort.
- Does teeth whitening work on all stains?
Stains that are yellow and brown-coloured respond the best to teeth whitening treatments.
Stains that are grey, blue and purple-coloured tend not to respond to whitening at all. For these stains, dental treatments such as porcelain veneers or dental crowns may be a better option.
- Does teeth whitening work on tooth restorations?
Teeth whitening does not work on existing dental restorations. It only works on natural teeth.
If your dental treatment plan includes restorations such as porcelain veneers or dental crowns, teeth whitening should take place first.
- Does teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?
When used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, it is very unlikely that teeth whitening will damage your tooth enamel.
Always consult with your dentist to be sure that you are using any at-home teeth whitening products safely.
- How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost of teeth whitening depends on whether you choose the in-office or at-home treatment option, as well as the number of sessions you will require.
Your dentist can provide you with more information depending on which option is right for you, and your individual needs.
- Do insurance companies cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not generally cover the cost of teeth whitening. This is because it's purely cosmetic and has no real health benefits for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening in Ottawa
In-office teeth whitening is a safe, effective option for whitening your smile. It generally takes about 2 hours at our dental office. To begin the process, we apply a barrier around your gums to protect them. Next, a thin layer of gel is applied to each tooth and chemically activated. We will repeat this process a few times, until the desired shade of white is achieved.
At-Home Teeth Whitening in Ottawa
At-home teeth whitening kits, available at our dentist office, allow you to whiten your teeth from the comfort and convenience of your own home. We will create custom whitening trays specifically for your smile, and provide you thorough at-home instructions.