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 AppointmentProfessional teeth whitening can be 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 can be 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 kits, available at our dentist's office, allow you to whiten your teeth in the comfort and convenience of your own home. We will create custom whitening trays specifically for your smile, and provide you with thorough at-home instructions.
You may be wondering about the difference between teeth whitening at your dentist's office compared to do-it-yourself treatments at home. Here, our Orléans dentists shed some light on your options for this popular cosmetic dental procedure to lighten your smile.
Our Orléans dentists explain the difference and how we may be able to correct either issue with clear aligners.
If your teeth have become discoloured, whitening is an option. Learn how professional teeth whitening at our Orléans office is done, as well as the types of teeth whitening procedures your dentist can perform.
At St. Joseph Orleans Dental Centre, we're always happy to accept new patients into our dental family. Contact us to get started today.
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