What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
As we age, our teeth naturally darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside and outside the tooth. Tooth discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Smoking
- Dental hygiene upkeep
- Accidents
Professional teeth whitening can be a safe and effective method of brightening and whitening your smile. The procedure is simple and non-invasive, and it can change the colour of your natural teeth by identifying and removing stains.
Drs. Daniel McKenna & Robert Dunphy's team can help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's your choice.
Our goal is to assist you in achieving a whiter, brighter smile in your unique way. As a result, we provide two treatment options: in-office treatment with our dental team or a personalized process you can do at home.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. A brighter smile can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
Furthermore, maintaining your oral health can have an impact on your overall health and well-being.
How Teeth Whitening Works
In teeth whitening treatments, our dentists use a peroxide-based gel. This gel dissolves stain molecules, resulting in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and extremely safe to use.
People respond differently to different shades of white. Your dentist will assist you in selecting the appropriate shade for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
We have a teeth whitening option at our location that should safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. How does it function? To protect your gums, a barrier is placed around them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. When your treatment is completed, your teeth should be noticeably whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also whiten and brighten your teeth at home by following our at-home whitening procedure. If you opt for take-home whitening, we will take impressions of your teeth and create custom whitening trays. You apply the whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the instructions. You will notice that your teeth should be whiter at the end of the treatment period!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Drs. Daniel McKenna & Robert Dunphy's dental office.
- 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 should be able to help.