What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a non-invasive treatment designed to lighten the colour of your natural tooth enamel and to brighten the appearance of your smile.
Over time, teeth can darken or develop stains both on the surface and within the tooth. Common factors that contribute to tooth discolouration include coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, certain medications, fluorosis, natural aging, and inconsistent dental hygiene.
Professional teeth whitening can provide a safe and effective approach to addressing these issues.
The treatment uses a peroxide-based gel that works to break down stain molecules, resulting in a brighter-looking smile. When applied as directed, the gel is non-toxic and safe for use.
Because whitening affects only natural tooth enamel, our team will assess any existing crowns or other dental work before treatment. If replacements are needed, they can be completed afterward to match the newly brightened teeth.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
Teeth Whitening That Works for You
Our goal is to help you achieve a brighter-looking smile with an approach that suits your needs. We offer two professional whitening options: in-office treatments with our dental team, or a customized take-home process. Either option allows you to lighten your teeth safely.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Your smile is often one of the first things people notice about you. A brighter-looking smile can help you feel more confident. When you feel good about your teeth, you may be more motivated to maintain them with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, which supports your overall oral health.
Maintaining Your Results
Teeth whitening results are not permanent, and touch-up treatments may be needed over time, particularly if you regularly consume coffee, tea, or wine. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental visits can help keep your smile bright. Our team can help you select a suitable shade and develop a maintenance plan that fits your goals.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office whitening treatment uses Zoom® teeth whitening, which allows you to see results in a single appointment. A protective barrier is first applied around your gums, followed by a thin layer of whitening gel on each tooth.
The gel is activated with a special light to help brighten the appearance of your teeth, providing a visibly whiter smile by the end of your visit.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home whitening generally involves two visits. During the first visit, impressions of your teeth are taken to create custom clear trays. At the second visit, the trays are checked for fit and adjusted if needed.
You will then take the trays and the whitening solution home and, when you're ready to whiten, either wear them for about 30 minutes twice a day or overnight for two to three weeks. Some temporary tooth sensitivity may occur during treatment, but it typically subsides once the whitening process is complete.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Alderwood Family Dentistry.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Drinks like coffee and wine, as well as certain foods such as those containing turmeric, can cause staining. How long whitening results last can vary depending on your diet and habits.
Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine can help, and many people may only need a touch-up after about a year.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
No. Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
One possible short-term effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. For most patients, this typically fades within a few days after treatment.
To help minimize discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment and continuing for at least two weeks afterward.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Brown and yellow stains often respond best to teeth whitening treatments, while some types of stains may not respond at all.
If a brighter smile is your goal but your teeth have stains that do not respond to whitening, your dentist may discuss other treatment options, such as dental crowns or veneers, that may be more suitable for your needs.
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Teeth whitening works only on natural teeth and does not change the colour of existing dental restorations such as crowns or veneers.
If your treatment plan includes restorations, whitening is typically done beforehand so the restorations can be made to match the colour of your freshly whitened smile.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used as directed under the supervision of your dentist, teeth whitening is unlikely to harm your tooth enamel. Always consult your dentist to ensure whitening products are used safely.
If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort in your mouth, let your dentist know as soon as possible so they can assess the situation and provide guidance.