Brighten Your Smile
As we age, our teeth will naturally darken due to stains and discolouration, 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 Warmstone Family Dentistry can help you determine if whitening your teeth 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 help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer 2 treatment options – in our office with our dental team, or a personalized process you can do at home. Either way, you'll be on your way to your new smile!
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.
Zoom!® In-Office Whitening System
At Stittsville, we use the safe, effective and fast tooth whitening system, Zoom! This system uses LED technology that minimizes post-procedure tooth sensitivity.
Before beginning treatment, your dentist will complete a thorough exam of your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough to handle the bleaching process.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process. If you choose the take-home whitening option, we make impressions of your mouth and create custom whitening trays.
You will apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use. Once you have completed your treatments, you should be able to see a noticeable difference in the brightness of your smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Warmstone Family Dentistry.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
When you whiten your teeth, it is not a permanent solution. 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.
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How Zoom! Works
If your dentist determines Zoom! is right for you, they will being by isolating your lips and gums. Next, they will apply the Zoom! whitening gel, which contains specifically formulated, pH balanced hydrogen peroxide, on the teeth.
To activate the Zoom! whitening gel, your dentist applies a specially designed, low-heat light that penetrates the teeth. During this process, the hydrogen peroxide in the gel attaches to stained molecules on the teeth, weakening them. This allows oxygen to enter the tooth enamel and lighten them.
Your dentist will repeat this twenty-minute gel application two more times for the Zoom! teeth whitening system to reach its full effect. -
Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
One short-term side effect of teeth whitening may be that your teeth are sensitive. For most patients, this will go 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.