Why Your Teeth Aren't as White as Before
Over time, our teeth naturally darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside the tooth and on the surface. Numerous everyday lifestyle choices can contribute to this gradual discolouration of your teeth, including:
- Consumption of pigmented foods and beverages, such as berries and coffee
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Inconsistent dental care and inadequate oral hygiene
- Accidents or trauma to teeth and gums
While these types of stains are common, professional teeth whitening can often help reduce their appearance and restore a brighter look to your smile. The process is simple and non-invasive, targeting and removing stains to improve the colour of your natural teeth.
The team at North Shore Smile Dentistry can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Brighten Your Smile on Your Schedule
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 two treatment options – in our office with our dental team, or a personalized process you can do at home. Whichever you choose, you'll be on your way to your new smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
We believe that having brighter, healthier looking teeth can boost your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to feel more comfortable sharing your smile with those around you.
Plus, feeling better about how your smile looks could inspire a new enthusiasm for improved brushing and flossing habits. And that's great news for your oral health and overall well-being.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening works by using a specially formulated gel containing peroxide. The peroxide penetrates the tooth surface and reacts with the compounds that cause staining. This process helps break apart the molecules responsible for discolouration, making them less visible, allowing the tooth to appear lighter.
Professional teeth whitening is provided under the guidance of a dental professional to help ensure the treatment is used safely and appropriately for your smile. Results can vary depending on the type and extent of staining.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our location, we offer a teeth whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. How does it work? First, a barrier is applied around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Upon successful completion of your treatment, your teeth can appear visibly whiter.
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 apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use. At the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at North Shore Smile Dentistry.
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How long does professional teeth whitening last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. Foods and beverages that stain, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as smoking or tobacco use, may shorten the longevity of your results.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups can help prolong your results. Your dentist at North Shore Smile Dentistry can also provide touch-up treatments to help you maintain a brighter-looking smile over time.
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Is whitening covered by dental insurance?
Teeth whitening is generally considered a cosmetic dental treatment, so it is not typically covered by most dental insurance plans. However, coverage can vary depending on your provider and individual policy.
If you have questions about payment or treatment options, the team at North Shore Smile Dentistry can help review your options and answer any questions during your appointment.
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Can teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or shortly after teeth whitening treatment. This can occur because the whitening gel penetrates the tooth to help reduce stains, which may temporarily make teeth more responsive to hot or cold temperatures.
In most cases, this sensitivity is mild and resolves on its own within a short period of time. Your dentist can determine whether teeth whitening is appropriate for you and suggest ways to help minimize sensitivity during treatment.
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Does teeth whitening work on all types of tooth stains?
Teeth whitening treatments are often effective at reducing the appearance of many common stains caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco use. However, not all types of discolouration respond the same way to whitening.
Some stains, such as those caused by certain medications, trauma to a tooth, or natural changes within the tooth, may not respond as well to whitening treatments. Your dentist can assess the cause of the discolouration and discuss whether teeth whitening or another treatment option may be appropriate for your smile.
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Does teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?
Teeth whitening treatments are designed to lighten the colour of natural tooth enamel and generally do not change the colour of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding.
If you have visible restorations, your dentist can assess your smile and discuss whether teeth whitening may help improve the overall appearance of your teeth, or whether other treatment options may be appropriate.
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Is teeth whitening safe for tooth enamel?
When performed under the guidance of a dental professional and used as directed, teeth whitening treatments are generally considered safe and are not expected to damage tooth enamel. Professional whitening products are formulated to help reduce stains while protecting the structure of the tooth.
Before recommending treatment, your dentist at North Shore Smile Dentistry can assess your oral health to determine whether teeth whitening is appropriate for your smile.