What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth naturally darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside and outside the tooth. Many factors can contribute to tooth discoloration, 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.
The team at Say Cheese Dentistry 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 safe to use.
People respond differently to different shades of white. Your dentist will assist you in selecting the appropriate shade for your teeth.
Zoom!® In-Office Whitening
At Say Cheese Dentistry, we use the safe and effective Zoom!® whitening system. Zoom!® uses LED technology that minimizes post-whitening tooth sensitivity.
During the whitening treatment, your dentist will isolate your lips and gums and then apply the Zoom!® whitening gel to your teeth.
The gel is activated by a 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 and allowing oxygen to enter the tooth enamel and lighten them.
Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening
If you prefer to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home, we provide options for Zoom!® Day and Zoom!® Night. We also offer Zoom!® Pens to use at home in between appointments to help keep your smile bright.
If you select at-home treatment, we will provide you with all the necessary equipment and instructions for successful at-home whitening.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Say Cheese Dentistry.
- 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 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.