
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over time, our teeth naturally darken and develop stains both beneath on the surface and below. There are many factors that can contribute to tooth discolouration, including:
- The natural aging process
- Poor dental hygiene habits
- Consumption of certain drinks and foods, including tea, wine, coffee, and soda
- Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
- Illness
- Certain medications
- Dental fluorosis
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. The process is simple and non-invasive, working by targeting and removing stains to lighten the colour of your natural teeth.
Teeth Whitening Your Way
Our goal is to help you get a whiter, brighter smile in a way that works for you. That’s why we offer two options: a professional treatment in our office, or a personalized process you can do at home. Either way, you’ll be one step closer to your new smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Regardless of whether you choose to whiten your teeth in our office with our team or you choose to use a take-home whitening kit, there are many benefits to having a brighter smile. Some of those benefits include:
May Lead to Increased Confidence
Whether you’re on a date, at work, or just walking down the street, a bright white smile is hard to miss. With your new smile, you will feel more confident.
You May Feel More Inclined to Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene
When you have a smile you're proud of, you're more likely to want to take care of it. As a result, many people end up improving their oral hygiene after they've undergone teeth whitening.
Can Enhance the Appearance of Your Teeth
Your smile is the first thing someone will notice about you when they meet you. A bright, white smile will stand out and help you make a great first impression.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Skyline Dental Associates.
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How does teeth whitening work?
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel during teeth whitening treatments that safely breaks down stain molecules, helping to reveal a whiter, brighter smile. The gel is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe when used as directed.
Since everyone’s ideal shade of white is different, your dentist will help you choose the one that looks best for you.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. Drinks like coffee and wine, along with foods like those containing turmeric, can stain your teeth over time. How long your results last can vary depending on your diet and habits. With good oral hygiene, many people find they only need a touch-up after about a year.
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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?
Some people may experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening, but it usually fades within a few days. To help reduce any discomfort, we recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste before your treatment and continuing to use it for at least two weeks afterward.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Teeth whitening usually works best on yellow or brown stains. That said, some types of discolouration don’t respond well to whitening treatments. If a brighter smile is your goal but your stains are resistant to whitening, your dentist may suggest other cosmetic options, like crowns or veneers, that could be a better fit for you.
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and will not work on dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. If crowns or veneers are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive your dental restorations, so that they can be matched to your new smile shade.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used as directed and under a dentist’s supervision, teeth whitening is very unlikely to harm your enamel.
It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist before using any whitening products to make sure you're using them safely. If you notice any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, whether or not it seems related to whitening, be sure to let your dentist know. They’ll be able to help.
Teeth Whitening Options at Skyline Dental Associates
We want you to be able to whiten your smile in whatever way is most convenient for your lifestyle and busy schedule. That's why we offer both in-office and take-home options.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
This is one of the fastest methods of teeth whitening and requires one visit that shouldn’t take longer than an hour and a half to complete. Here’s what you can expect when you book a teeth whitening procedure with Skyline Dental Associates:
- The initial consultation will go over your expectations and preferences. This is when our dentist will work with you to determine the correct type of treatment you will need to achieve your smile goals.
- Minor cleaning and polishing of the teeth to remove plaque and prep them for the whitening solution.
- Your dentist will use tools like a rubber shield or a protective gel to separate your gums from your teeth while the bleaching treatment is applied.
- The professional tooth whitening gel will be applied for approximately 30 minutes to an hour while you sit under an activation light.
- Once the teeth whitening procedure is complete, you might have to rinse your mouth. At this time, your dentist will go over some aftercare tips.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you'd rather whiten your teeth at home, we will provide you with your own teeth whitening package. This will allow you to whiten your teeth right from the comfort of your own home.
Prior to receiving you kit, you'll want to speak with your dentist about the kit and how it may work for you. Your dentist will be able to go over any concerns you may have about damaging your teeth or increasing tooth sensitivity. Additionally, if you have fillings, dental implants, or crowns, these at-home whitening treatments can react differently.
The at-home teeth whitening bleaching method uses custom-fitted trays and a concentrated gel to lighten the shade of your teeth.
You will be given instructions on how to use the kit, how much solution you should be putting in the trays, and exactly how long each session should last. We will also provide any necessary aftercare tips.
Our friendly team here at Skyline Dental Associates is always happy to answer any questions and get you on the right track for a more beautiful smile!