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What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
One way to lighten the colour of your teeth is to use professional teeth whitening solutions.
As we age, our teeth become more susceptible to staining from food and other substances. Tooth enamel naturally attracts particles, and products such as berries, tea, tobacco and coffee are notorious for staining teeth.
The bleaching agents used during the teeth whitening treatment process are designed to reverse these effects of staining and aging, helping to lighten the colour of your teeth.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Peroxide-based bleaching agents are used in teeth whitening solutions. As the active ingredient breaks down, oxygen acts on the tooth enamel to create the whitening effect.
In-Office Teeth Whitening in Pembroke
In-office teeth whitening typically takes about two hours at our dental office. First, a barrier is placed around the gums to protect them before a thin layer of gel is applied and chemically activated on each tooth. This process is repeated a few times until the desired shade of white is achieved.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening in Pembroke
At Pembroke Dental, our dentists offer at-home whitening options so that you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home. Custom whitening trays are created to fit your smile. You'll also receive detailed at-home instructions from your dentist that should be followed closely through the course of treatment.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Pembroke Dental.
- How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening isn't a permanent solution to whiten your smile.
If you continue to expose your teeth to foods and drinks that cause staining, you will likely begin to see the whiteness fade after a few months.
If you avoid these foods and drinks after your teeth whitening treatment, you may just need a touch up after a year or so.
- Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Sensitivity is a short-term side effect to teeth whitening. For most patients, it fades away within a few days after a whitening session.
To minimize any discomfort, we recommend that you use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste prior to treatment and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
- Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Yellow and brown-coloured stains respond the best to teeth whitening treatments.
Grey, blue and purple-coloured stains tend not to respond to whitening at all. For teeth with these types of stains, patients may be better candidates for cosmetic treatments such as veneers or dental crowns.
- Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
No, teeth whitening only works on natural teeth. It does not work on existing dental restorations such as veneers or dental crowns.
If veneers or crowns are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive your dental restorations.
- Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
If used under the supervision of a dentist, it is unlikely that teeth whitening will damage your dental enamel.
Always consult with your dentist for guidance in using any teeth whitening products safely.
- Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not usually cover the cost of teeth whitening because it is a purely cosmetic procedure with no health benefits for your teeth.
