What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over time our teeth can naturally become darker and stained, both inside the tooth and on the surface. Teeth whitening treatment at our dental clinic in Aurora can help eliminate discolouration caused by:
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Smoking
- Dental hygiene upkeep
- Certain medications
- Accidents
Professional teeth whitening procedures can be a safe and effective way to help whiten and brighten your smile. The process is non-invasive and can change the colour of your natural tooth by targeting and removing stains.
Anyone with healthy teeth and gums may be a candidate for teeth whitening. The team at Aurora Dentistry can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Treatment Options That Fit Your Lifestyle
Our goal is to help you whiten your teeth your way. That's why we offer two treatment options – in our office or a personalized process you can do at home. Either way, you'll be on your way to a white, brighter smile!
What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. Having a brighter smile can give you a burst of confidence and help your 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.
Every patient has a unique teeth shade. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth thoroughly to help you choose the appropriate shade for your smile.
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, we will place a rubber dam to protect your lips and soft tissue. Then, a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth.
The teeth whitening procedure usually takes a maximum of 30 minutes for the best results. We will break down the total procedure into two 15-minute applications for maximum gel activation and light exposure. Upon successful completion of your treatment, your teeth can appear visibly whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you'd prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, we offer take-home whitening kits. If you choose the take-home 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 a brighter smile!
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Aurora Dentistry.
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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 only require a touch-up once 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?
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.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Brown, yellow, uniformly darkened teeth and surface stains are the easiest to lighten. Patients with heavily stained teeth may require multiple teeth whitening sessions to achieve the desired results.
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.