Teeth Whitening

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 boost your confidence and self-esteem.

Additionally, taking care of your oral health can have an impact on your overall health and well-being. 

How Teeth Whitening Works

A peroxide-based gel is used 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 safe to use.

Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will help you choose the right shade for your teeth.

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Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Having access to at-home teeth whitening can be a great convenience to our patients. This option can have similar results over a longer period of time to in-office treatment but allows you to lighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. When you follow your customized teeth whitening process at home, you could open the door to a whiter, brighter smile.

If you decide to use the take-home whitening option, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create custom whitening trays. You'll apply a professional-grade peroxide-based whitening gel to your custom trays and wear them according to their usage directions. When you've completed your treatment, you may notice a visibly whiter smile in the mirror!

In-Office Teeth Whitening

At our dental office, we offer a teeth whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. How does it work? First, a protective barrier is applied around your gums, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. After successfully finishing your treatment, your teeth will appear visibly whiter. 

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Oakmount Dental. 

• 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 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.