Rejuvenating Smiles With Teeth Whitening
Due to the natural aging process, our teeth will start to darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside the tooth and on the surface. Many factors can have an impact on the brightness of your smile, including:
- Foods and beverages like berries or soft drinks
- Smoking
- Poor dental hygiene
- Accidents or trauma
The good news is that there are options to help brighten your smile and restore a youthful appearance. Professional teeth whitening is a simple, non-invasive treatment that works by targeting and removing stains present on the surface of the tooth.
The team at Richmond Village Dental can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... the choice is yours.
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer two treatment options – in our office with our dental team or easy-to-use at-home trays. Either way, you'll be on your way to your new smile!
What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Most of the time, the first thing you do when you meet someone new is smile. Bright, healthy-looking teeth can help make a difference in how you present yourself to others.
We often see patients with newly whitened teeth become more committed to oral hygiene. Taking care of your oral health can benefit your overall health. This improved dental care can help to clear away bacteria that not only cause bad breath, cavities and gingivitis, but also diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The teeth whitening treatments used at Richmond Village Dental contain a peroxide gel as the main whitening ingredient. This gel breaks down stain molecules, resulting in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use.
Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will help you choose the right shade for your teeth.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our office, we offer a whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively remove stains on the surface of your teeth and brighten your smile.
How does it work? First, a barrier is applied around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Upon successful completion of your treatment, you should notice visibly whiter teeth.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process. If you choose the take-home whitening option, we will make impressions of your mouth and create custom whitening trays.
While at home, you will apply a whitening solution to the trays and wear them according to the directions for use. At the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth appear whiter.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
Learn more about what our patients are asking about teeth whitening from the dentists at Richmond Village Dental.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Whitening is not permanent. Beverages such as soft drinks and fruit juices, and certain foods, such as curries and beets, 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 might consider having a touchup after about a year.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is an optional cosmetic service, so it is not typically covered by dental insurance.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Some patients may notice an increase in sensitivity for a short while after teeth whitening. 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 continue using it for the first two weeks after teeth whitening.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Typically, brown, and yellow-coloured stains respond best to teeth whitening treatments. Certain stains may not be lightened with the use of teeth whitening. 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 veneers.
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Unfortunately, the answer to this is no. Only natural enamel can be lightened so any preexisting crowns or veneers would not be affected. 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?
Teeth whitening is safe and will not damage your enamel when administered by a qualified dental professional. 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.