What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth naturally darken or become more yellow as we age. Foods and beverages with high levels of pigments like coffee, red wine, and berries are major contributing factors. Tobacco usage and poor dental hygiene can also exacerbate the process by trapping stains in the surface of the teeth's enamel.
Professional teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to lighten the natural colour of your teeth. The process is non-invasive, using specially formulated products to target and break down stubborn stains on your teeth.
The team at Oliver Park Dental can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you by assessing your teeth, lifestyle, and oral health goals.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's up to you!
Our goal is to help you get the whiter, brighter smile you want, on your terms. That's why we offer two options – you can either choose an in-office treatment with our dental team or a customized at-home process. Either way, you’ll be one step closer to your new smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, so a brighter smile can really boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Plus, when you feel better about how your smile looks, you'll be more motivated to take care of it! This can have a positive impact on your oral health and overall wellbeing.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
The teeth whitening process takes only a few minutes, but can whiten your teeth by several shades with each visit. Regular oral hygiene habits like brushing your teeth cannot remove the deep stains that professional teeth whitening targets. When you come in for your consultation, we’ll talk to you about how well this treatment can work for you and what you can expect.
The gel used in teeth whitening is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and very safe when used as directed.
It's important to note that different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will work with you to choose the right shade for your teeth.
In-Office Whitening
The process we use for in-office whitening involves the application of a chemical (a safe, hydrogen peroxide-based or hydrogen carbamide-based solution) that creates a reaction on the teeth. This reaction works like bleach to remove stains from the inner tubules of the enamel (where the stains accumulate).
Activated by a special laser light, this whitening system brings you significantly better results in less time compared to typical over-the-counter whitening products.
Take-Home Whitening
After you come in to our downtown Edmonton office for a cleaning, we can provide you with a free take-home teeth whitening product and custom formed whitening trays. These whitening kits are a great way to see the whitening effects of professional-strength options and experience their benefits yourself!
To create the custom take-home whitening trays, we make impressions of your mouth. You then apply the provided whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Oliver Park Dental.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth 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 want a touch-up a year or so after your initial whitening treatment.
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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 patients may experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening, but it usually fades within a few days.
To help reduce any discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before your treatment and continuing for at least two weeks afterwards.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
In general, teeth whitening works best on brown and yellow stains.
However, some types of stains may not respond to whitening treatments. If a brighter smile is important to you but your stains don’t lighten with whitening, your dentist might suggest other cosmetic options, like dental crowns or veneers, that could be a better solution.
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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 a restoration is part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive it.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used as directed 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 pain, sensitivity, or discomfort anywhere in your mouth, let your dentist know immediately.