Your Orleans Invisalign® Provider
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth naturally darken over time as they accumulate stains and discolouration both within the tooth structure and on the surface. Many factors can contribute to the discolouration of your teeth, including:
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Smoking
- Lack of dental hygiene upkeep
Professional teeth whitening offers a safe, effective solution to brighten your natural teeth.
The procedure works by using specialized whitening agents that penetrate the tooth surface to break down and remove accumulated stains. This non-invasive treatment can significantly lighten tooth colour and rejuvenate your smile without damaging tooth structure when performed by dental professionals.
The team at Orleans Family Dentistry can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening – choose what works for you.
We want you to achieve a bright, healthy-looking smile on your terms. This is why we offer two treatment options – in our office with our dental team or a custom process that you can complete at home. Whichever option you choose, you'll be on your way to your new 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 boost your confidence and self-esteem while leaving a lasting impression on others.
Additionally, whitening your teeth can encourage better oral hygiene habits as you become invested in maintaining your newly brightened smile.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel in teeth whitening treatments. This gel triggers a chemical reaction on the surface of your teeth, breaking down stain molecules and resulting in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and very safe when used as directed.
Different shades of white suit different people. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss your goals and potential results with you.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
We offer an in-office teeth whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively brighten your smile. How does it work? We will begin by applying a barrier around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. At the end of your treatment, your teeth can appear visibly whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
We know that life can be hectic. This is why we also offer a safe and easy-to-use at-home whitening option. If you choose the take-home whitening option, we make impressions of your mouth and create custom whitening trays. You will apply the whitening gel to the trays as directed and wear them for the specified amount of time. At the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Here, we offer the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Orleans Family Dentistry.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
It's important to note that teeth whitening is not a permanent change. Beverages such as coffee and wine, as well as certain foods like those containing berries, can stain the teeth. Depending on dietary habits, 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.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance plans do not cover teeth whitening procedures.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
A 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 reduce the amount of discomfort you experience, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste in the days following your whitening procedure.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Typically, we recommend teeth whitening for patients who are experiencing brown and yellow-coloured stains. Some stains tend not to respond to whitening treatments at all. If having a whiter smile is important to you but your teeth have stains that cannot be lifted by teeth whitening, 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. The whitening solution will only work on natural teeth. It won't be able to lift stains that are present on existing restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. If other dental restorations are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive them.
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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 use all teeth whitening products safely. If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, please inform your dentist immediately. Even if it’s not related to whitening, they will be able to help.