What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening refers to dental treatments that make teeth lighter. At our office, we offer both in-office teeth bleaching and take-home whitening kits, depending on your needs.
Many things can cause teeth to become stained and discoloured. Drinking dark-coloured drinks like coffee, tea or juice is a common cause of discolouration. Certain habits, like smoking, can also cause teeth to discolour. The colour of your skin and even your makeup can affect the appearance of your teeth. Aging is another reason teeth appear less bright.
Safe and effective, professional teeth whitening is an easy and non-invasive way to brighten your smile by targeting and removing stains.
What To Expect at Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
We will start by examining your teeth, and then recommend a teeth whitening solution to suit your requirements and lifestyle. We will suggest either an in-house treatment or one you can do at home on your own.
Before we embark on any whitening, we'll perform a professional teeth cleaning. This allows the whitening solution to come in contact with more of the surface area on the teeth.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatment in SE Calgary
The goal of professional teeth whitening is to help you achieve a lighter, whiter smile. We offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening, so you can choose which method suits your lifestyle.
Our dental office offers the following teeth whitening options to cater to varying budgets and needs.
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Dental Bleaching Trays
Dental bleaching trays are one of the most popular whitening options. We take a mould of your teeth to create custom-fit trays. You will then fill the trays with bleaching gel and wear them for the recommended amount of time each day.
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Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening, also known as laser or power whitening, is a one-time dental bleaching treatment that makes use of lasers and lights. During the procedure, a whitening solution is applied directly onto the surface of your tooth, then a dental light activates the solution. This reduces discolouration from your tooth enamel. We will also provide you with a custom bleaching tray as well as a touch-up kit you can use from home.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
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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 desire a touch-up after a year or so.
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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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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is very unlikely to damage your 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 right away. Even if it’s unrelated to whitening, they will be able to help.
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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.
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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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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.