Brightening Your Smile
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that can lighten the shade of your teeth and remove staining or discoloration caused by aging, medications, or diet and lifestyle factors such as drinking coffee, tea, wine, or using tobacco products.
Professional teeth whitening is considered to be a safe and effective way to help whiten and brighten your smile. Our team can work with you to determine whether teeth whitening is the right cosmetic dental treatment option for you.
Teeth whitening will not last forever, so the procedure will have to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain the desired colouration.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening offers a number of benefits aside from just whitening your teeth.
Teeth whitening can act as motivation to maintain good oral hygiene habits. It can inspire you to continue taking care of your teeth to preserve the bright, healthy smile you have achieved.
Having a brighter smile may even boost your confidence and self-esteem. You can also relax knowing that it is a safe and effective method of transforming your smile.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel for teeth whitening treatments. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use. It breaks down stain molecules, which can result in whiter, brighter-looking teeth.
Different shades of white suit different people. Your dental professional will help you choose the right shade for your teeth.
Personalized In-Home Teeth Whitening
At Cedar Ridge Dental, we offer in-home whitening. To begin this process, our dental assistant will take an impression of your teeth to make custom mouthpieces (trays) to fit your teeth.
Once your trays are ready, you will be given a supply of bleaching gel (usually containing hydrogen peroxide) that is applied to the tray and then you will be instructed to wear the tray for a certain amount of time. Care should be taken to use only the prescribed amount of whitening gel, as any excess of the product can contact your gums and cause irritation.
In-home teeth-whitening procedures can cause increased teeth sensitivity in some people. This is a normal side effect and usually subsides a few days after the whitening treatments have been completed. Whitening procedures should be avoided if you are pregnant.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
Find out what our patients are asking about teeth whitening at Cedar Ridge Dental. Contact us if you have more questions.
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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 just desire a touch-up after one year or so.
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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?
Sensitivity may be one short-term side effect of 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 for at least two weeks following your treatment.
At-home teeth whitening procedures can cause increased tooth sensitivity in some people. This is a common side effect that typically disappears a few days after the completion of the whitening treatments.
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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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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
Teeth whitening, when used under the supervision of a dentist, is 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.