What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over time, teeth can become stained and discoloured, both on the surface and deep within the enamel. This natural darkening can be caused by a variety of factors, including: consuming food and drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine; using tobacco; and inconsistent oral hygiene habits.
Professional teeth whitening offers a safe, effective way to brighten your smile. It’s a simple, non-invasive treatment that targets and removes stains to noticeably improve the colour of your natural teeth.
When you come to Orion Dental Group, our team can help you decide if teeth whitening is the right option for your smile goals, and what shade of white you should aim for.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's your choice.
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer two whitening options – in our office with our dental team, or a personalized process you can do at home. Either way, you'll be on the path 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. Additionally, when you're confident in your smile, you'll feel free to smile more often.
But whitening your teeth is not just about the aesthetic benefits. To keep your teeth white, you'll have to take good care of your oral health, which will have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel in teeth whitening treatments. This gel is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and very safe when used as directed. It is designed to break down stain molecules and help remove them from your teeth, which can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office teeth whitening option can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth in just a few minutes. The process starts with a member of our team applying a barrier around your gums to protect them. Then, a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Once your treatment is finished, you should be left with a brighter smile.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our take-home whitening process. If you choose the at-home whitening option, we'll make impressions of your bite and create whitening trays that are customized to fit your mouth. When you're ready to whiten your teeth, simply apply the supplied whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions. At the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth are visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Orion Dental Group.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent. Drinks like coffee and wine, as well as foods with strong pigments, like those containing turmeric, can gradually stain your teeth again. How long your results last depends on your diet and lifestyle. With good oral hygiene, many people find they only want a touch-up after about a year.
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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 using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment and 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 yellow or brown stains.
However, some types of discolouration may not respond to whitening treatments. If you want a brighter smile but your stains don't lighten as expected, your dentist may suggest alternative cosmetic options, like dental crowns or veneers, that could be a better solution for achieving the results you want.
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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 fillings, 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?
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.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.