![Teeth Whitening, Saint John Dentist](/files/teeth-whitening-1.jpg)
Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening?
Our teeth change colour and darken as we age. This occurs both within the tooth and on the surface. Many factors can cause the discolouration of your teeth, including:
- Foods and beverages like berries and red wine
- Smoking
- Insufficient dental hygiene
- Accidents
Professional teeth whitening can be a safe option to help whiten and brighten your smile. This simple, non-invasive procedure can alter the colour of your natural tooth by targeting and removing stains.
Our dental team at Uptown Dentistry is here to help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... choose what works for you.
We want to help you achieve a bright, healthy-looking smile your way. That's why we offer two treatment options – in our office with our dental team or a personalized process you can do at home. Either way, a whiter smile is within your reach.
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.
A newly whitened smile can inspire a renewed commitment to oral hygiene. By improving your oral hygiene habits, you can help clear away bacteria, positively impacting your oral health and maintaining your bright smile.
How Teeth Whitening Works
First, we will apply petroleum jelly to your lips and a protective barrier to your gums. Then, we will perform a full teeth polishing. Once your teeth are prepped, we will apply a layer of whitening gel to each tooth and wait for the solution to process. This may be repeated until the desired shade has been achieved.
Our dentist also offers customizable kits containing a whitening solution and trays if you would prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home.
Personalized Teeth Whitening at Home
We offer a complete take-home tooth whitening kit to help you achieve a brighter smile at your convenience. For the take-home whitening process, we make impressions of your mouth and create custom whitening trays.
Once you are ready to perform the teeth whitening treatment, you will apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use. At the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure. Beverages such as coffee and wine, and certain foods, such as beets, can stain the teeth. The effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others depending on factors such as diet. If you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, you may desire a touch-up after about one year.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
In most cases, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a teeth whitening procedure.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
In some cases, increased teeth sensitivity may be a temporary side effect of teeth whitening. For most patients, this sensation should fade within a few days following a whitening session. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Not all stains are equal. Typically, brown and yellow-coloured stains, or surface stains, respond well to teeth whitening treatments. If the stains are within the tooth then you will likely have no change with the teeth whitening procedure. 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?
When performed by a licensed dentist, teeth whitening is very unlikely to damage your dental enamel. Always consult your dentist before using teeth whitening products to ensure they are used safely and effectively. If you experience pain, sensitivity, or discomfort anywhere in your mouth, let your dentist know immediately.