Teeth Whitening in Ottawa
Bringing Brighter Smiles to Life
As we age, our teeth naturally darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside the tooth and on the surface. Depending on your lifestyle and what you eat, your teeth might be one of the first areas to start showing signs of aging. Some of the main factors that contribute to discolouration in teeth include:
- Foods and beverages like berries, coffee, and tea
- Smoking habits
- Insufficient dental care and oral hygiene
- Accidents, neglect, or trauma
Professional teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to help whiten and brighten your smile. The process is simple, non-invasive, and can change the colour of your natural tooth by removing stains.
Speak with our team at Smyth Dental Centre to learn more about our options for brightening your smile. We can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you.
In-office whitening or a take-home kit... we have options to fit your lifestyle.
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer two treatment options – in our office with our dental team or an easy-to-use take-home option. Either way, you'll be on your way to a new smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening offers a number of benefits aside from just whitening your teeth.
You may find that you experience an overall boost in confidence. You can also relax knowing that it is a safe and effective method of transforming your smile.
With your newly brightened teeth, you may also find that you are more committed to ongoing oral hygiene and professional dental care. This improved dental care can help clear away bacteria resulting in a positive impact on your oral health and overall health.
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.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our office, we offer professional teeth whitening. This option can safely and effectively whiten your teeth.
How does it work? We will apply a thin layer of the hydrogen peroxide-based gel to your teeth, which will be activated using a special light. The entire process usually takes around an hour, is non-invasive, and requires no recovery time.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
We know that life can be busy and some patients may choose to whiten their teeth in the convenience of their home. If you choose the take-home whitening option, we will make impressions of your mouth to create custom whitening trays.
Once you get them home, you will apply a whitening gel to your 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.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
Learn more about what our patients want to know about the teeth whitening services offered at Smyth Dental Centre.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Whitening is not permanent. Dark beverages and certain foods, such as tomato sauce, 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 need to consider a touch-up every 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?
One short-term side effect of teeth whitening may be sensitivity. For most patients, this fades away within a few days after a whitening session. To minimize the discomfort you may feel, we recommend that you use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment, and for at least two weeks after your treatment.
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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, no. 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 used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is not likely to damage your 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.