Professional Teeth Whitening in Parksville
Professional Teeth Whitening: What is It?
As we age, our teeth naturally darken as they become stained and discoloured, both inside the tooth and on the surface. There are a number of factors can impact the colour of your natural teeth, including:
- Certain foods; certain drinks like coffee and red wine
- Smoking
- Dental hygiene upkeep
- Accidents
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 lighten the colour of your natural tooth by targeting and removing stains.
Your dental team at Arrowsmith Dental Group can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Your Treatment, Your Choice
Right at home or in our dental office, you can work towards a brighter smile!
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. We offer a personalized take-home treatment in addition to our in-office professional teeth whitening service performed by our dental team. Whichever choice suits you, you'll be on your way to your new smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
One of the first things that people notice about you is your smile, and having your teeth professionally whitened can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Additionally, taking care of your oral health can have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.
How Does It Work?
During your teeth whitening treatments, your dentist will use a peroxide-based gel to down stain molecules, which can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use.
Different shades of white look more suitable on different peoples' teeth. Your dental professional will help you choose the shade that best suits your teeth.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process. If you choose this teeth whitening option, we'll make impressions of your mouth to create custom whitening trays. At home, you'll apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use. At the end of the treatment period, you could be closer to a noticeably whiter smile!
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In our professional dental office, we offer a teeth whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. During this treatment, we first place a barrier around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Upon successful completion of your treatment, your teeth will appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Arrowsmith Dental Group.
- How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth 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, it's possible you'll only want a touch-up after a year or so.
- Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not usually cover the cost of teeth whitening.
- Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Sensitivity may be one short-term effect of teeth whitening, but for most patients, this fades within a few days after a whitening treatment. To minimize discomfort, we recommend that you use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment, and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
- Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Although brown, and yellow-coloured stains respond best to teeth whitening treatments, there are some stains that tend not to respond to whitening treatments at all. If having a whiter smile is important to you but you have non-responsive staining, your dentist may recommend other cosmetic treatments such as dental crowns or veneers that may be better suited for you.
- Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Unfortunately, no it doesn't. Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth, and will not work on already existing dental repairs or restorations such as dental crowns or veneers. If crowns or veneers are part of your ongoing treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive your dental restorations.
- Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
Professional teeth whitening treatment, when used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, is very 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.