What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over time, teeth can naturally darken or develop stains. Some discolouration develops on the outer surface of the teeth, while other changes occur within the tooth itself as aging causes the dentin to gradually darken and thin.
Surface stains may become more pronounced due to foods and beverages such as coffee and red wine, smoking, and inconsistent dental hygiene.
Professional teeth whitening is a dental service designed to help address staining and brighten the natural shade of your teeth.
The process uses a peroxide-based whitening gel applied under the supervision of a dentist. This gel works by permeating the enamel to break down stain molecules, helping to reduce the appearance of discolouration.
Our team at Keystone Dental can answer your questions and discuss whether teeth whitening is right for you to help you achieve your smile goals.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you, so we want you to feel proud to show it off! Having a brighter smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Plus, when you feel better about how your smile looks, you'll be more motivated to take care of it! This can have a positive impact on your oral health and overall wellbeing.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office teeth whitening uses the ZOOM2!™ chair-side system. During the procedure, a specialized lamp is used along with a whitening gel that is activated by the lamp’s light. This helps the gel work on surface stains on the teeth.
The appointment usually takes about one to two hours, depending on the treatment plan discussed with your dentist. Your dentist will guide you through the process and answer any questions to help you understand what to expect.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening uses custom-made trays that are carefully moulded to fit your teeth. These trays are designed to hold whitening products, such as Day White™, which are applied according to the instructions provided by your dentist.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Keystone Dental.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Everyday foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, or turmeric-containing dishes, can cause surface stains on your teeth.
How long the effects last can vary depending on your diet and oral hygiene habits. Maintaining a regular dental care routine may mean you consider a touch-up after about a year, depending on your individual situation.
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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 possible short-term effect of teeth whitening is increased tooth sensitivity. For many people, this sensitivity usually decreases within a few days after a whitening session.
To help reduce any discomfort, your dentist may recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth before your treatment and continuing for a couple of weeks afterward.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Teeth whitening tends to be more effective on brown or yellow-coloured surface stains. Some types of stains may respond less to whitening treatments.
If whitening is not suitable for your teeth, your dentist can discuss other options, such as dental crowns or veneers, that may meet your dental care needs more effectively
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Teeth whitening works only on natural teeth and does not affect dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers.
If you are planning to receive one of these treatments, your dentist will usually recommend whitening your teeth first so your restorations can be matched to your natural tooth's new shade.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When teeth whitening products are used as directed under the supervision of a qualified dentist, they are unlikely to cause damage to your dental enamel. It’s important to consult with your dentist to make sure any whitening products are used safely.
If you notice pain, sensitivity, or any discomfort in your mouth, let your dentist know promptly. They can assess the situation and provide guidance, even if it is not related to whitening.