Brightening Your Smile
As we age, our teeth will show signs of wear and tear. This includes stains and discolouration. Some of the main factors that contribute to discolouration in teeth include:
- Pigmented foods and beverages like berries and coffee
- Smoking
- Insufficient dental care and oral hygiene
- Accidents or trauma
Our dentists offer take-home teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve a rejuvenated smile. Professional teeth whitening is a safe, effective, non-invasive transformation option designed to remove surface stains and brighten teeth.
Are you interested in brightening your smile? Our team at Northgate Dental Clinic can help determine if teeth whitening is right for you. Request a consultation today.
Take-home teeth whitening to fit your lifestyle.
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile in a way that works well for your life. That's why we offer at-home teeth whitening, an easy-to-use take-home option.
Why Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
If you've been hiding your teeth because of discolouration or noticeable staining, professional teeth whitening may be a great option to rejuvenate the appearance of your smile.
A newly whitened smile can inspire a renewed commitment to oral hygiene to help maintain results. By improving your oral hygiene habits, you can help clear away bacteria, positively impacting your oral health.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening works by using peroxide-based bleaching agents, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break apart the molecular bonds of stains on the enamel. As the peroxide penetrates the porous surface of the enamel, it reacts with the discoloured molecules and lightens them, making the tooth appear whiter without removing any actual tooth structure.
With take-home whitening, this process happens gradually over a series of daily applications using custom-fitted trays and a controlled peroxide concentration. The slower, more consistent whitening promotes effective brightening with reduced risk of sensitivity compared to stronger in-office treatments.
The Take-Home Whitening Process
Our take-home whitening process starts with creating custom-fitted trays that are moulded to the exact shape of your teeth. These trays help keep the whitening gel evenly in place while protecting your gums. Once your trays are ready, we will provide you with detailed instructions for use and the whitening solution.
Once you’re home, you’ll place a small amount of the peroxide-based gel into each tray and wear them for the recommended time each day. The gel gently breaks apart stain molecules on the enamel, gradually lifting discolouration.
As you use the trays each day, you’ll be able to monitor how your teeth respond and adjust your routine as needed. The gradual, multi-day approach allows you to move at your own pace and stop when you reach your desired results. Spreading the process out over several days can also help make the treatment feel gentler for many people.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Northgate Dental Clinic.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening treatments are not designed to create a permanent change. Drinking beverages like wine and eating foods like berries can contribute to new stains forming. Depending on diet, the effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others. If you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, you should only need to return for a touch-up after a year or so.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Because teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not usually covered by insurance plans.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Some patients may experience minor sensitivity when having their teeth whitened. This usually fades in the first few days after treatment. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend that you use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment, and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Surface stains, which are usually brown or yellow, respond best to teeth whitening treatments. Stains that lie deep beneath the surface of the tooth are usually unaffected by teeth-whitening products. 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, teeth whitening only works on natural teeth, and not on dental restorations like crowns or veneers. This is because the restorations are created in a shade that matches your existing teeth, so altering the colour after they are placed is not possible. 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?
Teeth whitening should always be performed under the direction of a qualified dental professional. This will help to minimize any potential complications. 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.