TEETH WHITENING
Bright, white teeth are a staple of a classic, beautiful smile. Fortunately, teeth bleaching is one of the quickest, most affordable ways to brighten a smile.
As part of our comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry services, The Art of Dentistry provides Teeth Whitening to our patients in Toronto and surrounding communities. Whether you have a fast-approaching special event that requires you to look your best, or if you have become self-conscious about the colour of your teeth, we can help. Reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sol Weiss. Our customized teeth whitening treatments can illuminate all the best features of your smile.
Am I a Good Candidate?
If you are interested in brightening your smile, and have healthy teeth and gums, you are most likely a good candidate for teeth whitening. In addition to aging, tobacco use and some medications, darkening of the teeth is usually a result of consuming coffee, tea, red wine, and foods like beets and berries. During a consultation with Dr. Weiss, you can discuss your unique cosmetic goals, and Dr. Weiss can help determine whether teeth whitening will help you meet those goals.
What Are My Teeth Whitening Options?
Our practice offers two types of teeth whitening
- In-office: Using the Zoom!® Whitening System, we are able to brighten teeth up to 10 shades in just one quick visit.
- Take home: Patients wear customized trays filled with a special gel over a number of days, and can choose between daytime or nighttime treatment.
Regardless of the type of bleaching you choose, we can provide preliminary treatment with Fluoridex, a paste designed to reduce tooth sensitivity.
What to Expect
Hydrogen peroxide gel is the key component in teeth whitening. In-office and take-home whitening utilize different strengths of the gel, meaning a higher strength can brighten teeth in a shorter period of time. The Zoom!™ In-Office Whitening System is extremely efficient, and uses a dental lamp to intensify the bleaching effects. Optimal results can be achieved in about an hour.
If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, Dr. Weiss will take impressions to create customized trays molded to fit your smile. The whitening effects of at-home trays are comparable to in-office whitening, but treatment time is spread out over the course of a week or longer. Daywhite® requires users to wear their trays for 30 minutes twice a day, while Nitewhite® whitens teeth over 6-8 hours and is worn while a patient is asleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening, when performed under the guidance of a dental professional and following the recommended protocols, is generally considered safe. The whitening products used in dental offices have been extensively tested and approved for use.
However, it’s important to note that some individuals may experience temporary side effects, such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, during or after the whitening process. These side effects are usually mild and subside on their own.
To ensure the safety of teeth whitening, it’s recommended to have a dental examination before starting the treatment. This allows the dentist to evaluate your oral health, identify any potential issues, and determine the most appropriate whitening method for you.
It’s also crucial to follow the instructions provided by your dentist and not exceed the recommended treatment duration or frequency. Overuse or misuse of whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity or damage to the tooth enamel.
How long does a teeth whitening treatment take?
The duration of a teeth whitening treatment can vary depending on the method used and the desired level of whitening. Generally, there are two primary types of teeth whitening treatments: in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.
In-office professional whitening: This typically involves a single appointment at the dental office. The treatment session usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes. The dentist will apply a whitening agent to your teeth and may use a special light or laser to activate the whitening process. Multiple applications of the whitening agent may be made during the session to achieve the desired results.
It’s important to note that the exact treatment duration can vary based on individual factors, including the severity of tooth discolouration and the specific whitening method used.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
The duration of teeth whitening results can vary from person to person. On average, teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to up to three years. However, this can depend on various factors, including individual habits, oral hygiene practices, dietary choices, and lifestyle factors.
Certain habits and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, consuming dark-coloured foods and beverages (like coffee, tea, or red wine), and poor oral hygiene, can contribute to the staining and discolouration of teeth over time. Avoiding or minimizing these factors can help prolong the longevity of your teeth whitening results.
To maintain the results of teeth whitening, some individuals may benefit from occasional touch-up treatments. Your dentist can provide guidance on the appropriate frequency and methods for touch-ups based on your specific needs.
Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?
While teeth whitening is generally considered safe, some individuals may experience temporary side effects. These side effects are typically mild and subside on their own. Common side effects of teeth whitening may include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and soft tissue discomfort.
It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist and avoid overusing or exceeding the recommended treatment duration. Excessive use of whitening products can increase the risk of side effects.
If you experience severe or prolonged side effects, it’s advisable to consult with your dentist. They can provide guidance, recommend desensitizing products if needed, or adjust your treatment plan to minimize any discomfort.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental restorations?
Teeth whitening treatments primarily target natural tooth enamel and may not have a significant effect on the colour of dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. This is an important consideration if you have visible dental restorations in your smile.
While teeth whitening treatments cannot change the colour of existing dental restorations, they can still be performed to help achieve a more uniform appearance between natural teeth and restorations. In some cases, your dentist may recommend whitening your natural teeth first and then replacing or adjusting the restorations to match the new tooth shade.
It’s important to consult with your dentist before undergoing any teeth whitening treatment if you have dental restorations. They will evaluate your specific situation, assess the type and location of the restorations, and provide recommendations based on your needs and goals.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
If you have sensitive teeth, it’s important to approach teeth whitening with caution and consult with your dentist. Teeth whitening treatments can potentially increase tooth sensitivity, although the level of sensitivity varies from person to person.
Fortunately, there are options available to minimize tooth sensitivity during teeth whitening: professional supervision, desensitizing products, gradual whitening, customized whitening trays, and pre-treatment evaluation.
It’s essential to communicate your tooth sensitivity concerns with your dentist, as they can recommend the most suitable approach for your specific situation. By following their guidance and using appropriate techniques and products, you can minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity and still achieve a brighter smile.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental restorations?
The frequency of teeth whitening treatments can vary depending on the individual and the whitening method used. Excessive or frequent whitening can potentially lead to tooth sensitivity or other oral health issues.
In general, it is recommended to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or the product manufacturer. Overuse or improper use of whitening products can cause harm to your teeth and gums. It’s best to consult with your dentist to determine the appropriate frequency and duration for your specific case.
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