What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured from things like coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, certain medications, or even just natural aging.
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to help restore a brighter, more radiant smile.
The process is simple, non-invasive, and works by targeting and removing surface and deeper stains to lighten the natural colour of your teeth.
At Canmore Downtown Dental, our team can help you decide if teeth whitening is the right option for your smile and guide you through the process to achieve the results you want.
Achieve a Brighter Smile
Get a noticeably brighter smile with our in-office teeth whitening.
At Canmore Downtown Dental, our dental team works with you to safely and effectively brighten your teeth, helping you feel more confident in your smile.
Why Consider Teeth Whitening
Your smile is often one of the first things people notice, and a brighter smile can give you a boost of confidence and self-esteem. Feeling good about your smile may also encourage you to keep up with your oral hygiene, which can benefit your overall oral health and well-being.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening treatments use a specially formulated peroxide-based gel to target stains on and inside your teeth. The gel works by gently breaking down the molecules that cause discolouration, helping your teeth appear whiter and brighter. Treatments are safe, non-toxic, and carefully applied under the supervision of your dental professional.
Because everyone’s smile is unique, your dentist will help you select a shade that looks natural and complements your teeth, giving you a result that enhances your smile while staying realistic.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a simple treatment designed to brighten your smile in a single visit. Your appointment begins with your dentist preparing your teeth and placing a protective barrier over your gums to help keep them comfortable during the procedure.
Next, a whitening gel is carefully applied to the surface of your teeth. In many cases, a special light may be used to activate the gel and support the whitening process.
The gel works by breaking down stain molecules on and within the teeth, helping them appear lighter. Once the treatment is complete, the gel is removed, and your smile is checked so you can see the results.
Many patients notice their teeth appear noticeably brighter after their appointment. If you are interested in learning more about teeth whitening, our team would be happy to discuss your options and help determine whether it is right for your smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Canmore Downtown Dental.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening results aren’t permanent, and over time, your teeth may begin to pick up new stains.
Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as certain foods such as those containing turmeric, can contribute to discolouration.
How long your results last can vary from person to person, depending on diet and daily habits.
Keeping up with good oral hygiene can help maintain your results, and some people choose to have a touch-up treatment after about a year.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening because it is considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary treatment. Most insurance plans focus on services that support oral health, such as cleanings, fillings, and other restorative care.
If you are considering teeth whitening, our team can review the treatment with you and discuss the expected cost before your appointment. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have about payment options.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Some people may notice temporary tooth sensitivity after a whitening treatment. This is a common short-term effect and, for most patients, it typically settles within a few days.
To help reduce discomfort, your dentist may recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth before your appointment and continuing to use it for a couple of weeks afterward.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
In general, yellow or brown stains tend to respond best to teeth whitening treatments. Some types of discolouration, however, may not lighten as much with whitening alone.
If you’re hoping to improve the colour of your smile but your stains are less responsive, your dentist may discuss other cosmetic options, such as veneers or dental crowns, that could help achieve the look you want.
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Teeth whitening treatments work on natural tooth enamel, so they typically will not change the colour of restorations such as crowns or veneers.
If your treatment plan includes these restorative options, your dentist may recommend whitening your natural teeth first so that any restorations can be matched to your preferred shade.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used correctly and under the guidance of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is generally safe and unlikely to harm your enamel.
It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment to make sure it’s right for you.