Dissatisfied With the Look of Your Smile?
Teeth can darken over time for a variety of reasons, including foods and drinks like coffee or tea, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and the natural aging process. As we age, the white enamel on the surface of our teeth gradually wears down, allowing the yellow inner layer to show through.
Regardless of the cause, many people seek ways to restore their smile to a brighter, more confident appearance.
Professional strength at-home teeth whitening can be a safe and effective way to whiten and brighten your smile. The process is simple, non-invasive, and can help lighten the colour of your natural teeth by targeting and removing stains.
Our team at Oaklands Dental takes pride in helping patients achieve smiles they feel confident showing off, and we’re happy to help you determine whether teeth whitening is the right option for you.
Looking to revive the look of dull, discoloured teeth?
Discover At-home Professional Teeth Whitening from Oaklands Dental
Our goal is to help you achieve a brighter smile, your way. With customized trays and guidance from our team, at-home whitening treatments provide a simple and comfortable way to whiten your smile on your own schedule.
Potential Benefits of Teeth Whitening
A newly whitened smile often inspires a renewed commitment to oral hygiene as a way to maintain results. Improving oral hygiene habits positively impacts both the appearance of your smile and your overall oral health.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our dentists use non-toxic, hypoallergenic peroxide-based gel for teeth whitening treatments. This gel breaks down stain molecules, which can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile.
With take-home whitening, this process happens gradually over a series of daily applications using custom-fitted trays and a controlled peroxide concentration. Slower whitening promotes effective brightening with reduced risk of sensitivity compared to stronger in-office treatments.
The Take-Home Whitening Process
The first step in our take-home whitening process is creating custom-fitted trays, 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.
When you're ready to begin your at-home treatment, place a small amount of the peroxide-based gel into each tray as directed and wear them for the recommended time. The gel gently breaks apart stain molecules on the enamel, gradually lifting discolouration.
Each time you use the treatment, monitor how your teeth respond and adjust your routine as needed. This multi-day approach allows you to progress at your own pace and stop when you reach your desired results. Spreading the process 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 Oaklands Dental.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
The effects of teeth whitening aren’t permanent and can vary by person.
On average, results last from several months up to about a year, depending on your diet, lifestyle, and oral hygiene habits.
Regular touch-ups and good dental care can help maintain a brighter smile longer.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic teeth whitening because it is considered an elective procedure. Coverage typically applies only to medically necessary treatments.
It’s best to check with your dental provider and insurance plan for specific details.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
One short-term side effect of teeth whitening may be sensitivity. For most patients, this fades away within a few days following a whitening session.
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?
Typically, brown and yellow-coloured stains respond best to teeth whitening treatments. Some stains tend not to respond to whitening treatments at all.
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.
- Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used as directed under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening 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.
