Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that consists of brightening the enamel of your teeth. Dentists recommend two methods: at-home or in-clinic treatments.
How teeth whitening works
A hydrogen peroxide or carbamide gel is applied to teeth to lighten darkened molecules. The more concentrated the product, the shorter the application time. Because teeth whitening treatments alter the structure of the enamel, they should be supervised by a professional.
First of all: the dental check-up
We’ll start with a quick check-up to ensure you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening. At the same time, we will:
- Determine why your teeth have changed colour
- Assess your enamel’s responsiveness to treatment
- Manage your expectations
- Prepare a post-whitening treatment plan for new fillings or restorations—which don’t lighten— so that your smile is evenly-coloured
Dentist-supervised at-home teeth whitening
To whiten your teeth at home, you’ll need to apply whitening gel to custom-made trays, which you can wear during the day or at night. At-home treatments generally take two to three weeks and require periodic touch-ups.
With an in-clinic procedure, you’ll see results in just one session. Successive layers of whitening gel are applied to your teeth. Each layer is activated using a heat or light source.
In-clinic treatments can be followed by at-home touch-ups. Since results aren’t permanent, some touch-ups may be needed after a few months.
Is it safe?
Teeth whitening is safe and non-toxic. Although some patients experience light gum irritation and tooth sensitivity during the treatment, these symptoms go away once the treatment is finished. To avoid problems, don’t use peroxide gel for more than 14 days and refrain from smoking throughout the duration of the treatment.