What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten the appearance of stained or discoloured teeth. Whitening treatments use bleaching agents to break down stains within the tooth enamel, helping create a brighter and more even-looking smile.
Teeth can become stained or discoloured over time for many reasons, including:
– Coffee and tea
– Red wine
– Certain foods
– Tobacco use
– Natural aging
– Some medications
– Everyday wear and staining
Before whitening your teeth, we’ll assess your oral health and discuss your goals to determine whether professional whitening is an appropriate option for your smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Legacy Dental
At Legacy Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening options to help patients safely and effectively brighten their smiles.
During in-office whitening, your gums and surrounding tissues are protected before a professional-strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth. The treatment can be completed during a dental appointment, providing a convenient option for patients looking for noticeable results.
Take-home whitening may also be recommended to help you maintain or enhance your results. Our team will explain how to use your whitening products properly and provide guidance for keeping your smile looking brighter for longer.
Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions
How does teeth whitening work?
Professional teeth whitening uses bleaching agents that penetrate the tooth enamel and break down stain-causing compounds. This helps lighten the appearance of discolouration and creates a brighter-looking smile.
How long does professional teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening results can last from several months to a few years, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Frequently consuming staining foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine or using tobacco products, can cause teeth to become discoloured again sooner.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional teeth whitening is generally considered safe when performed or supervised by a dental professional. Before treatment, your dentist will assess your teeth and gums to determine whether whitening is appropriate for you.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening treatment. Sensitivity is usually short-lived, but your dental team can recommend ways to help manage discomfort based on your individual needs.
What is the difference between professional teeth whitening and over-the-counter whitening?
Professional whitening is provided or supervised by a dental professional and can use different concentrations and treatment methods than products available over the counter. Professional treatment also allows your dentist to assess your oral health beforehand and recommend a whitening approach suited to your teeth and goals.
Does teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?
Teeth whitening products are designed to lighten natural tooth structure and generally do not change the colour of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or tooth-coloured fillings. If you have visible restorations, your dentist can discuss how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile.
How white can my teeth get with professional whitening?
Whitening results vary from person to person based on your natural tooth colour, the type and severity of staining, and how your teeth respond to treatment. Your dentist can discuss realistic expectations with you before whitening begins.
How can I keep my teeth white after treatment?
Good oral hygiene and limiting foods and drinks that commonly cause staining can help maintain your results. Brushing and flossing regularly, attending routine dental cleanings, and reducing your consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help your smile stay brighter for longer.
Can yellow teeth actually be whitened?
Yes, many yellow teeth respond well to professional teeth whitening, particularly when discolouration is caused by aging or staining from foods and beverages. Results vary depending on the cause and severity of the discolouration, so we’ll assess your teeth and discuss what results you can realistically expect from whitening treatment.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance in Alberta?
Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic dental treatment and is typically not covered by dental insurance or Alberta government dental programs. Coverage varies between plans, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider to confirm your benefits before treatment.
Why Choose Legacy Dental for Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening should be tailored to your smile, oral health, and cosmetic goals. At Legacy Dental, we’ll assess your teeth before treatment and help you choose a whitening approach designed to provide attractive, natural-looking results.
Conveniently located on Gateway Boulevard in South Edmonton, our team provides professional teeth whitening alongside comprehensive cosmetic and general dental care, making it easy to maintain both the health and appearance of your smile.
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