Brighten Your Smile
Our teeth will naturally darken as we age due to staining, which happens both inside the tooth and on its surface. Many factors contribute to discolouration of teeth, including:
- Eating food and beverages that stain such as coffee, fruit juices, and berries
- Smoking
- Insufficient dental care and oral hygiene
- Accidents or trauma
The Zoom! teeth whitening system can safely whiten the colour of your teeth. This process is simple, minimally invasive and can target and remove surface stains that have darkened the colour of your teeth. Zoom! in-office whitening uses a special light to activate the whitening gel, which can provide fast and effective results in just one visit.
If you prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home we also offer Zoom! take-home whitening.
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's your choice.
Our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options. No matter what you choose, you can look forward to revealing a beaming smile.
The Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. Teeth whitening treatments can give you pearly whites you'll be proud to show off.
With teeth whitening, you may find that you experience an overall boost in confidence. Additionally, many of our patients find that having whiter teeth makes them feel more inclined to keep up with their oral hygiene so that they can maintain their results for longer.
What Happens During Teeth Whitening?
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel in teeth whitening treatments. This peroxide gel breaks down stain molecules, which can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use.
Different people choose different shades of white depending on their preferences, and the colour of their natural teeth. Your dentist can help you choose the right shade for you.
Teeth Whitening Options
At Highland Dental Centre, you can choose from Zoom! in-office or take-home teeth whitening treatments to lighten the colour of your teeth in whichever way works best for you.
Zoom! In-Office Teeth Whitening
Zoom! in-office teeth whitening uses a peroxide-based gel and a special LED light to break up stains on the teeth. The gel is applied to the teeth and then activated by the light, allowing for deep penetration and whitening of the enamel. The process usually takes about an hour and can leave you with a noticeably brighter smile in just one visit.
Zoom! Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Zoom! take-home teeth whitening kits contain professional-grade whitening gel that is applied to custom trays made to fit your teeth. These trays are worn for a specified amount of time each day, allowing the gel to penetrate the enamel and break down stains. After about a week or two, you can expect to see noticeable results in the colour of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Highland Dental Centre.
-
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. Drinking beverages like coffee and eating foods like berries or tomato-based sauces can contribute to the formation of new stains.
Depending on diet, the effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others. If you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, you may need a touch-up after a year or so.
-
Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of professional teeth whitening procedures.
-
Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Some patients may notice mild sensitivity when having their teeth whitened. This typically disappears within the first few days after treatment. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before your teeth whitening treatment, and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
-
Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Surface stains, which are typically yellow or brown, respond best to to teeth whitening treatments. Stains that are deep beneath the tooth's surface are usually unaffected by teeth whitening products.
If having a whiter smile is important to you but your teeth have non-responsive stains, your dentist may recommend restorative treatments like dental crowns.
-
Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and will not work on dental restorations such as dental crowns or veneers.
If crowns or veneers are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should take place before you receive your dental restorations.
-
Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is very unlikely to damage your tooth enamel.
Always consult with your dentist before using whitening products to ensure you are using them 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.