For a Brighter, Youthful Looking Smile
As we age, our teeth can gradually become stained or discoloured. While this is a natural part of aging, several other factors can contribute to the degree of discolouration, including:
- Consumption of pigmented foods and beverages, such as berries and coffee
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Poor dental care and inadequate oral hygiene
- Accidents or trauma to teeth and gums
At Elmwood Dental Clinic, we offer professional take-home teeth whitening treatments designed to safely reduce staining and brighten the natural shade of your teeth.
This non-invasive option allows patients to achieve noticeable results gradually, from the comfort of their own home.
A Simple Way to Brighten Your Smile
Professional Whitening with At-Home Comfort
Take-home whitening kits from Elmwood Dental Clinic combine professional-grade whitening gel with the convenience of at-home use. Each kit includes instructions and trays for stain removal and to enhance your teeth's appearance. You simply apply the whitening gel to the trays and wear them as directed.
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
If you’ve been feeling self-conscious about dull or discoloured teeth, professional whitening can be an effective way to refresh your smile and boost confidence.
For many patients, achieving a brighter smile also encourages better long-term oral care habits. Regular brushing and flossing play an important role in maintaining both the appearance and health of your teeth after whitening.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening treatments use peroxide-based agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to target stains on the enamel. These agents penetrate the porous surface of the tooth, breaking down discolouration and lightening the tooth’s appearance.
With take-home whitening, this process occurs gradually through daily use of a controlled whitening formula. This approach allows for effective results while helping to minimize sensitivity for many patients.
The Take-Home Whitening Process
Your take-home whitening treatment begins with custom trays made to fit the exact shape of your teeth.
These trays help keep the whitening gel evenly distributed and minimize contact with the gums. Once your trays are ready, you’ll receive the whitening solution along with clear, step-by-step instructions.
During treatment, you’ll place a small amount of gel into each tray and wear them for the recommended time each day. Over a series of applications, the whitening gel gradually lifts stains from the enamel.
Because the process is spread out over several days, you can monitor your progress and adjust usage as needed. This flexible approach allows you to stop once you achieve your desired level of whitening, making it more comfortable for many patients.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Elmwood Dental Clinic.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
The effects of whitening are not permanent, and regular touch-ups may be required to maintain results.
Beverages such as coffee and wine, and certain foods, such as those that contain turmeric, can stain the teeth. 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 just desire a touch-up after one year or so.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is considered to be an elective cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Some patients experience increased sensitivity during and for a short time after whitening. This typically fades in the first few days after treatment.
To minimize discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment and for at least two weeks after 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.