TEETH WHITENING - FAQS

How should I prepare for my appointment?

It is recommended to brush your teeth prior to bleaching your teeth however, avoid using a fluoridated toothpaste.

Flossing is not recommended before the treatment

To achieve best results, a professional dental cleaning is recommended prior to the treatment to remove plaque and tartar.

Eating before the appointment would be a good idea - you will need to avoid eating for a couple hours post procedure as well as limiting yourself to non staining foods.

How does the procedure work?

Gel system applied to the teeth. A cold blue light emitting just enough heat is used to activate the product.

When should I whiten my teeth if I am getting fillings?

It is best to wait a few weeks post whitening treatment for the color of your teeth to settle before seeing your dentist so that they could better match the restorations to the colour of your teeth.

What are the main difference between cosmetic teeth whitening treatment and the whitening treatment performed at the Dental office?

The main difference between both, is the gel concentration and the number of treatments performed. A dental office will use on average, 35% of hydrogen peroxide compared to 16% for all cosmetic teeth whitening treatments.

Who should not undergo a Teeth Whitening service?

- Pregnant or lactating

- Under the age of 14

- Those with open cavities, exposed roots and/or gum disease

- Recently had oral surgery

- History of allergic reactions to peroxide products

- People who have braces or had them removed less than 6 months ago

- People with fillings/veneers/crowns, near or behind front teeth

- Periodontal disease, including gingivitis or gums in poor conditions

What is blanching and how long does it generally take to go away?

Blanching is the term used in the occurrence when white spots appear on the gums. This is completely normal and usually returns to its normal color after 15 minutes.

How long do the results last and what does it depend on?

Teeth whitening procedures create temporary results which can last between 6 to 12 months. The effectiveness depends on the client’s habits as well as the porosity of their teeth. Those with larger enamel pores are more susceptible to stains. Immediately after the treatment, the pores are enlarged and the teeth will be most vulnerable to stains for 24-48 hours until they close. Staining beverages and foods should be avoided during this time (please refer to Post Care Procedures). Tooth discoloration will occur faster for heavy coffee/tea drinkers and smokers or those that frequently eat high staining foods (ex. turmeric). For best results, these should be done/consumed in moderation. Clients should maintain regular dental hygiene.

How often can a person whiten their teeth?

3 sessions of 15 minutes is performed per every teeth whitening treatment. After the initial treatment, one can get a touch-up treatment every 2-6 months. Maintenance products are available - Whitening Pen or Daily White Foaming Toothpaste.

What would you suggest for clients that experience a lot of tooth sensitivity prior to treatment?

Teeth whitening is not recommended for those with chronic tooth sensitivity. If you are prone to tooth sensitivity, we highly suggest you use Sensodyne Toothpaste for a couple of weeks prior the teeth whitening treatment.

Does Teeth Whitening cause tooth sensitivity?

All teeth whitening procedures come with risks. Mild gum irritation may occur during the whitening process but the discomfort quickly subsides after finishing the treatment.