You asked, we answered!
1
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that if teeth and gums are in healthy condition there are no adverse effects to cosmetic teeth whitening under the supervision of a dental professional. Teeth whitening will not change or damage the structure of the teeth, when administered properly.
​
With my expertise & experience as a dental hygienist I ensure every treatment is done safely & up to the highest standard of care. I’ll be able to thoroughly assess the oral cavity to ensure you’re not only a proper candidate for whitening, but help you get the best results possible.
This procedure is not recommended for children under 16 years of age, pregnant women, those with moderate to severe dental fluorosis, tetracycline staining, anyone with allergies to peroxide and related products.
2
Should I have a dental cleaning prior to teeth whitening?
Yes! For the most effective results a dental cleaning is recommended prior to the whitening treatment. The dental cleaning removes plaque & hard tartar build up from the teeth that can block the whitening agents from penetrating & may cause an uneven result.
​
Book a Dental Cleaning & Teeth Whitening session together & receive a 25% discount on the whitening service!
3
Will I experience sensitivity associated with teeth whitening?
Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. On rare occasions, sensitivity occurs immediately after the procedure, but will dissipate. Our Wicked White system contains a pre-treatment spray which combats sensitivity associated with whitening.
Wicked White is a great product for those who regularly experience tooth sensitivity, as little or no sensitivity is generally reported and existing sensitivity has not been noted to increase. If you do experience sensitivity we offer a desensitization/remineralization treatment. Some clients with sensitive teeth can use a desensitizing toothpaste following the procedure until sensitivity dissipates.
4
How long does whitening last?
This varies on a client-specific basis. How long the results last will depend on your daily habits and porosity of your teeth, which is genetic. Unfortunately the porosity of your teeth cannot be pre-determined. Teeth whitening is not permanent & needs to be maintained. We recommend an in-office touch-up session every 6 months-1 year, ideally coordinated with your regular dental cleaning, your results can improve with each subsequent treatment. Alternatively, you can use the take-home LED kit for maintenance at home, whenever you feel your smile needs a boost!
5
What about my crowns, veneers & fillings?
Whitening treatments do not work on restorative materials; however, whitening treatments can be done to the natural teeth adjacent to match the shade of the crown, veneer, or filling. Also note, if you have a tooth which has darkened due to a root canal treatment this type of whitening will not work.
6
There are some white spots on my gums following treatment, is this normal?
Yes. blanching of the gum tissue may occur if the gel moves and comes in contact with the tissues. We take all precautions to avoid this but if it does happen it is not a cause for concern, we will place a vitamin E swab on the area & it will return to normal the next day.
7
Why is there white spots/lines on my enamel following treatment?
People who have porous enamel or scarring from braces have areas of demineralized enamel which become temporarily more evident after whitening due to dehydration during the treatment. This whiteness will disappear within a 24hr time frame once the teeth have remineralized.
8
How do I maintain my smile? Post-care Instructions.
For the first hour drink only water. After in-office whitening avoid staining foods for 24 hours.
1. Do not smoke, eat or drink anything but water during the first 60 minutes following the treatment. Teeth whitening gel opens the enamel pores, making your teeth vulnerable to staining agents.
2. Do not smoke, drink or eat staining foods after treatment for a period of 24 to 48 hours. Avoid tea, coffee, red wine, fizzy drinks, curry, dark green vegetables, tomato-based sauces, etc.
3. Do not consume acidic drinks or foods after the whitening treatment for 3-6 days. This could cause sensitivity.
4. It is recommended that you maintain your professional whitening with an appointment every 6-12 months. Your results can improve with each treatment. How long the results last will depend on your daily habits and porosity of your teeth. We will be able to determine the best level of maintenance and customize your treatment and home care to achieve your whitest smile.
5. Please click on the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) to refer to the safety guidelines of teeth whitening.
