Teeth Whitening
Teeth can become darker or duller over time because of food, drinks, tobacco use, ageing, or changes within the tooth. Teeth whitening may help lighten certain types of stains and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
At Dental Elements, we provide take-home whitening with custom trays. Before recommending whitening, we assess your teeth, gums, sensitivity, existing dental work, and smile goals to help determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses whitening gel to lighten the colour of natural tooth enamel. It works best on certain surface stains and some deeper stains within the tooth.
Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, bridges, or dentures. If you have visible dental restorations, we will discuss how whitening may affect the overall look of your smile before treatment begins.
When Do You Need Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening may be an option if your teeth look yellow, dull, or stained and your teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.
You may consider whitening if you have staining from:
- Coffee or tea
- Red wine or dark-coloured drinks
- Tobacco use
- Certain foods
- Natural ageing
- Surface stain buildup
Whitening may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with untreated cavities, gum disease, exposed roots, significant sensitivity, worn enamel, or certain dental restorations may need other care first.
What Happens During Teeth Whitening?
Our take-home whitening system uses custom trays made for your mouth. During treatment, we take the following steps:
- Checking Your Oral Health: We examine your teeth, gums, sensitivity, and existing dental work.
- Discussing Your Goals: We talk with you about the shade change you would like to achieve.
- Taking Impressions or Scans: We take a mould or digital scan so custom trays can be made.
- Fitting the Trays: We check that the trays fit comfortably and hold the gel properly.
- Explaining Product Use: We show you how much whitening gel to use and how long to wear the trays.
- Reviewing Side Effects: We explain that temporary sensitivity or gum irritation may occur.
- Monitoring Your Progress: We provide guidance and follow up as needed during treatment.
You should use the whitening system only as directed. Using too much gel or wearing trays longer than recommended can increase the risk of sensitivity or gum irritation.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Whitening results vary from person to person. The shade may last longer with good oral hygiene, regular dental cleanings, and limited exposure to stain-causing foods, drinks, and tobacco.
Teeth can gradually darken again over time. Some patients may need occasional touch-ups, depending on their habits, sensitivity, and the dentist’s recommendation.
Brighten Your Smile with Guided Whitening
Teeth whitening can be a simple way to refresh the appearance of your smile, but it should be recommended only after your oral health is assessed. This helps us check for sensitivity, cavities, gum concerns, and restorations that may affect your results.
At Dental Elements, we provide custom take-home whitening with instructions based on your needs. Our team can answer your questions, explain what to expect, and help you decide whether whitening is appropriate for your smile.
Call or visit us today to schedule a consultation.
FAQ's
Is teeth whitening better than teeth cleaning?
No. Teeth whitening and dental cleaning serve different purposes. A cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains to support oral health. Whitening lightens the colour of natural tooth enamel.
What is the safest way to whiten teeth?
The safest option is to whiten your teeth with guidance from a dental professional. This allows your teeth, gums, sensitivity, and existing dental work to be assessed before treatment.
Is professional teeth whitening better than store-bought whitening?
Dentist-guided whitening allows for custom trays, clearer instructions, and monitoring when needed. Store-bought products may not fit as well and may increase the risk of uneven results or gum irritation if used incorrectly.
Can teeth be whitened permanently?
No. Teeth whitening is not permanent. Teeth can darken again over time because of diet, habits, ageing, and stain exposure.
Can yellow teeth become whiter?
In many cases, yellow-toned natural teeth can respond well to whitening. The result depends on the cause of the discolouration, enamel condition, and oral health.
Are there side effects to teeth whitening?
Yes. Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. If sensitivity or irritation does not improve, you should stop whitening and contact the dental team.