Let Your Smile Shine
Teeth often become stained and yellow as we age. Unfortunately, many of our everyday lifestyle choices accelerate the staining process – poor oral hygiene habits, smoking and consuming highly-pigmented beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine, can all lead to staining.
But before we go and do anything crazy like telling you to change your lifestyle, we’d like to offer an alternative solution – professional teeth whitening services.
At Pleasant Valley Dental, our goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, your way. That's why we offer a personalized process you can do at home.
Is professional whitening better than store-bought treatments?
There are hundreds of over-the-counter whitening products you can pick up along with your weekly groceries, but do any of them actually work? Well, sort of. Think of it like colouring your hair – yes, there are boxes of hair dye you can take home and apply yourself, but for better quality results that last longer, you should probably see a professional.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
The at-home teeth whitening we offer is a simple, yet effective process. Our Vernon team will make impressions of your mouth to create custom whitening trays.
You apply a whitening gel to the trays and wear them according to the directions for use until you get your desired shade of white. The ingredients in the gel lift stains and brighten the colour of the teeth to help you achieve your dream smile in no time!
How Teeth Whitening Works
Our dentists use a peroxide-based gel in teeth whitening treatments. This gel breaks down stain molecules, which can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use.
Choosing the Right Shade of White
Many patients simply aren't sure when they should stop whitening. They'd like their teeth to look whiter but have a hard time identifying the right shade of white to aim for.
Your dental professional is here to help. Tell us about your whitening goals, and we'll help you determine an appropriate, natural-looking shade for your smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Pleasant Valley Dental.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Whitening is not permanent. Beverages such as coffee and wine, and certain foods, such as those that contain turmeric, can stain the teeth. Depending on diet, and other lifestyle factors, the effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others.
If you maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine, you may just desire a touch-up after one year or so. Ask your dentist for tips on how to make the effects of your whitening treatment last as long as possible.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Because teeth whitening is a purely cosmetic procedure, most insurance policies will not pay for whitening treatments.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Sensitivity can be a short-term side effect of teeth whitening. For most patients, this fades away within a few days following a whitening session. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment, and for at least two weeks following your 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.
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Unfortunately not. Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and will not work on existing 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.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
Teeth whitening is unlikely to damage your dental enamel when used under the supervision of a qualified dentist. Always consult your dentist before whitening your teeth to ensure you are using whitening products 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.