Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “bleaching” procedure.

Teeth Whitening

Brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening at 525 Dental in London, Ontario. Professional whitening can help reduce certain types of tooth discolouration caused by aging, foods and beverages, smoking and other external stains.

Our dental team can assess the cause of your tooth discolouration and recommend a whitening approach that is appropriate for your smile. Depending on your needs, professional whitening may involve a custom-made take-home whitening tray and dentist-recommended whitening gel.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening, also called tooth bleaching, is a cosmetic dental treatment designed to lighten the colour of natural teeth.

Many whitening products use peroxide-based ingredients that help break down compounds responsible for tooth discolouration. The amount of whitening achieved depends on factors such as the original colour of your teeth, the cause of the discolouration, the whitening system used and how your teeth respond to treatment.

Whitening works on natural tooth structure. It does not whiten existing dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, veneers or dentures. If you have visible dental work, your dentist can discuss how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile.

What Can Cause Tooth Discolouration?

Teeth can become darker or stained for many different reasons.

Common causes include:

• Coffee, tea and other staining beverages
• Certain foods
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Natural aging
• Surface staining
• Changes in the colour of the tooth over time
• Certain medications or dental conditions

Not every type of tooth discolouration responds equally well to whitening. Your dentist can help determine the likely cause of the discolouration before treatment.

Professional Teeth Whitening at 525 Dental

At 525 Dental, we can discuss professional whitening options based on your individual needs and the condition of your teeth.

A common take-home whitening approach involves custom-made trays that fit over your teeth. Whitening gel is placed into the trays and used according to the specific instructions provided by your dental team.

Custom trays are designed to fit your teeth more closely than generic, one-size-fits-all trays. Your dentist can also provide guidance on how to use the whitening product and what to do if you experience sensitivity or irritation.

How Does Take-Home Teeth Whitening Work?

1. Dental Assessment

Before whitening, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and discuss your goals.

This assessment can help identify cavities, gum problems, existing restorations or other conditions that may need attention before whitening.

2. Custom Whitening Trays

If take-home whitening is recommended, impressions or digital information may be used to create custom trays designed to fit your teeth.

3. Whitening Gel

You will receive a dentist-recommended whitening product along with instructions for how much gel to use, how long to wear the trays and how frequently to use them. Whitening schedules can vary depending on the product and treatment plan, so follow the specific instructions provided by your dental team rather than using a generic schedule.

4. Gradual Whitening

The whitening process occurs over the course of treatment. You may notice your teeth becoming progressively lighter as you continue following your treatment instructions. The final result varies from person to person.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

The length of a whitening treatment depends on the whitening system being used and your individual treatment plan. Some take-home systems are used over several days or weeks, while other professional whitening approaches may use different application schedules. Your dentist will explain how to use your particular whitening system and how long you should continue treatment.

Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Completely White?

Not necessarily. The result of whitening depends on the original shade of your teeth and the cause and severity of the discolouration. Some types of staining respond very well to bleaching, while other types may respond less predictably. The goal is to achieve a brighter, natural-looking smile rather than a guaranteed shade of white.

Does Teeth Whitening Work on Fillings, Crowns and Veneers?

No. Whitening products work on natural tooth structure and do not change the colour of existing restorations such as:

• Composite fillings
• Crowns
• Porcelain veneers
• Bridges
• Dentures

If you have dental restorations that are visible when you smile, whitening your natural teeth may create a difference in colour between your teeth and existing restorations. Your dentist can discuss your options before whitening so that you can plan for a more consistent overall appearance.

Can Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. Gum or soft-tissue irritation can also occur. Sensitivity may depend on factors such as the whitening product, concentration, frequency and duration of use. If you experience significant or persistent sensitivity or irritation, stop treatment and contact your dental team for guidance.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Professional and appropriately used home whitening systems can be effective, but whitening is not appropriate for everyone. Health Canada notes that peroxide-based tooth whitening products can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and soft-tissue irritation, particularly when products are used improperly or for prolonged periods. A dental assessment can help determine whether whitening is appropriate before you begin treatment.

Who Should Talk to a Dentist Before Whitening?

Talk to your dentist before starting whitening if you have:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Cavities or untreated tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Cracked or damaged teeth
• Significant dental restorations
• Dark or severely discoloured teeth
• Previous dental trauma
• Concerns about the colour of a single tooth

Whitening should address a cosmetic concern only after underlying dental problems have been assessed.

What About Over-the-Counter Whitening Products?

There are many whitening toothpastes, strips, gels and tray systems available in stores. Some products can produce noticeable results when used according to their directions. However, they may not provide the same individualized assessment or custom tray fit available through a dental office. Health Canada and the Canadian Dental Association recommend following product directions carefully and consulting an oral health professional when appropriate. If you are considering whitening, our dental team can help you determine which approach may be appropriate for your teeth.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Teeth whitening is not permanent. Your teeth can gradually become darker again as new staining develops and as part of the natural aging process. Coffee, tea, tobacco and other staining foods and beverages can affect how long your results remain noticeable. Some patients may choose periodic maintenance whitening based on their individual needs. Your dentist can advise you about appropriate maintenance and how frequently whitening should be repeated.

What If Whitening Doesn’t Correct My Discolouration?

Some types of tooth discolouration may not respond adequately to conventional whitening.

Depending on the cause and condition of the tooth, your dentist may discuss alternatives such as:

• Dental bonding
• Porcelain veneers
• Dental crowns
• Other restorative or cosmetic treatment

For example, certain types of deep or developmental discolouration may respond poorly to bleaching. An examination can help determine which treatment is most appropriate.

Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

After whitening, good oral hygiene and regular dental care can help maintain your results.

Consider:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between your teeth every day
• Maintaining regular dental cleanings and examinations
• Limiting frequent exposure to staining foods and beverages
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Following your dentist’s whitening and maintenance recommendations

Teeth Whitening in London, Ontario at 525 Dental

At 525 Dental, we provide personalized cosmetic and family dental care for patients in London, Ontario.

If you would like a brighter smile, we can assess your teeth, discuss your goals and explain your whitening options. We will also help you understand whether professional teeth whitening is appropriate for your teeth and existing dental work.

Conveniently located at 525 Oxford Street East in London, Ontario, 525 Dental welcomes new patients.

Call 519-672-1190 to schedule an appointment or teeth whitening consultation.