Teeth Whitening in Amherst
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Over time, it’s natural for teeth to lose some of their brightness. Everyday habits and lifestyle factors can lead to staining and discolouration, including:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and other dark-coloured foods and beverages
- Tobacco use
- Inconsistent oral hygiene routines
If your smile isn’t as vibrant as it once was, professional teeth whitening may help refresh its appearance. This safe, non-invasive cosmetic treatment gently lifts stains from natural teeth and lightens their overall shade.
At Amherst Family Dental Clinic, we can assess your smile and see if whitening could be a great fit for you!
Smile With Confidence
Are There Benefits to Teeth Whitening?
Having a brighter smile could boost your confidence and self-esteem. Plus, when you feel better about how your smile looks, you may be more motivated to care for it! Great news for your oral health.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening uses peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate the enamel and reach the underlying dentin layer. These ingredients target chromogens, the pigmented molecules responsible for stains, that develop over time.
Through a controlled oxidation reaction, the whitening agent breaks down stain molecules into smaller, less visible compounds. As the concentration of pigmented particles is reduced, the tooth appears lighter in shade.
When performed under professional supervision, whitening treatments can help to brighten natural teeth while maintaining enamel integrity.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening begins with a thorough examination to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy and that whitening is appropriate for you. We’ll discuss your goals, review your current tooth shade, and answer questions.
During the procedure, we place a protective barrier to protect your gums and soft tissues. A professional-strength whitening gel is then applied to your natural teeth. In some cases, a specialized light may be used to activate the whitening agent and begin the brightening process.
The gel is applied in controlled intervals during your visit, allowing us to monitor your comfort throughout. Once complete, we’ll review your results together and share tips to help you maintain your refreshed, brighter smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Amherst Family Dental Clinic.
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How long does professional teeth whitening last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last several months to a few years, depending on your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle.
Factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use can affect how long your results are maintained. Regular dental cleanings and good at-home care can help you enjoy a brighter smile for longer.
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Is teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?
Teeth whitening is typically considered a cosmetic treatment, so it is not usually covered by dental insurance plans.
Our team at Amherst Family Dental Clinic can review your coverage with you so that you are clear on what is included in your policy.
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Does teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or shortly after whitening treatment. This sensitivity is generally mild and resolves on its own within a few days.
If you have concerns about sensitivity, we can assess your oral health and recommend options to help minimize discomfort.
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Does teeth whitening remove all types of stains?
Teeth whitening can often be an effective way to remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco. However, discolouration related to medications or trauma may not respond to whitening treatments.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your smile and discuss whether whitening is a good option for your specific needs.
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Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
Teeth whitening treatments are designed to lighten natural tooth enamel and do not change the colour of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or fillings.
If you have restorations, we’ll review your options to help ensure a balanced, natural-looking result.
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Can teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?
When performed under the guidance of a dental professional, teeth whitening is considered safe and does not damage healthy tooth enamel.
At Amherst Family Dental Clinic, we assess your oral health before treatment to determine if whitening is a suitable option for you.