Teeth Whitening Dentist in Downtown Toronto

In-office treatment can brighten your teeth by six to ten shades. Using a special, light-activated whitening gel, this procedure is a quick and convenient way to achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Teeth whitening is a procedure that can lighten the shade of your teeth and remove stain or discoloration caused by aging, certain medications, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Tooth whitening will not last forever, so the procedure will have to be repeated on a regular basis.

Teeth whitening can be done at home or in the dental office. The dentist will often take a photo of your existing tooth color to monitor your progress and compare the new lighter shade of your teeth throughout treatment.

For in-home whitening, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and then make custom mouthpieces (trays) to fit your teeth. The dentist will give you a supply of bleaching gel (usually containing hydrogen peroxide) that is applied to the tray and then you will be instructed to wear the tray for a certain amount of time. Care should be taken to use only the prescribed amount of whitening gel as excess material can contact your gums and cause irritation.

In-office whitening often takes between 30 to 90 minutes to complete and usually requires a few visits to the dentist's office to achieve the amount of whitening required. The whitening agent (again, a gel containing hydrogen peroxide) is applied to your teeth. Some of the in-office whitening agents require special lights or heat for activation.

Both in-home and in-office bleaching can cause increased tooth sensitivity in some people. this is a normal side effect and usually subsides a few days after the whitening treatments have been completed. Whitening procedures should be avoided if you are pregnant.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening treatments use peroxides, like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, to “bleach” your teeth. The molecules in the peroxides break down the stains on the surface of your teeth and whiten their appearance. Other products that your dentist may use during your treatment include fluoride to help prevent the risk of teeth weakening during the process. Fluoride also reduces the risk of tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening.

Most patients typically feel the full results of their teeth whitening treatment after the first 24 hours of the treatment. Some people may benefit from a follow-up treatment or take longer for full results to show.

Why you should consider getting teeth whitening treatment

Everyone deserves a smile that they’re proud of showing. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile, professional teeth whitening treatment is a great way to bring back your pearly whites. Whether your teeth have yellow tones or tough stains, teeth whitening can help.

Teeth whitening treatment is best suited for individuals with healthy, unrestored teeth and gums. It’s a safe treatment that doesn’t damage your tooth enamel, and can make your appearance more youthful.

It’s important to consult professional help when considering a teeth whitening treatment. While there are tons of drugstore take-home kits, professionals can customize the treatment to your teeth and reduce the risk of gum irritation and teeth sensitivities.

What can cause tooth discoloration?

Foods and drinks are a big cause for tooth discoloration. People that drink tea, coffee, or wine often have tooth discoloration. Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco also all have ingredients that stick to the teeth and create a stained or dark appearance.

Poor dental hygiene is also another large contributing factor to tooth discoloration. It’s important to always brush, floss, and rinse enough to remove plaque and bits of leftover food or other substances

Other common factors include age, environmental stressors, medication, disease, genetics, and trauma to the teeth or mouth area.

Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

Individuals with tooth discoloration can benefit from a teeth whitening treatment. The treatment is most recommended for people with no previous dental fillings or other restorations. You should also have healthy gums and are not prone to teeth sensitivities or other conditions like oral cancer.

Teeth whitening treatment may not be able to remove stains from medication or oral trauma. Request a consultation with one of our professionals to discuss a teeth whitening plan that works best for you.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening treatments are safe. In-office and take-home kits from your dentist can safely help you remove stubborn stains and discoloration while limiting the risk of sensitivity and teeth weakening. Treatments typically take 30 to 90 minutes, and most people can see results within the first 24 hours.

However, individuals with oral cancer, chronic sensitivities, and other conditions may not be the best candidates for teeth whitening treatments. It’s important to speak with a dental professional to discuss whether you can safely have your teeth whitened.