What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
It’s normal for teeth to lose some of their brightness over time. Stains can develop on the enamel or within the tooth itself, gradually changing the appearance of your smile. Common causes of tooth discolouration include:
- Dark-coloured foods and drinks, including coffee and red wine
- Tobacco use
- Inconsistent brushing, flossing, and professional dental care
Professional teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment designed to reduce the appearance of stains and lighten the natural shade of your teeth. It offers a convenient way to refresh your smile and achieve a brighter appearance.
The team at Centre Dentaire Monk can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
In-office or take-home teeth whitening... it's your choice.
Our goal is to help you achieve a brighter smile in a way that works best for you. That’s why we offer two options: an in-office treatment performed by our dental team or a customized solution you can use in the comfort of your own home. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be on your way to a more radiant smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
A fresh, bright-looking smile can make a noticeable difference in how you feel about your appearance. For many people, reducing visible stains and discolouration can provide an added boost of confidence.
Feeling good about your smile may also encourage you to maintain healthy oral care habits, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits, which support your long-term oral health.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional whitening treatments use a peroxide-based gel to help lighten stains and discolouration on the teeth. As the whitening agent works, it breaks down stain compounds to create a brighter and more even-looking appearance.
When applied according to professional directions, the whitening gel provides a controlled approach to brightening your smile. Since the ideal level of whitening varies from person to person, your dental professional can help you select a shade that complements your natural smile.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
At our location, we offer a teeth whitening option that can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. How does it work? First, a barrier is applied around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. Upon successful completion of your treatment, your teeth can appear visibly whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process. If you choose the take-home whitening option, we make impressions of your mouth and create custom whitening trays. You apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions for use. At the end of the treatment period, you should notice that your teeth appear visibly whiter.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Centre Dentaire Monk.
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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, the effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others. If you maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, you may just desire a touch-up after one year or so.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
One short-term side effect of teeth whitening may be sensitivity. For most patients, this fades away within a few days following a whitening session. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend that you use 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 fillings, 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?
When used as directed under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is very unlikely to damage your dental enamel. Always consult with your dentist to ensure you are using any teeth 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.