Brighten Your Smile
Over time, teeth naturally darken due to a variety of everyday factors, such as eating highly pigmented foods or drinking dark coloured beverages like coffee, tea and red wine. Even aging can have an effect on the appearance of our teeth.
As we age, the white enamel surface of our teeth may wear down, making the yellow dentin at the core of our teeth more apparent. You may also notice discolouration from habits such as smoking or inconsistent oral hygiene. Regardless of the reason, many people find themselves looking for a fast and easy way to brighten the appearance of their smile.
Professional, in-office teeth whitening at McMillan Dentistry is designed to safely and effectively lighten the colour of your teeth. The process is easy, minimally invasive, and targets many common stains to brighten your smile.
Contact our team today to book a consultation. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan designed to give you a smile to be proud of.
The Power of a Confident Smile
Having a brighter smile is often associated with youthfulness, vitality, and good oral health. At McMillan Dentistry, we believe that when you feel great about how your smile looks, you feel more confident and more motivated to care for it. That's great news for your oral health!
How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening solutions are carefully formulated with 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 solution breaks these stain molecules down into smaller, less visible compounds. As the concentration of pigmented particles decreases, the teeth gradually appear lighter in colour.
Professional in-office whitening treatments are designed to help brighten natural teeth while preserving the integrity of healthy enamel.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening at McMillan Dentistry begins with a thorough examination to check that your teeth and gums are healthy and that whitening is appropriate for your smile.
During your consultation, we will discuss your goals, assess the current shade of your teeth, and answer any questions you may have.
To begin the whitening procedure, a protective barrier is placed to shield your gums and surrounding soft tissues. Then a professional-strength whitening solution is applied directly to your teeth. In some cases, a specialized light may be used to activate the whitening agent and accelerate the brightening process.
The whitening gel is applied in controlled intervals throughout your visit, allowing our team to monitor your comfort and progress. When the treatment is complete, we will share tips to help you maintain the brightness of your smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at McMillan Dentistry.
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How long do teeth whitening results last?
The results of professional teeth whitening can last several months to a few years, depending on lifestyle habits and oral hygiene. Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking can cause stains to return more quickly. Maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental cleanings can help keep your smile looking brighter for longer.
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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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Does teeth whitening work on all types of stains?
Professional whitening is often most effective for stains caused by foods, beverages, tobacco, and natural aging. Some types of discolouration, such as stains caused by certain medications or dental trauma, may respond differently or not at all. Your dentist can help determine whether whitening is likely to whiten the appearance of your smile.
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Is professional teeth whitening safe?
When performed or supervised by a dental professional, teeth whitening is considered a safe cosmetic treatment for most patients with healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist will assess your oral health before recommending whitening and provide guidance to help minimize sensitivity and protect your enamel.
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Will professional teeth whitening damage tooth enamel?
Professional teeth whitening treatments are designed to brighten teeth without damaging healthy enamel when used as directed. The peroxide-based whitening agents work by breaking down stain molecules within the tooth structure rather than removing or weakening the enamel itself.
Before recommending whitening, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to make sure the treatment is appropriate for you. When performed or supervised by a dental professional, teeth whitening is considered to be a safe way to brighten the appearance of natural teeth while helping protect overall oral health.