How does professional teeth whitening work?

Professional whitening uses a whitening agent designed to lighten stains within natural tooth structure. The treatment may be completed at the dental clinic or gradually at home with a professionally provided kit. Results vary depending on the cause and severity of the discolouration, your starting tooth shade, and how your teeth respond to treatment.

What is the difference between in-house whitening and Take Home Kits?

In-house whitening is performed at Deer Lake Dental during a dental appointment, while Take Home Kits allow you to whiten gradually at home according to instructions provided by the clinic. The right option depends on your desired timeline, sensitivity, convenience, and the type of staining affecting your teeth.

Are professional Take Home Kits better than store-bought whitening kits?

Professionally provided kits offer dental supervision and may include trays designed to fit your teeth more closely. Store-bought products generally use standardized trays and are not monitored by a dentist. The Canadian Dental Association notes that dentist-supervised whitening also allows side effects such as sensitivity to be identified and managed appropriately.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Temporary tooth sensitivity can occur during or after whitening treatment. The likelihood and intensity vary between patients and can depend on the whitening method and the condition of your teeth. Your dentist can assess existing sensitivity before treatment and provide guidance if discomfort develops while using in-house whitening or a Take Home Kit.

Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No. Whitening treatments are intended to lighten natural tooth structure and generally do not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or other dental restorations. If visible restorations are present, your dentist can explain how whitening may affect the overall colour balance of your smile before treatment begins.

Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover teeth whitening?

No. Teeth whitening is considered cosmetic treatment and is specifically listed as an exclusion under the current Canadian Dental Care Plan. Patients interested in whitening should expect to pay for the treatment separately. Deer Lake Dental can explain available treatment options and expected costs before you proceed.

Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in Deer Lake

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth while still considering your overall oral health and function. Depending on your concerns, treatment may address tooth discolouration, small chips, uneven edges, minor gaps, or differences in tooth shape.

At Deer Lake Dental, our dentists take the time to understand what you would like to change before recommending treatment. Your teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and cosmetic goals are considered so your treatment plan is suited to your individual smile.

The right cosmetic treatment depends on more than appearance alone. Teeth whitening primarily changes the colour of natural teeth, while dental bonding can reshape or repair selected areas. Veneers may be considered when a patient wants to address several visible concerns involving the front surfaces of the teeth.

Your dentist at Deer Lake Dental can compare the available options and explain what each treatment can realistically achieve. Some patients may benefit from one cosmetic procedure, while others may require a different approach depending on their oral health, existing restorations, bite, and desired result.

How does professional teeth whitening work?
Professional whitening uses a whitening agent designed to lighten stains within natural tooth structure. The treatment may be completed at the dental clinic or gradually at home with a professionally provided kit. Results vary depending on the cause and severity of the discolouration, your starting tooth shade, and how your teeth respond to treatment.
What is the difference between in-house whitening and Take Home Kits?
In-house whitening is performed at Deer Lake Dental during a dental appointment, while Take Home Kits allow you to whiten gradually at home according to instructions provided by the clinic. The right option depends on your desired timeline, sensitivity, convenience, and the type of staining affecting your teeth.
Are professional Take Home Kits better than store-bought whitening kits?
Professionally provided kits offer dental supervision and may include trays designed to fit your teeth more closely. Store-bought products generally use standardized trays and are not monitored by a dentist. The Canadian Dental Association notes that dentist-supervised whitening also allows side effects such as sensitivity to be identified and managed appropriately.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Temporary tooth sensitivity can occur during or after whitening treatment. The likelihood and intensity vary between patients and can depend on the whitening method and the condition of your teeth. Your dentist can assess existing sensitivity before treatment and provide guidance if discomfort develops while using in-house whitening or a Take Home Kit.
Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening treatments are intended to lighten natural tooth structure and generally do not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or other dental restorations. If visible restorations are present, your dentist can explain how whitening may affect the overall colour balance of your smile before treatment begins.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover teeth whitening?
No. Teeth whitening is considered cosmetic treatment and is specifically listed as an exclusion under the current Canadian Dental Care Plan. Patients interested in whitening should expect to pay for the treatment separately. Deer Lake Dental can explain available treatment options and expected costs before you proceed.

Cosmetic Dentistry