Our teeth naturally stain and change colour as we get older. At Seycove Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening services to help restore the smiles of patients in North Vancouver.
Whiter Teeth, Brighter Smile
Professional whitening services can be an effective and safe method of removing stains from the surface of your smile and lightening the colour of your teeth, sometimes in just one treatment.
Discoloured teeth are often associated with poor hygiene, but discolouration can also occur due to age and the frailty of the teeth that can be caused by a variety of things.
Teeth whitening works by treating the teeth with a hydrogen peroxide gel and then activating the gel to release oxygen ions. These oxygen ions flood your teeth and break down interior and exterior staining to achieve a bright look. This bleaching process can be incredibly effective and extremely safe with little to no discomfort.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
We offer in-office teeth whitening services at our North Vancouver dental clinic, using a concentrated solution that is able to whiten your teeth in one or two appointments. This can be a helpful option for when you have a special event coming up, or if you would like your whitening treatment to proceed quickly.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
We also offer at-home whitening treatments which are designed for ease of use and are able to brighten your smile in a matter of days or weeks. We create custom-made whitening trays so you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home. All you have to do is place the whitening gel inside the trays and place the trays in your mouth.
Teeth Whitening FAQS
Read our most frequently asked questions about in-office and at-home teeth whitening options available at Seycove Dental.
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What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular procedure done to brighten your smile. First, speak with your dentist to see if whitening is a good option for you.
Depending on the type of discoloration that is present on your teeth, whitening may or may not be effective.
Common reasons for teeth discoloration result from using tobacco, staining from food or drinks, and poor oral hygiene. Tooth whitening is most effective on surface stains. Although whitening is helpful for the appearance of teeth, it is not permanent and stains may recur over time.
There are many types of whitening that can be done and the most common type is a gel-solution that can be applied directly to the surface of the teeth. This type of whitening can be done at a dental office or at home.
At a dental office, the dentist will put a whitening agent on the teeth that is activated by a light or laser. For whitening at home, the dentist may recommend that you wear a whitening tray containing the whitening agent for several hours a day till you reach the shade you desire. Whitening toothpaste may also be purchased to help remove staining on the enamel.
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What are the benefits of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening brightens your smile which many people find boosts their self-confidence and gives them a healthier, happier and younger appearance. This can go a long way in improving your overall appearance and can sometimes be achieved in just one treatment.
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How is professional teeth whitening performed?
Our office currently offers two different types of professional whitening services: in-office and custom-made trays.
In-office. These procedures start by covering up vulnerable areas inside the mouth, including the lips and gums, to prevent exposure from the peroxide. Then, we apply a high-concentrate hydrogen peroxide gel directly to the teeth and activate it. You will rest comfortably for a short time until the gel does its work. Then we remove the coverings and rinse the gel away.Custom-made trays. We will take a custom mold of your teeth to make clear trays that you take home, along with a whitening gel. These trays will help minimize the risk of whitening gel affecting your gums or mouth and you can whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home. All you have to do is place the whitening gel inside the trays and place the trays in your mouth.
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How do I whiten my teeth at home?
If you’re looking for a teeth whitening remedy without coming to the dentist, there are a few simple things you can try at home like brushing with baking soda or using hydrogen peroxide to brush or rinse with on an occasional basis.
1. Cut the peroxide in half so you are using a 1.5% solution and not a 3% solution, which is common for over-the-counter.
2. Use apple cider vinegar as a brushing or rinsing agent.
3. Eat more fruits and vegetables as they are good for your body and your teeth.
3. Limit your consumption of foods that stain your teeth such as soda, coffee and red wine.
4. Limit your sugar intake and always remember to brush and floss twice a day—it’s still a powerful tool.
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Does teeth whitening work?
You may see results with a significant change in tooth colour over a period of time.
Occasionally, the effects of the whitening may be minimal if teeth are seriously stained. In these instances, an alternative treatment to consider may be dental crowns or veneers.
