Teaming up with your dentist is the best way to get the whitening results you want. Your dentist knows your oral health and can make recommendations that will allow you to get the best results in a time frame that works for you. Your dentist can also help you understand how the whitening process works, monitor your progress, and treat any sensitivity issues that may arise.

Everyone responds differently to whitening treatments and everyone will whiten at different rates. Some stains are easier to treat than others. Teeth that are yellow or brown are easier to whiten than teeth that are gray/blue. Younger patients typically whiten more quickly than older patients, but every patient is different.

When whitening, keep in mind that your smile looks most natural when the colour of your teeth matches the whites of your eyes. Some people want a Hollywood white smile, but that is not a natural colour for teeth and few people can actually reach that colour of white. Consider consulting with your dentist to help determine the perfect shade of white for you.

Teeth whitening is a safe, comfortable way to get a bright, white smile. Results and treatment time may vary depending on the level of staining and whiteness desired. Crowns, bridges, fillings, and veneers will not whiten.

Teeth whitening results are very stable and typically last about 9 months to 2 years, leaving you with a stunning smile long after treatment is over. However, there are a few factors that can make teeth lose their luster. Things like genetics, diet (e.g. coffee and tea), age, some medications (e.g. tetracycline), and certain habits (e.g. smoking) may affect the length of your whitening results. Fortunately, touch-up treatments are quick and easy, helping you get that bright, white smile back.

Tooth sensitivity is a relatively common side effect of teeth whitening. If sensitivity occurs, it is often temporary and will go away once you have completed the whitening process. Desensitising products are available to reduce and treat sensitivity.

Many professionally applied whitening treatments use a light or a laser during the whitening process. You have probably seen commercials for these kinds of teeth whiteners. Or maybe you've even seen kiosks in the mall where they'll use a light to whiten your teeth. Are these lights and lasers really effective, though? The answer is no. Current research shows that hydrogen peroxide alone is effective in whitening teeth, and that light activation adds no additional benefit.

Pregnant women, those with gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots should not whiten their teeth.

People whiten their teeth for many reasons. You can bring back some of that youthful appearance with a whiter, brighter smile. Do you have a wedding or important day coming up? A whiter smile can help brighten up special occasions. Some people whiten their teeth before a job interview to get that extra boost of confidence that comes with making a great first impression.

According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, “close to one in two (48%) people believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone—more so than the first thing a person says (25%).” That same survey also found that “more than a third of respondents view people with a flawed smile to be less attractive (37%) and less confident (25%) than those with perfect teeth.” Smiles make a lasting impression and a bright, white, beautiful smile won’t be forgotten. People seem to agree—nothing beats a beautiful smile!