Questions about Tooth Whitening

In Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario

Why can’t I whiten my teeth successfully at home?
The tooth whitening agents used at Willow Dental in Mississauga are much stronger and more efficient than the whitening agents available in over-the-counter products. In addition, the cosmetic dentists at Willow Dental will be sure your lips and gums are protected during the whitening process, reducing the risk of irritation. In a single office visit you can lighten your teeth 7-10 shades, as opposed to the 1-2 shades you are likely to achieve with over-the-counter whiteners.

What is light-activated tooth whitening?
Light-activated tooth whitening is a whitening procedure in which the whitening agent is activated with a special light. Willow Dental offers Zoom! Tooth Whitening, which is a form of light-activated tooth whitening. Your gums are coated with a protective gel before the whitening agent is applied to your teeth. The light is used to activate the agent. After about 20 minutes of exposure, the whitener is removed and the process is repeated. Each whitening session typically takes about an hour and a half, and can produce dramatic results.

What if my teeth do not respond to whitening in the office?
A few people’s teeth do not respond well to in-office whitening, often because their staining is particularly stubborn. In some cases, your teeth may be affected by intrinsic staining, which is a discolouration that affects the interior as well as the exterior of the tooth. At Willow Dental we provide take-home trays for more extensive whitening after your Zoom! Tooth Whitening. If your teeth are discoloured due to intrinsic staining or due to injury, you might require porcelain veneers or crowns to correct the discolouration permanently.

How long will my teeth stay white after a whitening procedure?
In many cases, your teeth will remain white for a long time after in-office tooth whitening at Willow Dental. If you continue to drink large quantities of tea, coffee or wine, or if you continue to smoke heavily, your teeth will become stained again in a shorter amount of time. Even when discolouration returns, a simple touchup procedure might be sufficient to keep your teeth looking white and healthy.

To find out more about tooth whitening in Toronto or Mississauga, Ontario, please contact the experienced tooth whitening specialists at Willow Dental to schedule an appointment or a consultation.