Teeth Whitening at Forest Hill

Types of Teeth Whitening

There are two types of professional whitening services offered by our surgery, at-home and in-chair bleaching.

In-office whitening is best suited for people with healthy teeth and gums. We conduct a thorough oral health examination for underlying conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease, as the concentrated bleaching gel could cause you significant pain. We need to address it before we perform in-office whitening. It should be noted that not all discoloration can be treated with in-office teeth whitening. Deep, “intrinsic” stains might need  more cosmetic treatment like dental veneers.

At-home whitening

At-home whitening will not be provided to anyone who does not first pass a basic oral health screening. For the best results, any home whitening should be administered after a thorough prophylactic in-office dental cleaning. If you are considering professional teeth whitening, it is important to know that there are some risks involved. The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity, which usually goes away within a few weeks. Some people may also experience temporary gum irritation. We apply fluoride varnish and low dosages of laser to make it more comfortable if you have experienced sensitivity post- bleaching in the past.

If you are interested in teeth whitening, consider speaking to us about the options at your disposal. This can help you determine whether an in-office or at-home solution better suited to your needs.

Overall, professional teeth whitening is safe and effective. However, it is important to talk to us  first to make sure it is the right choice for you. Contact our surgery if you want to schedule an appointment.