Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco use and natural aging can gradually change the colour of your teeth. Although whitening toothpastes and store-bought kits may help reduce some surface stains, they do not always provide the noticeable or even results patients hope to achieve.
Professional teeth whitening offers a dentist-supervised way to brighten your smile. At Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre, we offer Zoom! Whitening for patients who want to improve the appearance of stained or discoloured natural teeth.
However, whitening is not appropriate for every patient or every type of discolouration. Before recommending treatment, our dental team evaluates your oral health, existing dental work, sensitivity and desired results.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions patients ask about professional teeth whitening in Winnipeg.
What Is Zoom! Teeth Whitening?
Zoom! Whitening is a professional teeth-whitening treatment performed in a dental clinic. It uses a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel to help reduce the appearance of certain stains on natural teeth.
Before treatment begins, the gums, lips and surrounding soft tissues are carefully protected. The whitening gel is then applied in supervised stages while the dental team monitors your comfort and progress.
One of the main differences between professional whitening and many store-bought products is that treatment begins with a dental assessment. This allows your dentist to identify any oral health concerns, evaluate the type of staining and explain what results may be realistic for your smile.
Am I a Good Candidate for Professional Teeth Whitening?
You may be a candidate for professional teeth whitening if you have healthy teeth and gums, visible staining on your natural teeth and realistic expectations about the outcome.
During a whitening consultation, your dentist may consider:
- Your current oral health
- The cause of your tooth discolouration
- Your starting tooth shade
- Your history of tooth sensitivity
- Existing crowns, veneers or fillings
- Previous whitening treatments
- Your desired result
Whitening may need to be delayed if you have untreated cavities, gum inflammation, cracked teeth or another dental concern. Addressing these issues first can help protect your comfort and oral health.
If whitening is unlikely to provide the change you want, your dentist can explain whether another cosmetic or restorative treatment may be more appropriate.
Does Teeth Whitening Work on Crowns, Veneers or Fillings?
Professional whitening products are designed to lighten natural tooth structure. They do not change the colour of dental restorations, including:
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Tooth-coloured fillings
- Dental bonding
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implant restorations
This is especially important when restorations are visible near the front of your smile. Your natural teeth may become lighter while nearby crowns, veneers or fillings remain their original shade.
Before treatment, your dentist can assess your existing dental work and explain whether whitening may create a noticeable colour difference.
How Long Do Teeth-Whitening Results Last?
Professional teeth-whitening results are not permanent.
While many patients enjoy a brighter smile for several months to a year or more, results vary depending on factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco use, your diet, oral hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings.
Some patients maintain their results longer than others, and occasional touch-up treatment may be recommended based on your habits and whitening goals.
What Happens During a Zoom! Whitening Appointment?
Your appointment begins with an assessment of your teeth, gums, whitening goals and tooth sensitivity.
During treatment:
- Your gums and lips are protected to help prevent irritation from the whitening gel.
- A hydrogen peroxide-based gel is applied to your natural teeth.
- An LED blue light may be used to support the whitening process, depending on the system and treatment plan.
- The treatment is completed in supervised stages while the dental team monitors your comfort and results.
The exact appointment length can vary. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity afterward, especially to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Request a Teeth-Whitening Consultation in Winnipeg
Are you interested in a brighter smile but unsure whether professional whitening is right for you?
Request your appointment at Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre to discuss your concerns, desired results and oral health. Our dental team can explain whether Zoom! Whitening or another cosmetic option may be appropriate for your smile.