What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
As teens get older, they often become more aware of their appearance, including their smile.
It’s normal for teeth to lose some of their brightness over time, especially with everyday habits like drinking coffee, tea, or sports drinks, or from inconsistent brushing and flossing.
For some teens, this can lead to surface stains or a duller-looking smile. In certain cases, teeth whitening may be an option to help improve the appearance of these stains.
At Forest Hill Children's Dentistry, our team will assess your teen’s oral health and the cause of any discolouration to determine if whitening is appropriate.
If it is, we’ll recommend a take-home option and provide guidance on safe, supervised treatment.
Why Teens Might Consider Teeth Whitening
As teens become more aware of their smile, some may be interested in reducing surface stains for a cleaner-looking appearance.
Feeling good about their smile can also encourage healthy habits, like regular brushing and flossing, which support long-term oral health.
How Teeth Whitening Works
When appropriate, our dentists use a peroxide-based gel in whitening treatments to target surface stains on the teeth.
The process is safe, non-toxic, and applied under professional supervision.
Different shades of white suit different smiles, and your dental team will help determine the most natural option for your teen.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
At our office, we offer take-home teeth whitening. If your teen chooses to whiten their teeth, we'll create custom trays from impressions of their teeth.
When they're ready to whiten, they will place the whitening gel in the trays and wear them as directed. With proper use, this can help reduce surface stains and support a brighter-looking smile while under professional supervision.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening at Forest Hill Children's Dentistry.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, and surface stains can gradually return over time. Drinks like coffee, tea, or sports drinks, as well as certain foods, can affect how long the results last. With regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental care, many teens may only need a touch-up after about a year, but it can vary depending on individual habits.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening.
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Does teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Some teens may experience temporary sensitivity after teeth whitening, but it usually fades within a few days. To help reduce discomfort, we recommend your teen use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth before treatment and for a couple of weeks afterward.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Teeth whitening works best on brown or yellow surface stains. Some types of discolouration, such as stains inside the tooth, may not respond to whitening. If your teen’s teeth have these types of stains, the dentist can discuss other options, like veneers or bonding, that may be more suitable.
- Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
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Will teeth whitening damage my teen's tooth enamel?
When used correctly under the guidance of a dentist, teeth whitening is very unlikely to harm tooth enamel. Make sure your teen follows their dentist’s instructions and let your dentist know if your teen experiences pain, sensitivity, or any discomfort, whether it’s related to whitening or not, so they can provide proper care.