Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening?
1. Does insurance cover the cost of whitening procedures?
No. Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of the tooth whitening procedure.
2. How long do the whitening effects last?
Whitening is not permanent. People who expose their teeth to foods and beverages that cause staining may see the whiteness start to fade in as little as 1 month. Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed.
3. Do teeth whiteners damage tooth enamel?
Studies of whitening products using 16% hydrogen peroxide showed little to no effect on the hardness or mineral content of a tooth's enamel surface.
4. What is the difference between the hydrogen and carbamide peroxide gel?
There is a 3 to 1 relationship between carbamide and hydrogen. This means that 12% hydrogen peroxide is equivalent (in theory) to around 36% carbamide peroxide. Some people prefer carbamide because it is softer on the gums. However, we have found that hydrogen peroxide works much faster than carbamide. We recommend the 16% hydrogen peroxide.
5. Do teeth whiteners damage a tooth's nerve?
There's no evidence to date that the tooth whitening process has a harmful effect on the health of a tooth's nerve. One study reported that at both a 4.5 and 7-year follow up, no individual who used a tooth whitening system needed a root canal procedure on any teeth that had been whitened.
