FAQ

At Inspire Dental Group I Port Moody, we offer a full range of General and Preventative Dentistry, and also implants, smile design make-overs, invisalign and orthodontics. Please see the services section for more detailed information.

Absolutely. Invisalign is another option, involving clear aligners changed every two weeks to align the teeth. Please contact us or speak to one of our team members to see if you are a good candidate.

The two main methods for bleaching that we offer are in-office bleaching and a custom tray system.

• With in office bleaching the gums are isolated and the bleaching gel is applied to the teeth by the dental professionals.
• With tray bleaching, custom fit trays are made for your teeth. The trays are worn at home for 15-30min/day for up to two weeks.

For best results, we usually do a combination of in-office and tray bleaching. Please note that custom trays designed by the dental office will fit better and will consequently expel far less bleaching gel than the unsupervised, over-the-counter, one-size-fits-all treatment alternatives.

Any tooth whitening treatment can erode or damage the enamel on your teeth if you use them improperly or too often. More common is the harm to the gums if the bleach contacts the surface of the gums, which is fairly common with many over the counter whitening strips. As long as the whitening treatments are used sparingly and correctly they can be safe. It is recommended to get your teeth examined first by a dentist before undergoing any whitening method to ensure you are a good candidate. Concerns may include gum recession, cavities, cracks in the enamel, worn teeth, which can all lead to increased sensitivity. Speak with your Inspire Dental Group dentist as in-office solutions can better isolate tooth surfaces, avoiding the gums and sensitive teeth areas causing less irritation.

Teeth whitening is not a permanent procedure. The normal range is between 6 months and 2 years, depending on your personal habits. With proper maintenance, your teeth will always be lighter once you whiten them, with some “fade-back” over time. If you smoke, drink tea, coffee, or red wine, your teeth will stain faster therefore requiring more frequent touch ups. In most cases, the whitening procedure is very effective and the patient is pleased with the results. For the fastest and longest lasting results, we recommend a combination of in-office and home whitening.

You can help your teeth remain white by brushing twice a day, flossing (or using a waterpik) daily, and seeing your dentist at Inspire Dental for regular professional cleanings.

Absolutely! Digital x-rays have up to 80% less radiation compared to traditional x-rays. The image can be seen on our computer screens or TVs within seconds. This enables our Inspire dentists to zoom in on the image for better assessment, and also allows for better patient education.

Implants are regarded as the best way to replace a missing tooth or teeth, as they look and feel natural. The jawbone and neighbouring can be preserved with dental implants. They are used to replace the root portion of missing teeth.

While whitening toothpastes can make your teeth appear a little lighter by getting rid of surface staining (as they contain mild abrasives), they do not actually bleach your teeth.