Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Brighten years of coffee, wine, and tea staining with professional-grade whitening that actually works — without the gum sensitivity and uneven results of drugstore strips.
Why it matters
Benefits
- Dramatic results in a single visit (in-office) or 1–2 weeks at home (custom trays).
- Custom-fit trays prevent gum irritation that strips often cause.
- Stronger, dentist-only whitening gel — not the diluted version sold over the counter.
- Safe for enamel when done correctly with a professional.
- Maintenance touch-ups easy with the trays you already have.
What to expect
The process
- 01
Shade assessment and consultation
We check your current shade, look for any spots that may not whiten evenly (existing crowns or fillings won't change colour), and recommend the right approach.
- 02
Quick cleaning
Whitening works best on a clean surface. A quick polish removes any plaque or surface staining so the gel can reach the enamel.
- 03
In-office or take-home
Choose a one-visit in-office treatment for fast results, or custom take-home trays for a gradual whitening you control over 1–2 weeks.
- 04
Maintenance
We keep your trays on file. A short touch-up every 6–12 months keeps your shade bright.
Why professional whitening works better than the store-bought version
Drugstore strips and one-size whitening gels can give you a result — and they can also give you patchy whitening, sore gums, and a fortune spent on something that doesn’t deliver. Professional whitening is different in three ways:
- Stronger gel. Dentist-only formulations contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide than anything sold over the counter, which is why a single visit can match weeks of strip use.
- Custom-fit trays. A tray moulded to your teeth holds the gel exactly where it needs to be — on the enamel, not on your gums. This is what makes the difference between a comfortable treatment and one with painful gum burns.
- Done with a plan. We check for spots that won’t whiten evenly (old fillings, crowns, dark internal stains) before we start, so the result is what you actually wanted.
In-office vs. take-home — which is right for you?
In-office whitening is the right call if you want a noticeable change for an event, or if you don’t want to manage trays at home. One visit, about 60–90 minutes, and you walk out several shades brighter.
Custom take-home trays are the right call if you want full control over the level of whitening, or if you’d prefer a gradual change. Trays are yours to keep, which makes future touch-ups easy and inexpensive.
Many patients combine both: an in-office boost followed by trays for maintenance.
Book a consultation or call 403-271-2221 to talk through which is right for you.
FAQ
Questions we hear most often
- How white will my teeth get?
- Most patients see 4–8 shades of improvement. Results depend on your starting shade and the type and depth of staining. We give you a realistic before-and-after expectation at your consultation.
- Will whitening damage my enamel?
- No — professional whitening is safe for enamel when done correctly. The risk with whitening is gum irritation if the gel contacts soft tissue, which is exactly what custom-fit trays prevent. Drugstore strips and one-size mouthguards are where most of the horror stories come from.
- Does whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
- No — restorative materials don't change colour. If you have visible crowns or fillings on your front teeth, we plan whitening around them so the final result still matches. In some cases, we whiten first and replace the restorations afterward to match the new shade.
- How long do results last?
- Typically 1–3 years before a noticeable change, depending on your habits. Coffee, red wine, dark tea, and smoking are the big culprits. With take-home trays you can do a short touch-up any time it starts to fade.
- Is there sensitivity?
- Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity for 24–48 hours after treatment. We use a desensitizing protocol to minimize this — much less of an issue with professional gel than with drugstore strips.
- How much does whitening cost?
- In-office whitening and custom take-home trays are both priced clearly up front. We provide a complete written quote at your consultation. Many dental plans cover a portion as a cosmetic treatment.
Ready to talk it through?
Book a consultation.
We'll listen first, then build a plan around your goals and comfort.