What Professional Teeth Whitening Is
Professional whitening uses dentist-grade peroxide gels to lift stains from the surface of your teeth and from within the enamel. Because it is supervised by a dental team and tailored to your mouth, it is more controlled and typically more effective than most over-the-counter products. Whitening cannot change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers, so your dentist will check your teeth first.
Why Teeth Change Colour
- Coffee, tea and wine consumption.
- Use of tobacco products.
- The natural aging process.
Our Whitening Options
- In-office whitening: visibly brighter teeth in one appointment, ideal if you want faster results.
- Custom take-home trays: trays made to fit your teeth, used at home for gradual brightening and ongoing maintenance.
We use desensitizing agents to help minimize sensitivity. Your dentist will recommend the option that suits your teeth, your goals and your schedule.
Who Is a Good Candidate
Whitening works well for most adults with healthy teeth and gums. If you have cavities, gum disease or very sensitive teeth, your dentist may recommend treating those first. Whitening is not suitable for everyone, and results vary depending on the type and cause of staining.
Current Whitening Offer
A free teeth whitening kit is currently available with adult check-ups and cleanings. Ask our front desk for details and eligibility. You can read more about the offer on our free teeth whitening page.
How Whitening Works
- Exam: we check your teeth and gums to make sure whitening is a good option.
- Shade check: we note your current shade so you can see your progress.
- Treatment: for in-office whitening, your gums are protected and the whitening gel is applied. For take-home whitening, we make custom trays and show you how to use them.
- Aftercare: we give you instructions to protect your results and manage any sensitivity.
Before Your Visit
- Have a checkup and cleaning first if you are due, since a clean surface helps whitening work evenly.
- Tell us if your teeth are sensitive.
- Let us know about any crowns, veneers or fillings in your front teeth, since they will not change colour.
- Brush and floss before your appointment.
After Your Treatment
- Avoid coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco for a day or two after whitening so stains do not return quickly.
- Mild sensitivity is common and usually settles in a day or two. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth may help.
- Follow the instructions in our teeth whitening instructions page and the directions for your trays.
- Brush twice a day, floss daily and keep regular cleanings to maintain your results.
- Call the clinic if sensitivity is severe, your gums are very irritated, or you have swelling, fever, lasting pain or bleeding.
Cost, Insurance and Direct Billing
Whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is often not covered by insurance, though your plan may differ. Our fees run 5% below the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and you will receive a written cost estimate before treatment begins. Financing options and payment plans are available.
Why Choose Allard Station Dental for Whitening
- Professional in-office and take-home options.
- Care taken to minimize sensitivity.
- A current whitening offer for adult check-up and cleaning patients.
- Open seven days a week, with evening hours on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
When done under the guidance of a dental team and suited to your teeth, professional whitening is considered safe. Some temporary sensitivity is common.
How long do whitening results last?
Results vary depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can darken teeth again over time. Take-home trays are useful for occasional touch-ups.
Does whitening hurt?
It should not hurt, but some people feel temporary sensitivity. We use desensitizing agents to help, and we can adjust the plan if you are sensitive.
What is the difference between in-office and take-home whitening?
In-office whitening gives visible results in a single visit. Take-home trays brighten teeth gradually and are good for maintenance. Your dentist can help you choose.
Will whitening work on my crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening only changes the colour of natural tooth enamel, not crowns, veneers or fillings.
Is whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Professional whitening uses stronger gels and custom-fitted application, so it is typically more effective and more controlled than most store-bought products.