Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home teeth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since teeth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Reasons for teeth whitening:

Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development).
Normal wear of outer tooth layer.
Stained teeth due to medications (tetracycline, etc.).
Yellow, brown stained teeth.

What does teeth whitening involve?

This type of teeth whitening usually requires two visits. At the first appointment, impressions (molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom, clear, plastic, trays.

At your second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. The trays are worn with special whitening solution either twice a day for 30 minutes or overnight for a couple of weeks depending on the degree of staining and desired level of whitening. It is normal to experience tooth sensitivity during the time you are whitening your teeth, but it will subside shortly after you have stopped bleaching.

You will receive care instructions for your teeth and trays, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy, white smile.

Professional whitening vs. drugstore kits

Over-the-counter strips and kits use a low concentration of whitening gel in a one-size-fits-all format, so results are modest and the gel often leaks onto the gums. Dentist-supervised whitening uses a stronger, dentist-prescribed gel in trays moulded to your teeth, which keeps the gel where it belongs and gives a more even, noticeably brighter result. Just as important, we check your teeth first: whitening over an untreated cavity or inflamed gums can be painful, and whitening will not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, which is something you want to know before you start.

Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Most adults with healthy teeth and gums and natural-tooth staining (coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, age) are good candidates. We recommend waiting or choosing another option if:

You have untreated cavities or gum disease (we treat those first)
Your front teeth have crowns, veneers or large fillings that would no longer match after whitening
You are pregnant or breastfeeding (whitening is routinely postponed as a precaution)
You are a teenager whose adult teeth are still coming in
Your staining is grey or banded from tetracycline or fluorosis, which may respond better to veneers

Managing sensitivity

Temporary sensitivity to cold is the most common side effect and usually fades within a day or two of finishing. We help you keep it manageable by adjusting how long and how often you wear the trays, recommending a desensitizing toothpaste for a week or two before you start, and, if needed, providing a desensitizing gel to use in the same trays.

How long whitening lasts

Results typically last a year or more, longer if you limit staining drinks and do not smoke. Because you keep your custom trays, a touch-up is as simple as buying a refill of gel and wearing the trays for a few nights, rather than starting over.

Teeth whitening cost in Kitchener

Whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan, so you pay the full fee. We will quote the exact cost at your consultation. The fee includes the custom trays, which you reuse for future touch-ups, and the initial supply of whitening gel.

Teeth whitening FAQs

Does whitening damage enamel?

No. Dentist-supervised whitening gels have been used for decades and do not weaken or thin enamel when used as directed. Temporary sensitivity is the only common side effect.

How white will my teeth get?

Most patients see a change of several shades. Yellow staining responds best; grey or banded discolouration lightens less predictably, which we will tell you at your consultation.

Does whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?

No. Only natural enamel changes colour. If you have visible restorations, we may suggest whitening first and then replacing those restorations to match your new shade.

How often can I whiten?

After the initial course, a short touch-up every six to twelve months is typical. Whitening more often than needed mainly increases sensitivity without extra benefit.

Can I whiten before an event such as a wedding?

Yes. Allow about three weeks: one visit for the scan or impressions, a second to fit the trays, then roughly two weeks of wearing them at home.

How do I book?

Call (519) 744-6533 or request an appointment online. If you are not yet a patient, we will schedule a quick exam first to confirm your teeth are ready for whitening.