Teeth Whitening in North York

About teeth whitening

Whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to break down the stain molecules that build up inside your enamel. Store-bought strips use a low strength and one-size shapes. At our clinic, whitening is done in the office, where your dentist can use a stronger gel because your mouth is checked first and your gums are protected while the gel works.

Before any whitening, we look for things that could cause trouble, such as cavities, worn spots near the gum line or gum inflammation. Whitening gel on an open cavity can be very uncomfortable, so those problems are treated first. A cleaning before whitening also removes surface stain and tartar, which helps the gel reach your enamel evenly.

Whitening works on natural teeth only. Tooth-coloured fillings, crowns, bonding and veneers keep the shade they were made in. If you have visible dental work in your smile, your dentist may suggest whitening first and then matching any new work to your brighter shade. Deep grey stains from certain medicines or an injured tooth often respond less well, and your dentist will tell you honestly what to expect.

Who whitening can help

• You drink coffee, tea or red wine most days
• Your teeth have yellowed slowly over the years
• You have stains from past smoking
• You are planning new crowns or veneers and want a lighter base shade first
• Your teeth are healthy but look darker than you would like in photos

Benefits

• Lightens many common food, drink and age-related stains
• Done in the office, with your gums protected throughout
• Your dentist checks for cavities and gum problems first
• No drilling or removal of tooth structure

What to expect

1. Exam and shade checkYour dentist looks at your teeth and gums and records your starting shade so you can compare later.
2. Treat any problems firstCavities, leaky fillings or gum inflammation are looked after before whitening begins.
3. Protect your gumsA protective barrier is placed along your gums, and your lips and cheeks are held back so the gel touches only your teeth.
4. Apply the gelYour dentist paints on the whitening gel and leaves it for set periods, refreshing it during the session while you rest in the chair.
5. Review your shadeWe compare your new shade with your starting one and talk about keeping it up.

Aftercare

• For the first 48 hours, go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, curry and other strongly coloured foods.
• If your teeth feel sensitive, a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help; tell us if it lasts more than a few days.
• Keep your regular cleanings, since surface stain builds up again over time.
• If you want a brighter shade later, ask your dentist about another in-office session rather than reaching for stronger store-bought products.

Other options

If whitening will not reach the shade you want, or a single tooth is much darker than the rest, your dentist may talk with you about dental bonding or porcelain veneers. These cover the front of the tooth rather than lightening it from within.

Cost and coverage

Because whitening is cosmetic, most insurance plans do not pay for it, and CDCP is aimed at oral health care rather than cosmetic treatment. The fee depends on how many in-office sessions your dentist recommends, and the ODA suggested fee guide is usually used as a reference. We will give you a clear estimate before you start, and payment plans through LendCare may help spread out the cost.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Teeth Whitening near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.