Key Takeaways
- Professional whitening uses gel applied by the dental team in the office or custom trays you wear at home.
- Surface stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco often respond well to whitening.
- Deep stains from age, medications, or injury may respond less to whitening gel.
- A checkup before whitening can spot cavities or worn fillings first.
- Crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t change colour with whitening gel.
- Many dental plans see whitening as cosmetic, so talk to your dental team about cost.
You notice it in a family photo first. Your smile looks a shade more yellow than you remember, and the whitening strips in your bathroom drawer haven’t made much difference. That’s one reason families in Cranston, Auburn Bay, and across southeast Calgary ask the team at McKenzie Towne Family Dental about professional whitening.
For many people with healthy teeth and surface stains, professional teeth whitening is worth it because the dental team checks your mouth first, protects your gums, and fits the treatment to your needs. It’s one of several choices within the clinic’s cosmetic dentistry services, and the doctor can walk you through whether whitening suits you or another option makes more sense.
How Do Dentists Make Teeth Whiter?
Professional whitening comes in two main forms, and you get to pick the one that fits your life.
With in-office whitening, the dental team applies whitening gel to your teeth while you relax in the chair. Before the gel goes on, the team covers and protects your gums so the gel stays on your teeth.
Custom take-home trays are another choice. The team shapes the trays to fit your teeth, and you wear them with whitening gel at home. This works well if you’d rather whiten on your own schedule, like after the kids are in bed.
Why Teeth Change Colour Over Time
Stains on the Surface
Your morning coffee and evening glass of wine can leave a mark over time. These stains sit on the outer surface of your teeth.
Common causes of surface stains include:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, and berries can leave colour behind.
- Smoking and other tobacco use can stain teeth.
- Plaque, the sticky film on your teeth, can build up between cleanings.
Stains Deep Inside the Tooth
Some colour changes come from inside the tooth. Teeth naturally change as you age, and some medications or a past tooth injury can also affect their colour.
These deep stains may respond less to whitening gel, which is why the doctor looks at what’s causing the colour before suggesting a plan.
Store Kits & Professional Care Compared
Store kits and professional whitening both use gel, but the gel strength can differ. That difference can affect how quickly you see results. Fit matters too. Store strips come in one size for everyone, while custom trays follow the exact shape of your teeth.
Professional care also starts with a checkup. The dental team can spot cavities or worn fillings first, so you know your teeth are ready before you whiten.
Who Can Get Teeth Whitened?
Signs You May Be Ready
Whitening often suits people who match a few of these signs:
- Your teeth and gums looked healthy at a recent checkup.
- You see yellow tones from food, drinks, or age.
- You’d like a brighter smile before a wedding, graduation, or other big event.
When Another Option May Suit You
Crowns, veneers, and fillings won’t change colour with whitening gel. If you have these on your front teeth, the doctor can talk with you about how to keep your smile looking even.
Sensitive teeth or gum concerns are worth treating first, and once your mouth feels comfortable, you can revisit whitening.
For stains that whitening can’t lift, veneers or bonding may be a good fit. Veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that cover the front of a tooth. Bonding means the dentist shapes a tooth-coloured material onto the tooth to cover the stain.
Cost, Results & Upkeep to Expect
Cost & Coverage
The cost of whitening can vary based on the method you choose and your needs. Many dental plans see whitening as cosmetic treatment, so coverage may be limited.
The McKenzie Towne Dental Calgary team can explain your options and payment choices, including in-house payment plans with 0% interest, so you know what to expect with no pressure to move ahead.
Ways to Keep Your Smile Bright
A few simple habits can help your results last longer:
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or wine.
- Keep up with regular cleanings to help manage surface stains.
- Use occasional at-home touch-ups if the dental team suggests them.
If you’re curious about a brighter smile, the team at McKenzie Towne Family Dental is happy to talk it through with you. Book a complimentary smile consultation with a McKenzie Towne dentist, and the doctor can look at your teeth, explain your choices, and help you decide what fits.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, a checkup is a great place to start.