Teeth Whitening in Aurora

What it is

Teeth whitening uses a gel that contains a peroxide, a bleaching agent. The gel passes into the enamel and breaks up stain molecules, so the tooth looks lighter. It works on natural tooth structure only. It does not change the colour of fillings, crowns, bonding or veneers.

Our clinic offers two ways to whiten. In-office whitening is done in one appointment: we protect your gums, apply a stronger gel and watch your teeth closely as it works. Custom take-home whitening uses trays made to fit your teeth and a milder gel that you wear for a set time each day, usually over a couple of weeks. Some people use both, starting in the office and keeping up with trays.

Not every stain responds the same way. Yellow stains from coffee, tea and aging usually lighten well. Grey stains, a single tooth darkened after an injury, or marks from certain medicines or too much fluoride may lighten unevenly or need other care, such as bonding or veneers. That is why your dentist checks the cause of the colour before suggesting whitening.

Is it right for me?

• Your teeth have yellowed from coffee, tea, red wine or age.
• Your teeth and gums are healthy, with no untreated cavities.
• Your front teeth have few or no fillings or crowns, or you plan to replace them afterwards.
• You are an adult or older teen.
• You are not pregnant.
• You want a lighter shade without changing the shape of your teeth.

Step by step

1. Checkup and shadeWe check for cavities, worn enamel and gum problems and record your starting shade. Any treatment needed comes first.
2. Cleaning if neededSurface stain and tartar are removed so the gel can reach the enamel evenly.
3. Choose your methodWe talk through in-office whitening, take-home trays or both, based on your timeline, sensitivity and goals.
4. In-office sessionYour lips and gums are covered with a protective barrier, the gel is applied in timed rounds, and we compare your shade at the end.
5. Take-home traysCustom trays are made from records of your teeth. We show you how much gel to use and how long to wear them each day.
6. Shade check and touch-upsWe check the result and agree on a touch-up plan, so you do not overuse the gel.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Whitening is a cosmetic service, so most private plans, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP do not pay for it. The fee depends mostly on which method you pick: an in-office session, custom trays and gel, or a mix of both. If your checkup shows a cavity or gum problem, that care comes first, and it may be covered, so we check your benefits and bill your insurer directly for those parts. Our team uses the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as a reference for related treatment, and you can ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. Before we begin, you get a written estimate that lists the whitening and any needed care separately.

What shapes your estimate

• In-office whitening, take-home trays, or both
• Whether a cleaning or fillings are needed first
• How many top and bottom teeth show when you smile
• Extra gel for future touch-ups
• Any plan to replace fillings or crowns to match afterwards

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• For the first day or two, go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, curry and tobacco.
• Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if your teeth feel tender.
• Follow the wear time we give you, and never use more gel than shown.
• Stop and call us if sensitivity or gum irritation does not settle.
• Keep your trays in their case and bring them to checkups.

Questions