How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional whitening uses a bleaching process that lifts stains from the surface of the teeth using oxygen. The bleaching gel breaks down the compounds responsible for discolouration, gradually revealing a lighter, brighter shade beneath.
At our Headon office, we offer two professional whitening options: custom take-home whitening trays and in-office whitening. We will walk you through both at your appointment and recommend the approach that best suits your goals and timeline.
Even, Consistent Results
Because take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays made specifically for your teeth, the bleaching gel reaches all surfaces evenly throughout the treatment period. The result is a uniform improvement in shade rather than the patchy or inconsistent lightening that can come from one-size-fits-all store-bought products.
A Safer Approach to a Brighter Smile
Whitening toothpastes rely on abrasives to remove surface staining, which can wear down enamel with daily use over time. Professional bleaching works through a chemical process that lifts stains without abrading the tooth surface. Sensitivity during treatment is normal and temporary for most patients, and we will advise you on how to manage it comfortably.
Results Worth Maintaining
One of the practical advantages of take-home whitening is that your custom trays and professional gel are yours to keep after treatment. When you notice your shade beginning to fade, a brief touch-up course using the same trays brings your results back without needing a full new treatment. Over time, this makes professional whitening a cost-effective way to maintain a consistently brighter smile.
Understanding Teeth Stains
Teeth stain gradually and for a variety of reasons. Knowing what drives discolouration helps set realistic expectations before treatment begins. Common contributors include:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine, which contain deeply pigmented compounds that bond to enamel over time
- Tobacco use, which produces stubborn surface staining that responds well to professional bleaching
- Strongly pigmented foods such as berries, tomato-based sauces, and curries
- Natural aging, as the outer enamel gradually thins and the naturally yellower inner layer of the tooth becomes more visible
- Existing dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, or bonding, which do not respond to bleaching agents the way natural enamel does and may affect the uniformity of your result
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Options
The active ingredients, concentration levels, and delivery method make a significant difference in what whitening can achieve.
- Professional bleaching agents work at concentrations that over-the-counter products cannot legally match, which is why the results are more noticeable and longer lasting
- Custom trays hold the gel in consistent contact with every surface of the tooth throughout the treatment period, something strip-based products cannot reliably replicate
- Treatment is supervised by your dental team, so any questions or concerns that arise during the two-week course are addressed promptly
- Whitening toothpastes work through abrasion rather than bleaching, removing only surface debris rather than lifting stains from within the enamel
We've got you covered
We work with all providers and follow Ontario's fee guide at both locations, so there are never any surprise costs. Give us a call or book online and we'll happily sort out the details with you.
What to Expect During Your Whitening Visit
Assessment and Shade Matching
Your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums and confirm you are a suitable candidate for whitening. We record your current tooth shade as a baseline so the improvement in your results is clearly visible once treatment is complete. If your teeth would benefit from a cleaning first, we can schedule that ahead of your whitening to ensure the best possible outcome.
Custom Tray Fabrication
We take impressions of your teeth and have a set of custom-fitted whitening trays made to your exact specifications. The precise fit ensures the bleaching gel stays in consistent contact with your teeth throughout wear and minimizes contact with the gum tissue.
Whitening at Home
You wear your trays with professional-grade bleaching gel for a prescribed amount of time each day over a two-week period. We provide clear instructions on application, wear time, and what to expect so you feel confident managing the process at home. Any questions that come up along the way are a phone call away.
Your Final Result
At the end of the two-week course, you will have a noticeably brighter smile. Your custom trays and remaining gel are yours to keep for touch-ups as needed. We will advise you on a maintenance schedule that keeps your results looking their best over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do whitening results last?
Is professional whitening safe?
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers, or bonding?
Is teeth whitening painful?
What is the difference between take-home and in-office whitening?
Why do you recommend take-home whitening over in-office whitening?
How often can I whiten my teeth?
Do I need a checkup before whitening?
Can whitening remove all types of staining?
How do I maintain my results?
We would love to meet you
Whether you're looking for a new dental home, coming back after a while away, or just finally ready to book that appointment, we're here, and we'd love to welcome you. New patients are always welcome at both locations. Book online or give us a call, we'll take great care of you.