Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening brightens your smile by 4 to 8 shades in a single in-office visit, or gradually over 1 to 2 weeks with take-home trays. Our whitening is much stronger than over-the-counter products because it uses a higher-concentration gel and protects your gums from irritation. Most patients see noticeable results immediately.
Safe, professional whitening that actually works.
Drugstore strips and gels work, but slowly. Our professional whitening uses a stronger gel applied directly to your teeth (gums protected with a dental dam), so you get more change in less time. We screen for sensitivity and tailor the treatment to your needs.
Your two whitening options
In-office whitening
One visit, about 60 to 90 minutes. We apply a high-strength gel, activate it with a curing light, and you leave with a smile 4 to 8 shades brighter. Best for patients who want fast results before an event.
Take-home trays
We make custom-fitted trays and provide a gel for daily use over 1 to 2 weeks. Gradual results, easier on sensitive teeth, easier to maintain long-term. Trays last for years, so you can top up at home anytime.
Combination approach
For maximum results, start with one in-office session, then maintain with take-home trays. This combines the speed of in-office with the longevity of at-home maintenance.
When professional whitening is right for you
- ✓Yellowing or staining from coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco
- ✓General darkening from aging
- ✓Drugstore whitening strips have not given the results you want
- ✓You want a brighter smile before a wedding, photoshoot, or event
- ✓You are planning veneers or crowns and want to match them to a whiter shade
- ✓You have healthy teeth and gums (we treat any decay or gum issues first)
What to expect at your whitening visit
- Quick exam. We check for any cavities, gum disease, or sensitivity issues that should be addressed first. Whitening works best on healthy teeth.
- Cleaning (recommended). A professional cleaning right before whitening removes surface stains so the whitening gel can work directly on the enamel.
- Gum protection. We place a dental dam or protective gel around your gums so the whitening gel only touches your teeth.
- Gel application. We apply the whitening gel to your front teeth and activate it with a curing light. The process repeats 2 to 3 times in 15 minute cycles.
- Reveal and aftercare. We rinse, check the result, and send you home with care instructions. Avoid dark food and drink for 24 hours while the enamel rehydrates.
How long do results last?
Results typically last 1 to 3 years depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco shorten the timeline. To maintain results: brush twice a day, use a whitening toothpaste, rinse your mouth with water after staining drinks, and top up at home every 6 to 12 months using your custom trays.
Cost and insurance
Teeth whitening is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance. In-office whitening is the most expensive option (fastest results). Take-home trays cost less and provide ongoing maintenance. Call us at 604-282-3800 for a written quote on your specific case.
Why choose Madison Dental Studio for whitening
Over 20 years of experience, professional-strength gels, sensitivity management, custom-fit take-home trays that last for years, on-site whitening visits 60 to 90 minutes, BCCOHP-registered team, and a multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean).
Teeth whitening FAQ
Does professional whitening damage my teeth?
No, when done correctly. Professional whitening uses concentrations and timing that are safe for enamel. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which usually fades within 24 to 48 hours. We never recommend whitening for patients with significant decay or gum disease until those are treated first.
How white can my teeth get?
Most patients see 4 to 8 shades lighter after professional whitening. Your final shade depends on your starting shade, the type of staining, and how long you stick with the maintenance plan. We will give you a realistic expectation at the consultation.
Will whitening work on crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening only works on natural enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding, and fillings will not change colour. If you have mixed natural teeth and restorations, we whiten the natural teeth first, then we may replace restorations to match the new shade.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?
Whitening temporarily opens microscopic pores in the enamel, which can make teeth more reactive to hot and cold for 24 to 48 hours. Sensitivity toothpaste (Sensodyne) used for a few days before and after whitening helps a lot. We can also adjust the gel strength for sensitive patients.
How long does an in-office whitening visit take?
60 to 90 minutes. The actual gel application time is 45 to 60 minutes (broken into 2 to 3 cycles of 15 minutes each). Add a few minutes for setup, photos, and aftercare review.
Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We recommend waiting. Although there is no strong evidence of harm, the safest approach is to postpone whitening until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cosmetic procedures can wait.
Do drugstore whitening strips work?
Yes, but slowly and with a weaker gel. They are great for very mild stains and short-term touch-ups. For meaningful change (4+ shades), professional whitening is faster and more reliable.
Ready for a brighter smile?
Book a whitening consultation. We will check that your teeth are healthy enough for whitening, recommend the right option (in-office, take-home, or combination), and give you a written quote.