Teeth Whitening
in Calgary
Safe, professional whitening that lifts years of stains and gives you a brighter, more confident smile.
About Professional Teeth Whitening
A brighter smile is one of the simplest and most popular cosmetic improvements. Professional teeth whitening is supervised by your dentist, so it is more effective and safer for your gums than most over-the-counter products.
If you want professional teeth whitening in SW Calgary, West 17th Avenue Dental Care offers whitening as part of our cosmetic dentistry services. Most patients gain 4 to 8 shades, and new patients also receive a complimentary whitening kit.
What Causes Tooth Stains?
- Coffee, tea, red wine and dark sauces.
- Smoking and tobacco.
- Ageing, as enamel thins and the yellowish layer underneath shows through.
- Some medications.
- Plaque and tartar buildup, which a professional cleaning can remove.
Yellow stains respond best to whitening. Grey stains and stains from certain medications, such as tetracycline, respond less predictably. Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or tooth-coloured fillings, so your dentist will check your teeth first. If whitening is not enough, Porcelain Veneers are another option.
Our Whitening Options
We offer professional whitening in the office and a take-home option. Your dentist will recommend the one that suits your teeth, your schedule and your budget.
- In-office whitening: a professional-strength gel is applied to your teeth by your dental team, with your gums protected, for fast results in a single visit.
- Take-home whitening: we make custom trays from impressions of your teeth. You fill the trays with professional-strength gel and wear them for about 1 to 2 hours a day for 1 to 2 weeks.
The custom trays can be kept and used for touch-ups whenever your smile needs a boost.
Before You Whiten Your Teeth
- Book an exam first. Your dentist checks for cavities, gum disease and worn enamel, which should be treated before whitening.
- Have a professional cleaning beforehand, since whitening works best on clean teeth. See Teeth Cleanings.
- Tell us if your teeth are sensitive, if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have crowns, veneers or fillings in the front of your mouth.
- If you plan to have veneers, bonding or crowns, whiten first so everything matches.
- Use a gentle toothpaste for sensitive teeth in the days before treatment if your teeth are prone to sensitivity.
Professional Whitening vs Whitening Strips
- Strength: professional gels are stronger than store-bought products.
- Fit: custom trays and professional application cover your teeth evenly, where strips can miss the edges and gaps.
- Speed: in-office whitening gives dramatic results in a single visit, while strips take days or weeks.
- Safety: your dentist checks your teeth first and monitors the treatment.
Whitening for Sensitive Teeth
Some people notice temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. Tell your dentist if your teeth are sensitive, and we will recommend the best approach. We can adjust the treatment and suggest products that reduce sensitivity. A dental exam first also makes sure cavities or exposed roots are treated before whitening begins.
Aftercare and Keeping Your Smile Bright
- For the first 24 to 48 hours, the tiny pores in your enamel are temporarily open, so avoid strongly pigmented foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce and berries.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco.
- If your teeth feel sensitive, use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and avoid very hot or cold food and drinks for a day or two.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine.
- Keep up with professional cleanings to remove new surface stains.
- Use your custom trays for touch-ups when your teeth begin to darken.
- If you want to refresh more than the colour, ask about a Smile Makeover.
Why Choose West 17th Avenue Dental Care
- Free cosmetic consultations.
- More than 30 years serving Calgary families, with a clinic on 17th Avenue SW.
- A 4.9 Google rating from more than 200 reviews.
- A multilingual team that speaks English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
- Direct billing to most major insurance plans and 0% interest financing available.
- Open six days a week, with a free parking lot north of the building, accessible from 15th Street SW.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the option you choose. Whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment, so insurance coverage is often limited. New patients receive a complimentary whitening kit. We also offer 0% interest financing. You can read more in our Financial Options section or call (403) 244-1124.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes. When it is supervised by a dentist, whitening is a safe and well-established treatment. We examine your teeth and gums first and give you clear instructions for using the treatment safely.
How white will my teeth get?
Most patients gain 4 to 8 shades. Yellow stains respond best, while grey stains respond less predictably. Whitening does not change crowns, veneers or fillings, and your dentist will tell you what to expect.
How long do whitening results last?
Results vary from person to person. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can darken teeth again over time, and you can use your custom trays for touch-ups to keep your results.
Can I whiten my teeth if they are sensitive?
Often yes. Tell us about your sensitivity at your exam and we will recommend the best approach and products to keep you comfortable.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the option you choose. Call (403) 244-1124 for a quote. New patients receive a complimentary whitening kit, and 0% interest financing is available.
Book Your Appointment
Ready for a Healthier Smile? New patients welcome, direct billing and 0% financing available. Call us at (403) 244-1124 or book online.