Why does a dentist check your teeth before whitening?
Call (905) 581-2228
Clinic Information
New patients welcome
CDCP patients accepted
Direct insurance billing
Monday-to-Saturday appointments
Located at 9222 Keele Street in Vaughan
Whitening works on natural teeth only. Crowns, veneers and fillings keep their colour.
Yellow stain responds well. Grey stain may not change at all.
Other Vaughan and Toronto-area clinics publish about $250 to $650 for in-office whitening.
A dentist checks your teeth first because some dark or yellow teeth have a dental cause, not a stain. The Canadian Dental Association lists tooth decay and some medications among the causes of discolouration. Its position statement on tooth bleaching says the dentist should find the cause and judge whether bleaching will work before treatment starts.
The exam also looks at your gums, any worn enamel and the fillings or crowns in your smile line. Whitening is not done on unhealthy teeth or gums. A cavity or gum problem is treated first, and the dentist recommends what comes next.
A dental checkup and cleaning removes tartar and surface stain before whitening, so you see your true starting shade.
Search for teeth whitening near me and you will find two kinds of places: whitening studios and dental offices. The Canadian Dental Association supports bleaching as safe and effective when a dentist supervises it and the product directions are followed. If you pick a studio, ask whether a dentist examines your teeth before treatment.
In-office or take-home: which teeth whitening type suits you?
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening suits you if you want a brighter smile quickly. Our dental team protects your gums, applies whitening gel to your teeth and monitors the treatment. Patients choose it before weddings and other events.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
A take-home whitening kit lets you brighten your teeth at your own pace. We provide custom-made whitening trays, professional-grade gel and clear instructions. The American Dental Association says whitening at home with trays from your dentist takes from a few days to a few weeks.
| In-office whitening | Take-home trays | Store-bought strips or toothpaste | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | The dental team applies and watches the gel | You wear custom trays with professional gel | A weaker gel, or a paste that polishes surface stain |
| Time to a lighter shade | One or more appointments | A few days to a few weeks | Depends on the product |
| Not the right choice if | You have untreated cavities or gum problems | You will not wear the trays as directed | Your stains are deep, or you have crowns or veneers in front |
Can yellow teeth become white again?
Yes. Yellow teeth are the kind whitening lifts well. The American Dental Association says yellow bleaches well, brown responds less and grey may not change at all.
Whitening does not lift every stain. The ADA says it will not work when the colour comes from some medications or from an injury to the tooth. The Canadian Dental Association adds that patchy colour from medication, aging or fluorosis can whiten unevenly.
Crowns and veneers do not whiten, and neither do fillings or bonding. After whitening they look darker than the teeth around them. If you plan new work on your front teeth, ask the dentist whether to whiten first so the new work matches your lighter shade.
When bleach cannot reach a stain, ask about porcelain veneers or dental bonding. Both cover the front of the tooth with a tooth-coloured material. Porcelain veneers need some enamel removed, and that cannot be undone. The dentist explains the cost and upkeep of each at your exam.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Teeth whitening involves no drilling or freezing, but it can make your teeth sensitive and your gums sore. The NHS also lists white patches on the gums as a side effect. The Canadian Dental Association says these effects usually settle on their own.
If you get sensitivity, sore gums or other side effects, stop using the gel and call us at (905) 581-2228. Tell the team during an in-office session if anything hurts. With trays, follow your wear times. Too much gel or extra sessions can damage enamel and gums.
Who should not whiten their teeth?
Some people should wait or skip whitening. The Canadian Dental Association says to put off bleaching until after pregnancy and not to use bleaching products on children under 12. The NHS also advises against whitening during breastfeeding.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is not permanent. The Canadian Dental Association puts the effect at up to 2 years, and smoking and dark food and drinks shorten it. The NHS puts it at around 3 years when you follow your dentist's advice.
You keep the shade longer with daily habits:
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day.
- Cut down on coffee, tea and red wine.
- Stop smoking or using tobacco.
- Keep your regular checkups and cleanings.
Ask the dentist before you whiten again. The long-term effects of repeated bleaching are not fully known, according to the Canadian Dental Association.
Teeth Whitening Cost in Vaughan
In-office whitening costs about $250 to $650, based on published prices at other Vaughan and Toronto-area clinics. Take-home tray whitening costs about $200 to $600, based on published prices at other Toronto-area clinics. Your own cost comes in a written estimate after an exam.
Across Ontario the price depends on the method, the number of sessions and any cleaning or fillings needed first. Ask what the fee includes: the exam, trays, gel and any check after treatment.
Is $500 for teeth whitening expensive?
For one in-office session, $500 sits inside the range other Vaughan and Toronto-area clinics publish. For take-home trays it sits near the upper end.
Is teeth whitening worth paying for?
Teeth whitening is worth paying for when your stain is the yellow kind that bleach lifts and your front teeth are your own. It is a poor buy for grey stain or colour from an injury.
The pros:
- No drilling, no freezing and no change to the shape of your teeth.
- It works on yellow stain from coffee and tea.
The cons:
- Sensitivity and sore gums are common side effects.
- The effect fades and needs upkeep.
- Dental work such as crowns and fillings keeps its old shade.
- OHIP and the Canadian Dental Care Plan do not cover it.
Why Choose My City Dental for Teeth Whitening in Vaughan?
Choosing a dentist for whitening matters because stains respond in different ways. Our team checks your teeth first, explains what result to expect and recommends a whitening method.
- Dentist-supervised whitening
- In-office and take-home options
- Custom-made whitening trays
- Evening and weekend appointments
- New patients welcome
Teeth whitening questions
Does OHIP cover teeth whitening?
No. The Ontario government lists dental services in a dentist's office and cosmetic surgery among the things OHIP does not pay for.
OHIP covers only some dental surgery done in a hospital, such as fracture repair or a medically necessary tooth removal with prior approval. You pay for whitening yourself.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance in Canada?
Public plans do not cover teeth whitening because it is a cosmetic treatment. The Canadian Dental Care Plan guide lists cosmetic treatment including teeth whitening among the services it excludes.
Private plans set their own rules. Check your plan booklet or ask your insurer before you book. My City Dental offers direct insurance billing for services your plan covers.
What is the cheapest way to whiten my teeth naturally?
The cheapest safe way is everyday care that stops new stain. Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth. Cut down on coffee and red wine, and do not smoke.
A whitening toothpaste removes surface stain but does not change the colour of the tooth. Skip lemon, vinegar, baking soda scrubs and charcoal. The American Dental Association says acids and rough scrubs wear enamel, and worn enamel makes teeth look more yellow.