Treatment 02 of 06

Teeth whitening

Dentist-supervised whitening, in one visit or at home with custom trays, with real shade checks.

Typically lasts: 6 months to 3 years
Visits: 1 visit, or 2 short visits for trays
Can it be undone?: Fades on its own
Price: From $395 per course

Hands filling a clear custom whitening tray with gel from a syringe

What it is

In plain words.

Whitening lifts stains from inside the enamel. It works best on yellow and light brown staining from coffee, tea, wine and age. It does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, and grey staining from old medicines or an injury often needs a different fix.

The honest part

Results vary. Most people go a few shades lighter. Some go further, some less, and we can't promise a shade. Sensitivity for a day or two is common and passes. We record your shade before and after on the same guide, in the same window light, and write both down.

Before

After

Illustration, not a patient: yellowed natural teeth, then a lighter shade. Real cases, photographed the same way every time, are shown at your consult.

Is it right for you?

A good fit, and when it isn't.

Usually a good fit for

Yellow or light brown staining
Before veneers or bonding, so we match the lighter shade
A brighter smile before an event (allow 2 to 3 weeks)

Think twice, or talk to us first, if

Front crowns, veneers or fillings that show. They won't change colour.
Grey or banded staining. Ask about bonding or veneers.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding. We wait.
Untreated cavities or receding gums

How it works

Visit by visit.

1 visit, or 2 short visits for trays. Times are typical; your plan lists your own dates.

Visit 1

Check and scan

We check for cavities and gum problems, record your starting shade and scan your teeth for trays.
Visit 2 or same day

Whitening

In studio: about 90 minutes with gel and gum protection. At home: we fit your trays and show you how much gel to use and for how long.
About 2 weeks later

Shade check

Same guide, same window light. We write down the new shade and plan your top-ups.

What it costs

$395 to $950 per course.

Custom take-home trays Trays made from a scan, 2 weeks of gel and a fit visit $395 to $495
In-studio whitening One 90-minute visit with gum protection and a shade record $550 to $750
In-studio plus trays Our usual pick before veneers or bonding $750 to $950
Top-up gel For your own trays, per syringe $45 to $60

Whitening is cosmetic, so insurance does not cover it. Prices include the check-up that makes sure your teeth are ready.

Every plan includes

A check that teeth and gums are ready first
Your shade recorded before and after on the same guide
Gum protection during in-studio whitening
A plan for sensitivity, if you get it
Top-up advice so the result lasts

Example payment

$75 / month

For in-studio whitening plus trays at $850, over 12 months at 9.9% APR. An example only; lender rates depend on approval. Stage payments with no interest are also available.

Run your own numbers

How long it lasts

Honestly: 6 months to 3 years.

It fades slowly. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking matter most, and top-ups help.

Helping it last

Rinse with water after coffee, tea or wine
Use a straw for iced coffee
Top up for a few nights every 6 to 12 months
Expect it to fade slowly. That's normal.

Porcelain veneers

10 to 15+ years

Teeth whitening

6 months to 3 years

Cosmetic bonding

4 to 8 years

Invisalign clear aligners

Holds with nightly retainers

Porcelain crowns

10 to 15+ years

Typical ranges for healthy mouths with good care, not promises. Grinding, smoking, diet and cleanings all move these numbers. Smile makeovers combine several treatments, so each part keeps its own range.

Questions