Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Teeth Whitening in London, Ontario
Coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and simply getting older all darken teeth over time. Professional whitening lifts those stains safely, with a stronger gel than store-bought kits and a dentist checking that your teeth and gums are ready for it.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry on Wharncliffe Road South we offer two options: in-office whitening, which brightens your teeth in one visit, and custom take-home trays, which whiten gradually at your own pace.
New patients: professional teeth whitening is one of the three free gifts you can choose from when you book your first visit. See the offer.
In-office or take-home: which is right for you?
| In-office whitening | Take-home trays | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | One visit of about 30–40 minutes | About 30 minutes to a few hours a day for 1–2 weeks |
| Results | Noticeable change the same day | Gradual, easy to stop at the shade you want |
| Best for | An event coming up soon | Sensitive teeth, or topping up later |
| Trays | Not needed | Made from impressions of your teeth |
Many patients combine the two: an in-office treatment for a quick start, then take-home trays for touch-ups a few times a year. Because the trays are made for your teeth, you can keep using them.
What happens at a whitening visit
- Check-up first. We make sure your teeth and gums are healthy. Whitening gel on a cavity, a crack or inflamed gums can cause pain, so we treat those first.
- Cleaning. A professional cleaning removes plaque and surface stain so the gel reaches the tooth evenly.
- Shade record. We note your starting shade so you can see the difference.
- Whitening. For in-office whitening, we protect your gums and apply the gel in timed rounds. For take-home trays, we take impressions or a digital scan and show you how to use the trays and gel.
- Aftercare. We go through what to avoid for the first 48 hours and how to keep the result.
Is whitening right for you?
Whitening works best on yellow staining from food, drink and age. Brown or grey staining, such as from some medications or a tooth that darkened after an injury, often responds less well. For those, we may suggest dental bonding or veneers instead.
Whitening is not recommended if you:
- are under 16
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have active gum disease, untreated cavities or exposed roots
Fillings, crowns and veneers don’t whiten. Gel only changes natural enamel, so an old filling or crown on a front tooth may look darker after whitening. If you plan to replace one, whiten first and match the new restoration to your brighter shade.
Sensitivity and safety
Some people feel short-lived sensitivity during whitening or for a day or two afterwards. It usually settles on its own. To keep it down, we can:
- use a lower-strength gel or shorter sessions
- recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for two weeks beforehand
- apply a desensitizing gel after treatment
Professional whitening is done under a dentist’s supervision with gel strengths and timings set for your teeth. Avoid whitening products bought online that don’t list their ingredients, and don’t use acidic home remedies such as lemon juice or baking soda scrubs, which wear enamel.
Making your results last
Results usually last from several months to a few years, depending on what you eat and drink. To keep your smile bright:
- for the first 48 hours, skip coffee, tea, red wine, cola, curry, berries and tobacco
- rinse with water or drink through a straw after dark drinks
- keep up your regular cleanings
- use your take-home trays for a short top-up when you notice the shade slipping
Professional vs store-bought whitening
Strips and kits from the pharmacy use weaker gel and one-size trays, so results are slower and often patchy, and gel can leak onto the gums. With professional whitening you get:
- stronger, faster results under supervision
- trays that fit your teeth, so the gel stays where it should
- a check for cavities and gum problems before you start
- advice on fillings or crowns that won’t change colour
Cost and coverage
Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so most dental insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan don’t cover it. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we tell you the cost of your chosen option before we start. New patients can choose whitening as their free gift with their first visit.
Planning for a wedding or event?
Start about four to six weeks ahead. That leaves time for a cleaning, any small repairs and gradual take-home whitening, with a buffer if your teeth feel sensitive.
Common questions
How white will my teeth get?
It varies. Most people see a clear improvement of several shades. Yellow stains respond best; grey or brown stains respond less.
Does whitening damage enamel?
Professional whitening, used as directed, doesn’t damage enamel. Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect.
Can I whiten with crowns or veneers?
Whitening only changes natural teeth. Crowns, veneers and fillings stay the same colour, so we plan around them.
How often can I whiten?
Most people need only occasional top-ups with their take-home trays, a few times a year or when they notice the shade slipping.
Book teeth whitening in London
We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays and Saturday hours. Book online or call 226-884-2573 to ask whether whitening suits your teeth.
Part of our cosmetic dentistry services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.