Skip to content
Cosmetic dentistry

A brighter smile, without the guesswork.

Coffee, tea, red wine and time all leave their mark. Professional whitening lifts stains safely, with results that over-the-counter strips rarely match.

Custom whitening trays being fitted for a patient at Riverside West Dental

Two ways to whiten

Whitening at the dentist works better than the pharmacy version for a simple reason: the concentration is higher and the fit is exact, so the gel sits on the teeth rather than on your gums. We offer two options, and many patients combine them.

Take-home whitening uses custom trays moulded to your teeth. You wear them with a professional-strength gel for a short period each day over one to two weeks, and you control how far you go. It's flexible, and the trays can be reused for touch-ups for years.

In-office whitening is for people who want a noticeable change in a single visit. We use the Zoom!® system, which brightens teeth by several shades in about an hour. You can read more about that on our Zoom!® whitening page.

Why it matters

What professional whitening offers

Real results

Higher-strength gel and a proper fit lift stains that strips and toothpastes can't.

Supervised and safe

We check your teeth and gums first so the gel goes only where it should.

Sensitivity managed

We adjust strength and timing, and can supply a desensitising gel if needed.

Your choice of pace

Gradual at home or all at once in the chair. Both are fine; it depends on you.

What to expect

How take-home whitening works

  1. 01

    Check-up first

    We make sure there are no cavities or gum problems that whitening gel would irritate, and note any fillings or crowns that won't change colour.

  2. 02

    Impressions and trays

    We take impressions and make thin, clear custom trays. They're ready in a few days.

  3. 03

    Whiten at home

    Wear the trays with gel as directed, usually 30 to 60 minutes a day for one to two weeks.

  4. 04

    Review

    We compare against your starting shade and talk about how to maintain the result.

Good to know

Who's a good candidate

Whitening works best on yellowish stains from food, drink and age. Grey or banded stains from certain antibiotics or fluorosis respond less predictably, and crowns, veneers and fillings don't whiten at all, so front-tooth restorations may need replacing afterwards to match. We'll tell you honestly what to expect before you spend anything.

We don't recommend whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children under 16, or on teeth with untreated decay or gum disease. Some temporary sensitivity is common; it settles within a day or two of stopping.

Common questions

Teeth Whitening, answered.

If your question isn't here, call us. A real person picks up during office hours.

How long do results last?

Usually one to three years depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking bring stains back sooner. A few nights of touch-up in your trays keeps things bright.

Will whitening damage my enamel?

Used as directed under supervision, no. Professional whitening gels have been used for decades and don't weaken enamel.

What about sensitivity?

Some people feel brief zings during or after whitening. We can lower the gel strength, shorten the wear time or add a desensitising treatment. It goes away once you stop.

Can I whiten if I have crowns or fillings on my front teeth?

You can, but they won't change colour. We'll show you where they are and discuss whether they'd need updating afterwards.

Which option should I choose?

If you want it done in one visit, Zoom!® in-office. If you'd rather go gradually and keep trays for the future, take-home. Many people do Zoom!® first and use trays to maintain.

Book your visit

Ready to talk about teeth whitening?

Send a request and Sandy or Shantell will call you back during office hours to find a time that fits. Emergencies: please phone us directly.

Call us(519) 371-9415
Emergency? Call (519) 371-9415 for the fastest help.