Teeth whitening in Thunder Bay at Sky Dental Centre uses custom-fitted trays and professional whitening gel that you wear at home over about one to two weeks, after an assessment confirms your teeth and gums are healthy. Professional whitening is most effective on surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and ageing. It does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding. This guide explains how professional whitening works, who it suits, what results to expect, how to manage sensitivity, and how it compares with store-bought products.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Whitening gels contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down stain molecules inside the tooth so teeth appear lighter. Professional products are prescribed after a dental assessment, and the concentration and wear time are chosen for your teeth. Health Canada advises consumers to follow directions carefully and to talk to a dental professional before using home tooth whitening kits, especially if they have sensitivity, gum disease, or dental work.
Professional Teeth Whitening at Sky Dental Centre
- Assessment: the dentist checks your teeth and gums, looks for decay, gum disease, or worn enamel, and records your starting shade.
- Impressions or scan: custom trays are made to fit your teeth.
- Fitting appointment: you receive your trays and instructions on how much gel to use, how long to wear the trays, and for how many days.
- Home whitening: most people complete the initial course in about one to two weeks.
- Review and maintenance: the outcome is assessed, and the trays can be reused with touch-up gel from the practice.
Custom trays hold the gel evenly against the teeth and help keep it off the gums, which is one reason results tend to be more even than with one-size-fits-all products.
Who Is Teeth Whitening Suitable For?
Situation | Is whitening suitable? |
Healthy teeth and gums with surface staining | Usually a good candidate |
Untreated cavities or gum disease | Treat these first |
Crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding in the smile | Restorations will not change colour; plan carefully |
Stains from inside the tooth (intrinsic) | May respond poorly; other options may be discussed |
Very sensitive teeth | Possible with adjustments; discuss first |
Pregnancy or breastfeeding | Usually postponed |
Children and young teens | Usually not recommended |
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains sit on or near the surface and come from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and some foods. They usually respond well to whitening. Intrinsic stains come from inside the tooth, for example from injury, some medications taken during tooth development, excess fluoride during childhood, or a tooth that has had root canal treatment. These may respond poorly. For intrinsic stains, same-day veneers in Thunder Bay, bonding, or crowns may be discussed.
Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products
Feature | Professional custom-tray whitening | Over-the-counter strips and kits | Whitening toothpaste |
Assessment first | Yes | No | No |
Fit | Custom trays | One size fits all | Not applicable |
Gel strength | Chosen by your dentist | Lower concentrations | Not a bleaching product |
Evenness | More even contact with teeth | Can be patchy | Surface stain removal only |
Gum irritation risk | Lower with good fit | Higher with poor fit | Low |
Suited to | Noticeable shade change | Mild staining | Maintaining a shade |
Whitening toothpastes work mainly by removing surface stains through mild abrasion and do not produce a significant colour change on their own. If you have mild staining and have never tried whitening, your dentist may tell you a store-bought product is a reasonable place to start.
What Results Can You Expect?
Results vary by starting shade, stain type, and how consistently the trays are worn. Yellowish teeth tend to respond better than greyish teeth. Whitening is not permanent; teeth gradually darken again, especially with coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Touch-up treatments with your custom trays can help maintain results. Read our guide to maintaining whitening results.
Managing Sensitivity
Temporary sensitivity during or shortly after whitening is common and usually settles once treatment ends. To reduce it:
- Tell your dentist about any sensitivity before starting.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a few weeks beforehand.
- Shorten wear times or whiten every other day.
- Avoid very hot or cold food and drink during treatment.
- Pause treatment if sensitivity becomes uncomfortable and contact the office.
Read our guide to whitening for sensitive teeth.
Whitening and Dental Work
Crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding do not change colour with whitening. If you have visible restorations, whitening your natural teeth may make them look darker by comparison. Your dentist may suggest whitening first and then matching any new restorations to your new shade. Learn more about crowns and bridges in Thunder Bay.
Whitening After Orthodontic Treatment
If you are planning braces or Invisalign, whitening is usually done after treatment so the final tooth positions and shade can be assessed together. Learn more about Invisalign in Thunder Bay at Sky Dental Centre.
Tips to Keep Your Smile Brighter
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or red wine.
- Use a straw for iced coffee and other staining drinks.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily.
- Keep up regular checkups and cleanings to remove surface stains.
Is Professional Whitening Safe?
Professional whitening is generally safe when your teeth and gums have been assessed and you follow instructions. The most common side effects are temporary sensitivity and gum irritation. Overusing whitening products, or using them with untreated decay or gum disease, can cause problems, which is why an assessment comes first.
Questions to Ask Before Whitening
- Are my teeth and gums healthy enough for whitening?
- Are my stains likely to respond?
- How will whitening affect my fillings, crowns, or veneers?
- How long should I wear the trays each day?
- What can I do if my teeth become sensitive?
- How do I maintain the result?
Common Myths About Teeth Whitening
- “Whitening damages enamel.” Used as directed after an assessment, professional whitening is generally safe; sensitivity is usually temporary.
- “Whitening works on all teeth.” It does not change restorations, and intrinsic stains may respond poorly.
- “Results are permanent.” Teeth gradually darken; touch-ups help.
- “Whitening toothpaste does the same job.” It removes surface stains but does not bleach.
Who Should Not Whiten Yet?
Whitening is usually postponed if you have:
- Untreated cavities or leaking fillings
- Active gum disease
- Exposed roots from gum recession, which can be very sensitive
- Cracked teeth or worn enamel
- Planned orthodontic treatment that has not started
Treating these first protects your teeth and helps you get a more even result.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Thunder Bay: Practical Tips
- Follow instructions exactly. Using more gel or wearing trays longer than directed does not speed results and increases sensitivity.
- Brush before wearing trays. Clean teeth let the gel contact enamel evenly.
- Wipe away excess gel. Gel on the gums can cause irritation.
- Store gel as directed. Some gels need to be kept cool.
- Keep your trays. They can be reused for touch-ups if they still fit well.
- Pause if needed. If teeth or gums become uncomfortable, stop and contact the office.
Whitening for Special Events
If you are whitening for a wedding, graduation, or photos, start at least a few weeks beforehand. This allows time for the assessment, tray fabrication, a full course of home whitening, and any break for sensitivity. Starting early also gives your shade time to settle before the event.
What Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Costs vary by clinic and by the amount of gel and number of follow-up visits included. Whitening is considered cosmetic and is usually not covered by dental insurance. Ask for a quote at your assessment, including the cost of touch-up gel for future maintenance.
Whitening and Your Overall Oral Health
Whitening changes colour, not health. Regular checkups and cleanings remain important, and cleanings also remove surface stains that can make teeth look duller. If your teeth have darkened suddenly, especially a single tooth, see your dentist, since this can be a sign of a problem inside the tooth that needs assessment rather than whitening.
Combining Whitening With Other Cosmetic Treatment
Some people combine whitening with other treatment to improve their smile. Whitening is usually done first, so new veneers, bonding, or crowns can be matched to the lighter shade. If teeth are crowded or spaced, orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign may come first. Your dentist can help you plan the order of treatment. Learn more about same-day veneers in Thunder Bay.
How Long Does Whitening Last?
Results often last several months or longer, depending on diet, habits, and oral hygiene. People who drink coffee, tea, or red wine regularly, or who smoke, usually need touch-ups sooner. Many people use their trays for a short touch-up every few months or before special events. Your dentist can suggest a maintenance schedule that suits your habits.
Whitening Sensitive Teeth: What Helps Most
If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may suggest a lower-strength gel, shorter wear times, or whitening every other day. A desensitizing toothpaste used for a few weeks before and during whitening can also help. Custom trays help by keeping gel on the teeth and off the gums.
Teeth Whitening in Thunder Bay: The Bottom Line
Professional whitening with custom trays gives a more even result than many store-bought options, with an assessment first to check your teeth and gums. It is most effective on surface stains, does not change restorations, and needs occasional touch-ups. Talking to your dentist before you start helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right approach.
Whitening at Home vs. In the Office
Some clinics offer in-office whitening using a stronger gel applied in the chair, while others focus on take-home custom trays. At Sky Dental Centre, whitening uses custom trays worn at home. Take-home whitening uses a lower-strength gel over more days, which many people find gentler on sensitive teeth and easier to fit into their routine. Both approaches can give good results when used as directed after an assessment.
What to Expect at the Fitting Appointment
The team checks that your trays fit comfortably, shows you how much gel to place in each tray, explains how long to wear them, and reviews how to manage sensitivity. Bring any questions about timing, events, or existing dental work.
Will Whitening Make My Teeth Look Unnatural?
Professional whitening aims for a brighter shade that suits your face and skin tone. Your dentist records your starting shade and can help you choose a realistic goal. Stopping when you reach a shade you like, rather than pushing for the lightest result possible, keeps your smile natural and reduces sensitivity.
Whitening and Smoking
Tobacco stains return quickly after whitening. If you smoke or vape, results will fade faster, and quitting also benefits your gums and overall health. Ask your dentist or pharmacist about support to quit.
Key Takeaways
- Teeth whitening at Sky Dental Centre uses custom-fitted trays worn at home over about one to two weeks.
- An assessment comes first to check teeth and gums and set expectations.
- Surface stains respond most reliably; restorations do not change colour.
- Temporary sensitivity is common and manageable.
- Results fade over time; trays can be reused for touch-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do teeth whitening results last?
It varies with diet and habits. Results fade gradually, and periodic touch-ups with your custom trays help maintain them.
Does professional whitening cause sensitivity?
Some people have temporary sensitivity during or shortly after whitening. It usually settles once treatment ends.
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening affects natural teeth only. Discuss restorations in your smile before starting.
How long does professional whitening take?
After the fitting appointment, most people complete the initial home course in about one to two weeks.
Can I whiten my teeth while pregnant?
Whitening is usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your dentist when it is appropriate.
Book a Whitening Assessment
To find out whether professional teeth whitening suits your smile, book an assessment online or through our contact page. Sky Dental Centre, 2817 Arthur St E in Thunder Bay, welcomes new patients.
*This article is general information, not dental advice for your situation.*