Is it time for a dental checkup?
Jump To:
Request an Appointment Today

Questions or concerns about a specific dental service or procedure? Contact us now.

Find A Location

Book Your Teeth Whitening
appointment today!

Canadians can pat themselves on the back due to their wonderful dental hygiene habits. 78% of Canadians brush their teeth twice a day and 43% of Canadians floss on a regular basis. But if you don’t have pearly whites, brushing and flossing won’t be enough. Professional teeth whitening can give you the smile you always wanted. But how much does teeth whitening cost? Should you opt for professional or at-home teeth whitening? Does insurance cover teeth whitening?  Most importantly, how much does teeth whitening cost?  Continue reading to learn more about teeth whitening cost, best practices and more!

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost at the Dentist?

Prices for dental treatments vary widely, with some store bought at-home kits costing less than $50 and professional whitening services approaching up to $1k.

In-office teeth whitening can cost anywhere between $400 to $1,000, if you’re interested in a home whitening kit from your dentist, expect to pay anywhere from $350-$600. 

During the in-office teeth whitening process, your dentist will use a blue LED light, which activates the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide whitening gel. To start the process, they will first apply a protective gel to your gums to protect them from the whitening process. They will then cure your teeth with a high-powered blue LED light to activate the whitening gel. After this initial appointment, your dentist will give you a whitening gel to use at home. The gel contains hydrogen peroxide, which breaks stains apart. Keep in mind that the process may vary. Your dentist may even use the whitening gel in the office to show you how to apply it. The results can last anywhere between a few months to several years.

Professional Teeth Whitening Cost vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening Cost

At-home teeth whitening is more affordable than professional teeth whitening.  You can find whitening strips at a variety of stores. A box of strips can cost anywhere between $10 and $50. Directions vary between brands, but you’ll usually leave the strips on your teeth for about 30 minutes. 

There are disadvantages when using whitening strips. Many customers complain they don’t stay on their teeth. These are also not the best option for those who have sensitive teeth.

Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste contains low levels of brightening ingredients such as peroxide. Since you’ll brush your teeth twice a day, you’ll put a regular amount of peroxide on your teeth. This is the simplest whitening method and most people are already using whitening toothpaste.  Whitening toothpaste varies between $3 and $15, depending on the brand. There are many options on the market and you can find whitening toothpaste at nearly every grocery store and pharmacy.  If you just want to reduce the look of stains, you’ll benefit from a whitening toothpaste. But the amount of peroxide in the toothpaste isn’t enough to change your tooth colour. Some whitening kinds of toothpaste may also be ideal to maintain your white smile after professional treatment.

Teeth Whitening Trays

Most professional whitening treatments involve some form of at-home treatment. Your dentist will usually give you a whitening gel that you’ll put into a tray. The whitening gel usually contains a bleaching agent that will change the colour of your teeth. Some dental treatments only include whitening trays with no LED lights. You’ll place this tray on your teeth for a certain amount of time each day.  This option can produce professional results. The cost is close to an in-office treatment is $50. Most dentists require you get an impression before you can get your tray.

You can also find DIY products that are significantly more affordable, around $10 or $30. Since these aren’t conformed to your teeth, they may be messier and can result in uneven application.

Choosing the Best Teeth Whitening Method

Professional teeth whitening dental services are the most effective and fastest-acting method, but there is no right or wrong teeth whitening product. Instead, it’s important to choose the best method for you. In addition to cost, you’ll want to consider tooth sensitivity and your general lifestyle. If you’re still not sure, ask your dentist for their recommendation. They will conduct a dental exam to gauge your dental health and discolouration severity, so they can give you the best advice.

Does Insurance Cover the Teeth Whitening Cost?

When learning about the average teeth whitening cost, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover any part of the cost.  Teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic service and isn’t covered by most dental insurance providers in Canada. While there are exceptions, such as using certain fillings to improve discolouration, teeth whitening is rarely seen as an exception. Even if you opt to improve the look of your teeth with veneers, most dental insurance providers won’t cover this service.

Avoiding Food and Beverages That Cause Tooth Discolouration

Whether you choose professional or at-home whitening, you’ll want to maintain the beautiful colour of your teeth. The best way to do this is to avoid certain food and beverages that cause stains. Common examples include:

  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Red wine
  • Soda
  • Juice
  • Certain fruit (blackberries, blueberries, pomegranates, and cherries)
  • Tobacco

Why do these foods and beverages cause stains? Your teeth will soak up the colour from these substances. These substances not only cause yellowing but also dark and even white spots. You may also see bumps, holes, and grooves in your teeth.

Keep in mind that there may be other factors that cause your tooth discolouration. These factors are ones out of your control and can impact any whitening treatment you go through. These factors include:

  • Disease
  • Genetics
  • Aging
  • Certain medical treatments (such as chemotherapy and radiation)
  • Medications (such as some high blood pressure and antipsychotic medications, as well as antihistamines) 
  • Amalgam restorations

These factors can cause deeper stains that even professional treatments can’t tackle. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you suspect any of these factors are causing your tooth discolouration.

Get Teeth Whitening Today

The teeth whitening cost varies, depending on if you choose a professional or at-home treatment. Regardless of the method you choose, we recommend getting a professional exam to better gauge your dental health. From there, your dentist will give you advice on the best whitening method for you.  Is teeth whitening important to you? Contact us to book your appointment. We offer a variety of locations in Mississauga, Milton, and Brampton.

The Dental Team Tooth Whitening FAQ's

Yes, yellow teeth may become white with the help of professional whitening treatments. Professional whitening treatments are much more effective than over-the-counter products and can provide results quickly and safely. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your teeth and determine if whitening is an appropriate treatment for you. Additionally, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits—brush twice a day, floss regularly and eat healthy foods that are high in water content and act as natural abrasives to scrub away plaque and surface stains. All of these simple steps can help maintain a white, healthy smile for many years to come.

The length of time that teeth whitening lasts can vary from person to person. Generally, professionally administered treatments will last anywhere from one to three years, depending on the individual’s oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. For example, someone who practices good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily and avoiding foods and drinks that can stain the teeth, can typically expect to see their whitening results last for up to three years. On the other hand, someone who does not practice good oral hygiene habits or consumes a lot of staining foods and drinks could see their whitening results start to fade after just one year.

At-home teeth whitening kits are another popular option for those looking to achieve brighter, whiter teeth. While the effects of at-home teeth whitening kits are not as long-lasting as in-office procedures, they are still an effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Most at-home kits will provide results that last for six to 12 months with proper care and maintenance.

The answer to this question is complex. There are different types of tooth-bleaching products available on the market, and each one has its own set of risks and benefits. In general, however, most experts agree that tooth bleaching is safe when it is done correctly. Here’s what you need to know about the safety of tooth-bleaching products:

The two main active ingredients in tooth-whitening products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These substances work by breaking down into oxygen molecules and bleaching the stains on your teeth.

Both of these substances are considered safe for use on teeth. In fact, hydrogen peroxide is actually used in some dental offices for teeth whitening procedures. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in over-the-counter whitening products is lower than what is used in dental offices, so they are not as effective at whitening teeth.

There are some rare side effects associated with hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, such as temporary tooth sensitivity or irritation of the gums. These side effects are usually temporary and go away once you stop using the product.

There is no definitive evidence that tooth whitening causes permanent tooth sensitivity. However, some people may be more susceptible to developing sensitivity after treatment due to underlying dental conditions such as exposed roots or gum disease. If you experience any discomfort during or after treatment, be sure to contact your dentist so they can determine the cause and recommend an appropriate course of action.

he simple answer is no, tooth whitening agents are not toxic. Studies have been done on both animals and humans and no adverse effects have been reported when using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as directed.
It’s important to note that when using either agent, you should follow the directions carefully. If you use too much of an agent or leave it on your teeth for too long, you could experience irritation of your gums or mouth. In rare cases, people have reported temporary tooth sensitivity after using a tooth whitening agent. If you experience any gum irritation or tooth sensitivity, stop using the product and consult your dentist.

The simple fact is that most dental work is not as white as your natural teeth. This means that when you whiten your teeth, your fillings, veneers, and crowns will become more noticeable because they will not change color.  So it’s good to know the color of Crowns and veneers are not affected by tooth-bleaching agents because they are made of porcelain or ceramic. However, tooth whitening treatments can still cause problems for these types of dental work. In particular, tooth whitening can cause crowns and veneers to become loose or fall off entirely. If this happens, you will need to see your dentist and have the dental work replaced. 

The answer depends on the method your dentist uses. There are two main types of in-office teeth whitening: laser teeth whitening and LED teeth whitening.

Laser teeth whitening is the faster of the two methods. The procedure usually takes about an hour. First, a protective gel is applied to your gums. Then, a bleaching gel is applied to your teeth. A laser activates the bleaching gel, which breaks down the stains on your teeth.

LED teeth whitening also uses a bleaching gel, but it does not require a laser. Instead, a special light activates the gel. LED teeth whitening usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

The degree of whiteness will vary from person to person, but you can generally expect your teeth to be several shades lighter after an in-office treatment. And unlike home kits, which usually require multiple treatments over a period of days or weeks, one in-office treatment should be all you need for long-lasting results.

More Blog Posts

Request an Appointment Today

Questions or concerns about a specific dental service or procedure? Contact us now.

Upcoming Holiday Hours

Our offices will be closed on April 7-8, 2023 in observance of the Easter holiday.