Teeth Whitening in Markham

Professional teeth whitening involves the use of high-concentration whitening agents — typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — that are applied under the supervision of a dental professional. This results in more significant and predictable whitening than what is achievable with store-bought products.

At Smile Dental Arts Centre in Markham, our whitening treatments are carefully tailored to each patient. Before beginning any whitening treatment, we conduct an evaluation to assess the health of your teeth and gums, identify the type of discolouration, and determine the most suitable approach.

Professional whitening is safe when performed appropriately and monitored by a dental professional. We take the time to protect your gum tissue and ensure the treatment is comfortable and effective.

In-office teeth whitening provides immediate, dramatic results in a single appointment. A professional-strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated — sometimes with a light source — to accelerate the whitening process. Most patients see significant brightening after a single in-office session.

Take-home whitening trays offer a more gradual approach. Custom-fitted trays are made from impressions of your teeth, ensuring comfortable, even coverage. You receive professional-strength whitening gel to use at home according to your dentist's instructions, typically for one to two weeks.

Combining in-office and take-home whitening can maximize and prolong your results. Your dentist at our Markham clinic will help you determine which approach — or which combination — is most appropriate for your specific needs and whitening goals.

Before your whitening treatment begins, your teeth will be polished to remove surface plaque. Your gums will be protected with a barrier to prevent the whitening agent from contacting soft tissue.

During in-office whitening, the whitening gel is applied and left on for a specified period, then removed and reapplied as needed. You may experience mild sensitivity during or shortly after the treatment — this is normal and temporary. We will advise you on how to manage any sensitivity, including using desensitizing products.

After your whitening session, we will advise you to avoid deeply pigmented foods and beverages (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato-based sauces) for at least 48 hours while your enamel pores remain temporarily more open to staining. This brief period of care can significantly extend your results.

Professional teeth whitening is most effective on extrinsic staining — stains on the outer surface of the enamel caused by food, beverages, and tobacco. These types of stains respond very well to whitening treatment.

Intrinsic staining — which occurs within the tooth itself, often due to medication use (such as tetracycline), excessive fluoride exposure during development, or trauma — is more resistant to traditional whitening and may require alternative cosmetic solutions such as veneers or bonding.

Patients should have no untreated decay or active gum disease before whitening. Crowns, veneers, bridges, and composite fillings do not whiten and will not change colour during whitening treatment — a consideration for patients with existing restorations in visible areas. Your dentist will discuss all of this during your consultation.

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the type of treatment — in-office or take-home — and the number of sessions required. We will provide a clear cost breakdown before your treatment begins.

Teeth whitening is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by most dental insurance plans. However, the results of professional whitening are significantly better and longer-lasting than over-the-counter alternatives, offering excellent value for the investment.

Results can be maintained over time with periodic touch-up treatments and good at-home oral hygiene. Avoiding or minimizing staining foods and beverages, not smoking, and attending regular professional cleanings all help prolong your whitening results.