Does your smile look dull or yellow despite your best brushing habits? You are not alone. Coffee, tea, red wine, and even aging can naturally stain your enamel over time. At-home products vary in their results. At 16th Avenue Dental, we provide professional teeth whitening services supervised by Dr. My Le, a general dentist.
Located centrally in Calgary, we help patients from Mount Pleasant, Tuxedo Park, Capitol Hill, Rosedale, Crescent Heights, and surrounding communities work toward a brighter smile while supporting their oral health.
Why Consider Professional Whitening?
Professional whitening offers some features that over-the-counter options may not:
- Stronger Results: Professional whitening gel contains a higher concentration of active ingredients than is available in over-the-counter kits, which can help address deeper stains.
- Custom-Fitted Trays: Custom-fitted trays are made to fit your teeth, helping keep the gel on the enamel and away from sensitive tissue.
- More Even Coverage: Custom trays are designed to reach the surfaces between teeth for more even coverage.
Whitening Options at 16th Avenue Dental
In-Office Whitening
This is ideal if you have an upcoming wedding, graduation, or special event.
- How it Works: We protect your gums with a special barrier before applying a high-concentration professional whitening gel to your teeth.
- The Result: We can work toward a noticeably brighter smile in just one appointment (typically 60–90 minutes).
Custom Take-Home Kits (Polanight System)
We recommend this for patients who prefer to whiten at their own pace or have a history of sensitivity. We use the Polanight whitening system, a formulation designed to support your oral health while brightening your smile.
- The Process: We take impressions of your mouth to fabricate custom-fitted trays that snap over your teeth.
- The Routine: You have the flexibility to achieve your desired effect in as little as 15 minutes a day or by wearing the trays overnight while you sleep.
- Why It’s Different: The Polanight gel features a high water content formulation with a neutral pH and high viscosity, designed to help keep the gel in place during treatment. It also contains fluoride, which can help reduce sensitivity.
Please contact our office to find out if you’re a candidate for professional teeth whitening in Calgary.
Why Choose Professional Whitening at 16th Avenue Dental?
- Dentist-Supervised: Our treatments are monitored by a dental professional to help protect your gums and enamel.
- Sensitivity Management: If you have sensitive teeth, we adjust the treatment with your comfort in mind.
- Considered Approach: We chemically break down stains to help brighten your smile.
The Teeth Whitening Process: What to Expect
The Safety Exam
Before we apply any whitening agents, we check that your mouth is healthy. We check for cavities, exposed roots, or gum disease, since applying professional-strength gel to a tooth with an open cavity can cause discomfort. We address these health issues first so your whitening experience is more comfortable.
The Cleaning
Whitening gel can’t reach enamel through plaque or tartar, which can lead to spotty or uneven results. We perform a thorough hygiene cleaning to remove surface stains and debris so the whitening agent can contact the tooth surface.
Assessment of Existing Work
It’s important to know that dental restorations do not whiten. If you have tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or veneers on your front teeth, they will remain the same shade while your natural teeth get brighter. We’ll discuss this during your consultation and create a plan, such as replacing old fillings, to help your new smile match more closely.
Understanding the Cost of Teeth Whitening
We believe in transparent pricing. We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and the exact cost depends on the option you choose. Please contact us for current pricing. While professional whitening is a higher upfront cost than drugstore strips, the value lies in the safety and longevity of your results.
Transparency & Insurance
Because teeth bleaching is a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by dental insurance.
- No Hidden Fees: The price we quote covers your custom trays, the professional gel, and your follow-up instructions.
- Payment Options: We can discuss flexible payment arrangements for your treatment, while direct billing remains available for any associated exams or cleanings.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
How long does professional teeth whitening last? With proper care, results often last anywhere from 1 to 3 years. The longevity depends largely on your diet and lifestyle. Habits like smoking or frequent consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine can cause stains to return faster. We recommend using a straw for dark beverages and scheduling touch-up treatments as needed.
Will whitening damage my enamel? When performed under the supervision of a dentist, teeth whitening is considered safe. The professional-grade gel we use is formulated to lift stains while being gentle on your enamel.
Can I drink coffee after my whitening appointment? We recommend avoiding dark-colored foods and drinks for at least 48 hours after your treatment. Your enamel pores are slightly open during this time, making them more susceptible to staining. If you must have coffee, we suggest drinking it lukewarm through a straw to minimize contact with your front teeth.
Will whitening work on my crowns or veneers? No, whitening gel only affects natural tooth enamel. It will not change the color of porcelain crowns, veneers, or composite fillings. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, we may need to replace them after your whitening treatment to help them match your brighter shade.
Does teeth whitening hurt? Sensitivity is the most common side effect, but it is typically mild and temporary. Some patients describe “zings” or short flashes of sensitivity during or immediately after the treatment. At 16th Avenue Dental, we use desensitizing agents to help minimize this discomfort. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, please let us know beforehand so we can adjust the concentration of the gel or recommend a desensitizing toothpaste.
Is teeth whitening safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women? Because teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic procedure, we recommend waiting until after you have finished breastfeeding. While there is no evidence that it is harmful, clinical studies have not been performed on expectant mothers, so we take a conservative approach.
Is there an age limit for whitening? We generally recommend whitening for patients 16 years and older. In younger teenagers, the nerve (pulp) of the tooth is larger and closer to the surface, which can lead to sensitivity or irritation. We can assess a younger patient’s dental maturity during a consultation to see if they are a candidate.
How often can I whiten my teeth? For In-Office treatments, we recommend waiting at least one year between full sessions to protect your enamel. If you are using our Custom Take-Home Trays, you can perform “touch-up” treatments (wearing the trays for 1-2 days) every 4 to 6 months to maintain your brightness without over-processing your teeth.
Visit Your Teeth Whitening Dentist in Calgary at 16th Avenue Dental
Enjoy comprehensive dentistry with an artistic touch. If you’re ready to brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening in Calgary, our team is here to help you achieve lasting results. Schedule your appointment today.
