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Teeth Whitening In Ottawa
Ready for a Brighter Smile?
Coffee. Tea. Red wine. Years of wear. No matter how well you look after your teeth, stains happen. Professional teeth whitening is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to refresh your smile, and at Inova Dental we offer both in-office and take-home options to suit your schedule and budget.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses clinical-grade whitening agents to lighten the colour of your teeth and remove surface stains. Unlike over-the-counter strips or toothpastes, professional whitening is supervised by a dentist, uses stronger formulations, and delivers faster, more consistent, and longer-lasting results.
What Causes Teeth to Stain?
Tooth discolouration is extremely common and can be caused by a range of factors:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, dark juices like cranberry and grape, and cola
- Highly pigmented foods like berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and pasta sauce
- Tobacco use, which turns teeth brown or yellow over time
- Aging, which naturally thins enamel and reveals the yellower dentine beneath
- Certain medications such as tetracycline antibiotics
- Fluorosis from excessive fluoride exposure during childhood
- Trauma to a tooth
Some stains respond well to whitening, while others, such as those caused by medication or trauma, may require alternative cosmetic treatments like veneers. We’ll assess your teeth during your Appointment and recommend the most effective approach for your specific situation.
In-Office vs. Take-Home Whitening
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening is performed at the clinic in a single appointment of around 45 to 60 minutes. A professional-grade whitening gel is applied and activated using a blue or LED light that penetrates the enamel to break down stains and lift the tooth colour. Results are immediate and noticeable, typically lifting teeth several shades in one visit. This is the best option if you want fast results for an upcoming event or simply prefer a treatment that is done for you.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Take-home kits from your dentist use custom trays moulded precisely to your teeth, unlike generic store-bought options. We provide professional-strength whitening gel and full instructions. Trays are typically worn for a prescribed period each day or overnight for one to two weeks for gradual, even whitening. Results are excellent and the trays can be reused for top-up treatments whenever needed.
Over-the-Counter Products
Whitening strips, toothpastes, and store-bought trays are widely available but use much weaker concentrations of whitening agent. Results are limited, inconsistent, and often slow. For meaningful whitening, professional treatment is a far more reliable investment.
During your consultation we’ll help you decide which option is the best fit based on your goals, timeline, and the current shade of your teeth.
The In-Office Whitening Process at Inova Dental
Examination and Shade Comparison
We begin with an internal examination and shade comparison to assess the current colour of your teeth and check for any cavities. If a cavity is present, it will be filled and any tartar removed before whitening begins. This ensures the treatment is safe and effective.
Preparation and Barrier Application
Once your teeth are ready, we apply a protective barrier to your cheeks, tongue, lips, and gums to shield the soft tissues from the whitening gel. A whitening gel is then carefully applied to the buccal surfaces of the teeth. Our team uses protective blue light glasses throughout the procedure.
Whitening Treatment
Using a blow-dry tool followed by the whitening gel, a blue-white light is used to activate and stimulate the gel, helping it penetrate through the enamel layer to break down and remove stains. This process is repeated for 3 to 4 rounds, each spaced 15 minutes apart, for a total treatment time of around 45 minutes.
Finishing and Fluoride Coating
Once the whitening rounds are complete, the gel is removed and your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth are wiped clean. A special fluoride coating is then applied to the teeth to help reduce sensitivity and protect the enamel following treatment.
Maintaining Your Results
There is no downtime after teeth whitening, but a straightforward aftercare routine will keep your results looking great for as long as possible:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks immediately after treatment, including coffee, tea, red wine, dark juices, soy sauce, and high-acid foods
- Use a whitening or fluoride toothpaste to maintain brightness and manage sensitivity
- For patients with sensitivity, a hyposensitivity or fluoride-containing toothpaste is recommended to relieve symptoms
- Brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep buildup at bay
- Avoid tobacco products
- Attend regular dental cleanings to remove surface staining
- Keep your custom trays for easy top-up treatments whenever needed
- Some patients opt for annual follow-up sessions to maintain their results
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Ottawa?
Professional in-office whitening in Ottawa typically ranges from $300 to $600. Take-home kits from your dentist generally range from $100 to $300. Store-bought over-the-counter products are cheaper but deliver limited and inconsistent results.
Looking to get the most out of your visit? At Inova Dental, we include complimentary in-office whitening with your teeth cleaning appointment. It’s one of the easiest ways to leave the clinic with a noticeably brighter smile at no extra cost.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). We walk you through all pricing transparently at your consultation with no hidden fees.
Why Choose Inova Dental for Teeth Whitening in Ottawa?
- Professional-Grade Results: Our whitening treatments use clinical-strength products and blue light activation that deliver faster, more even results than anything available over the counter.
- Safe and Non-Invasive: No needles, no incisions, and no damage to the enamel, dentine, or natural tooth structure. Most patients experience little to no discomfort.
- Custom Fit: Take-home trays are moulded specifically to your teeth for even coverage and minimal sensitivity.
- Honest Advice: If whitening is not the right solution for your staining, we’ll tell you and recommend a better option.
- Two Convenient Ottawa Locations: Visit us on Innes Road or Bank Street, Monday through Saturday.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Professional teeth whitening is safe when performed or supervised by a dentist. We assess your teeth and gums before treatment to ensure whitening is appropriate for you, and we use formulations that are effective without causing unnecessary sensitivity. A fluoride coating is applied after in-office treatment to further protect the enamel.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some mild sensitivity can occur afterward, particularly in patients who already have sensitive teeth. This is temporary and typically resolves within a day or two. We may recommend a hyposensitivity or fluoride toothpaste to manage symptoms, and in some cases a mild pain reliever like ibuprofen may help.
How long does an in-office whitening session take?
In-office whitening at Inova Dental involves 3 to 4 rounds of 15 minutes each, for a total treatment time of around 45 minutes. Including preparation and the finishing fluoride coating, most appointments are completed within one hour.
How long do whitening results last?
Results can last anywhere from six months to two years depending on your diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits. Avoiding staining foods and drinks, not smoking, and attending regular cleanings will extend your results. Custom take-home trays make it easy to do quick top-up treatments when needed, and some patients choose an annual follow-up session to maintain their brightness.
Can everyone get their teeth whitened?
Most patients are good candidates for whitening. However, it is not suitable for patients with untreated decay, gum disease, or certain types of staining caused by medication or trauma. It is also not effective on crowns, veneers, or other dental restorations. We assess your teeth at your consultation and recommend the best option for your situation.
What is the difference between in-office and take-home whitening?
In-office whitening delivers immediate results in a single 45 to 60 minute appointment using professional-grade gel and blue light activation. Take-home kits use custom-fitted trays and professional-strength gel for gradual whitening over one to two weeks. Both deliver excellent results. The right choice depends on your timeline and personal preference.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
No. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
How is professional whitening different from store-bought products?
Professional whitening uses stronger whitening agents, custom-fitted trays, and blue light activation for faster, more even, and longer-lasting results. Store-bought products use much lower concentrations and often deliver limited or inconsistent results.
Ready to Brighten Your Smile?
Whether you want fast results in the chair or gradual whitening from home, our team at Inova Dental can help you find the right option. We’re welcoming new patients at both of our Ottawa locations.