About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that lightens discolouration and lifts stains from your tooth enamel. Over time, coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and simply getting older can dull even a well-cared-for smile. Professional whitening reverses much of that, and it does so more safely and more reliably than most products from the drugstore.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our dentists provide professional teeth whitening designed to lift deep stains and restore a bright, confident look, safely and comfortably. We start by checking that your teeth and gums are healthy, then recommend the option that fits your goals and your schedule.
Free Teeth Whitening for Life
Ask us about our Free Teeth Whitening for Life offer with ValueMed take-home kits. It is one of the ways we help patients keep a bright smile over the long term, and we are happy to explain how it works.
To find out how to take part, call us at 403-300-2233, book online or ask at your next visit.
What Causes Teeth Discolouration
Surface stains come from what you eat, drink and smoke. Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces and berries leave pigments on the enamel, and tobacco leaves stubborn yellow and brown stains. These stains respond very well to whitening.
Deeper discolouration comes from inside the tooth. It can be caused by ageing, as the enamel thins and the darker layer beneath shows through, by certain medications, by an old injury to a tooth or by too much fluoride while the teeth were forming. Whitening can still help, though results vary from person to person.
Knowing which type you have helps us set realistic expectations before you begin.
In-Office or Take-Home Whitening?
In-office whitening is done at our clinic. Your gums are protected and a professional-strength whitening agent is applied by our team, which means you can see a visibly brighter smile after a single appointment. It is a good choice if you have an event coming up or want quick, controlled results.
Take-home whitening lets you whiten at your own pace in the comfort of your home. Our ValueMed take-home kits give you professional-quality whitening with clear guidance from your dentist, which is a good fit if you prefer a gradual approach or like to top up your results over time.
Not sure which is best for you? We will recommend the option that suits your teeth, your sensitivity and your schedule.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
- Safe and comfortable: Treatment is planned and supervised by your dentist, with your gums protected.
- Visible results: In-office whitening delivers a brighter smile you can see right away.
- Personalized options: Choose in-office whitening, take-home whitening or both.
- Long-lasting with good care: Results can last a year or more with good habits and regular cleanings.
- Boosts your confidence: A brighter smile makes a strong first impression.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Whitening works best on natural teeth that are healthy. It is a good fit if you have stains from food, drink or tobacco, or your teeth have yellowed with age.
A few things to know before you start:
- Cavities and gum problems should be treated first, because whitening over decay can cause sensitivity
- Whitening does not change the colour of fillings, crowns, bridges or veneers, so we plan around them
- If you have very sensitive teeth, we choose a gentler approach
- For chipped, uneven or heavily discoloured teeth, Porcelain Veneers or Dental Bonding may give a better result
An exam is the best way to find out what will work for you.
What Is Included in Your Whitening Treatment
- An exam to check that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening
- A conversation about your goals and the shade you would like
- A recommendation between in-office whitening, take-home whitening or both
- Protection for your gums and lips during treatment
- Professional whitening carried out by our team, or a ValueMed take-home kit with clear instructions
- Guidance on managing sensitivity and keeping your results
- A written estimate before treatment begins
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Exam and consultation. We check your teeth and gums, talk about what you would like to change and explain your options.
- Preparation. We record your starting shade and, for in-office whitening, protect your gums and lips.
- Whitening. The whitening agent is applied by our team, or we show you how to use your take-home kit.
- Check and review. We compare your shade and make sure you are comfortable.
- Aftercare. We explain how to keep your results and what to do if you feel sensitivity.
Aftercare and Keeping Your Results
Your teeth are most likely to pick up stains during the first day or two after whitening, so avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces and tobacco during that time, or drink through a straw. Mild sensitivity to hot and cold is common and usually settles within a day or two.
To keep your results, brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up with your professional Dental Cleanings, which remove surface stains before they build up. Occasional touch-ups with a take-home kit can help your smile stay bright.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Teeth Whitening
- Professional whitening planned and supervised by our dentists
- In-office and take-home options, including ValueMed take-home kits
- Our Free Teeth Whitening for Life offer
- Honest advice about what whitening can and cannot do for your teeth
- A full range of cosmetic dentistry under one roof, if you want more than whitening
- Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- New patients accepted every day
Related Treatments
- Dental Cleanings: Remove surface stains and keep your smile fresh between whitening treatments.
- Porcelain Veneers: A longer-term way to change the shape and colour of your teeth.
- Dental Bonding: Repair small chips and gaps in a single visit.
- Oral Exams and X-Rays: Make sure your teeth and gums are ready for whitening.
Cost of Teeth Whitening in NE Calgary
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the option you choose, in-office or take-home, and on your goals. After your consultation, we give you a written estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.
Ask us about our Free Teeth Whitening for Life offer, which is available with ValueMed take-home kits. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it is often not covered by dental insurance. We direct bill most major insurers where your plan applies, and flexible payment options are available. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Professional whitening is safe when it is done under the guidance of a dentist. We check that your teeth and gums are healthy first, protect your gums during treatment and choose the option that suits your teeth. Some temporary sensitivity is normal.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results can last up to a year or more, depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco can bring stains back sooner. Good brushing, regular cleanings and occasional touch-ups help you keep your results longer.
Does teeth whitening hurt or cause sensitivity?
Whitening should not be painful. Some people notice temporary sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two, which usually settles on its own. If you have sensitive teeth, tell us before treatment and we will choose an approach that keeps you comfortable.
Do at-home whitening kits work as well as professional whitening?
Store-bought strips and kits can lighten surface stains, but professional whitening is stronger and more controlled, and a dentist checks that your teeth are healthy first. A take-home kit from your dentist gives you professional guidance while letting you whiten at your own pace.
Do you offer free teeth whitening in Calgary?
Yes. Ask us about our Free Teeth Whitening for Life offer with ValueMed take-home kits. Call us at 403-300-2233 to find out how it works and how to take part.
Book Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.