Professional Teeth Whitening at DTC Dental Treatment Center

What Happens, and What Affects Your Result

We begin with a short exam. Whitening gel sitting on an untreated cavity, exposed root, or inflamed gum is how people end up in real discomfort, so this step is not a formality. If you are due for a cleaning, doing that first also matters: surface plaque and tartar block the gel unevenly, which is a common cause of patchy results at home.

For in-clinic whitening, your gums and lips are isolated and protected, the gel is applied in timed cycles, and you leave the same appointment with a visible change. For take-home whitening, we scan or take impressions, make trays that fit closely so the gel stays on the tooth rather than leaking onto the gum, and set your wear schedule.

What Whitening Will Not Change

Crowns, veneers, white fillings, and bonding do not bleach. If you have visible dental work on your front teeth, whitening the natural teeth around it can leave a mismatch, something worth planning for before you start, not discovering afterward. Grey and tetracycline-type discolouration also responds far less predictably than the yellowing that comes with diet and age; in those cases porcelain veneers may be the more realistic route, and we will say so.

Sensitivity, Honestly

Temporary sensitivity during or just after whitening is common and normal, and it usually settles within a day or two. It is manageable with desensitizing toothpaste, shorter wear times, or a lower concentration. Tell us if your teeth already react to cold, and we will adjust the plan from the start rather than pushing through it.

Making It Last

Results typically hold for a year or more, depending on your habits. Rinsing with water after dark drinks, using a straw for iced coffee, and keeping up regular cleanings all extend it. Most patients top up occasionally with their trays rather than repeating the full process.

Cost and Coverage

Cost depends on whether you choose in-clinic whitening, custom take-home trays, or both. Our fees follow the standard BC Dental Association fee guide with no markup, and you can ask for the exact figure before booking. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so it is generally not covered by dental insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan, though the exam or cleaning we recommend beforehand usually is. Ask about current promotions when you call.

Book Teeth Whitening in Richmond, BC

We are at 6011 No. 1 Road, Unit 120, in Richmond's Terra Nova neighbourhood, with free on-site parking and Saturday appointments for anyone who cannot get away on a weekday. Our team speaks English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Farsi. Call (604) 238-6666 to book, or ask us at your next check-up whether whitening is a good idea for your teeth right now.

Common Questions

How much whiter will my teeth get?

Most patients see several shades of improvement, but the honest answer is that it depends on your starting shade and the type of staining. We will give you a realistic expectation at your exam rather than a number from an advertisement.

Is professional whitening safe for enamel?

Used correctly and at appropriate concentrations, whitening does not damage enamel. The risks that do exist, gum irritation and sensitivity, are the reason supervision and a proper tray fit are worth paying for.

Is in-clinic or take-home whitening better?

In-clinic is faster and fully supervised. Take-home is more gradual, gentler on sensitive teeth, and easier to top up later. Many patients do best with both, and neither is the right answer for everyone.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?

You can whiten the natural teeth, but the dental work will not change colour. We plan around that so you do not end up with a visible mismatch.

How soon before a wedding or event should I whiten?

Allow at least two weeks. It leaves room for sensitivity to settle and for a top-up if you want a little more change.