Teeth naturally darken over time from coffee, tea, wine, and simple aging. Whitening is one of the more affordable ways to refresh your smile, but the cost and results vary depending on which option you choose. Here is a plain breakdown.
In Office vs At Home Whitening
In-office whitening uses a stronger bleaching gel applied by a dentist, usually giving noticeably lighter results in a single visit. At-home kits from a dentist use custom trays and a lower-strength gel you apply yourself over one to two weeks.
Store-bought whitening strips are the least expensive option but tend to give more modest, slower results since they use the weakest concentration of the three.
What Affects the Cost
Cost depends on the method, how many shades of change you are hoping for, and whether custom trays are involved. Some staining, such as from certain medications, does not respond as well to whitening and may need a different approach altogether, which your dentist can explain during an exam.
General Price Ranges
As a general Ontario guide, professional in-office whitening tends to cost more per session than a take-home kit from a dentist, while store-bought strips are the cheapest option but usually the least effective. These are general market ranges, not a fixed Tomken Dental price, and your actual cost depends on the option you choose after a consultation. You can read more about our approach on our teeth whitening service page.
What Results to Realistically Expect
Whitening lightens the natural shade of your teeth but does not change crowns, veneers, or fillings, which will not match the new shade. Results also fade over time, especially if you continue drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, so many people need occasional touch-ups.
Who Should Check With a Dentist First
If you have cavities, gum disease, or very sensitive teeth, whitening might not be a good idea until those issues are treated. A quick exam can catch this before you spend money on a product that will not work well for your specific mouth.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening in Mississauga
1. How long do whitening results last?
Results often last several months to a year, depending on your diet and habits. Touch-ups can extend the effect.
2. Is professional whitening safe?
Done under a dentist’s guidance, whitening is generally considered safe for most people, though some temporary sensitivity is common.
3. Will whitening work on crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel, so crowns and veneers will stay the same shade while natural teeth around them lighten.
If you are considering whitening, book a consultation at Tomken Dental. We can check whether your teeth are a good candidate and walk you through the option that fits your goals and budget.