What is tooth whitening?
Tooth whitening involves using a material on your teeth to remove surface stains. This removal of stains reveals the white enamel of your teeth, resulting in a bright smile.
Does teeth whitening damage the enamel?
No, one of the best parts about whitening is that it doesn't damage your enamel. Despite common worries, it's one of the safest ways to whiten your teeth without causing any long-term effects.
How is teeth whitening done at Renew Dental?
At our office, patients use custom trays made specifically for them. They add whitening material into these trays and wear them for a certain amount of days and time. Gradually, the surface stain gets removed, leading to the desired result.
How do at-home products compare to professional teeth whitening?
At-home products are typically not as strong, and patients often lose interest due to the amount of time it takes to see results. Additionally, there is a risk of buying a product that's not safe for your teeth, resulting in more sensitivity and other issues.
Is teeth whitening a permanent solution?
Whitening is not permanent, results typically last about 6 to 12 months. This duration can vary based on lifestyle factors like the consumption of coffee, tea, or smoking. However, with an initial phase and regular maintenance every 6 to 12 months, the results can be maintained long-term.
Do patients experience sensitivity after whitening?
Yes, it's common to experience temporary sensitivity after whitening. This usually lasts for a couple of days and can be managed with Advil or Tylenol.
How can the results of whitening be maintained?
The best way to retain the results is by avoiding things that stain your teeth like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking. Regular cleanings also prevent the return of stains by removing bacteria and stain from your teeth.
How can patients schedule a teeth whitening appointment at Renew Dental?
We can schedule a teeth whitening appointment anytime. But, we prefer to do an exam and cleaning first to ensure there are no cavities. Jumping right into whitening with existing cavities can lead to extreme sensitivity and pain.
Do you offer any special programs for teeth whitening at Renew Dental?
Yes, we offer a Renew Your Smile Lifetime Whitening Program. After completing an exam and x-rays and fixing any cavities, we make custom trays for you. We send you home with a starter whitening kit to get your teeth to that nice white smile. From there, we provide a free whitening gel at routine cleanings to help maintain your results.
How can interested patients contact you?
If you're interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, please call us at (204) 817-6768.
Hey, I'm Dr. Bryan DiMarco here at Renew Dental. We get a lot of questions from our patients about teeth whitening. I'm here today to answer a few of the most common questions and hopefully give you a better understanding of teeth whitening.
Dr. Bryan, what's the safest way to whiten your teeth?
Doing teeth whitening through a dentist is going to be the safest way to whiten your teeth. When we do teeth whitening, we are simply breaking down the outer stain on the surface of the tooth. Tooth whitening is actually not doing anything to damage the tooth structure underneath, which is ideal. The best thing is to do it at a dentist because we use regulated products that have been certified by Health Canada, ensuring the procedure won't hurt your tooth or damage your mouth.
Does whitening teeth have any side effects?
The good thing with whitening, because all we're doing is simply breaking down that built-up layer of stain and debris on the outside of the tooth, is that we're not damaging the tooth structure itself. One of the main side effects, however, is that you will likely experience some sensitivity in your teeth for a few days after whitening. The good news is that this sensitivity usually only lasts a couple of days, after which your teeth will feel normal again.
How is professional teeth whitening done?
Generally, there are two main methods. At our office, we take a 3D scan of your mouth to make custom whitening trays. We then give you a product to use at home. You apply a small amount of product into the trays and wear them for about 45 minutes a day. This is typically done for anywhere from 5 to 14 days until you achieve the desired results. The other common method is in-office whitening, where you undergo the procedure in a 2 or 3-hour session. We don't offer this at our office because it often results in significant sensitivity and discomfort for patients. Thus, we only provide at-home whitening, which tends to yield a better experience for our patients.
Why is teeth whitening best done at the dentist's office?
The reason is that dental offices use materials certified for tooth whitening. Many off-market or store-bought products may not have the same quality of ingredients, which could lead to other, less desirable side effects.
What are the pros and cons of teeth whitening?
Some of the pros include it being a very safe and easy method to make your teeth brighter and whiter. Another benefit is that it usually costs less than other dental procedures such as veneers or bonding. The main downside is the temporary sensitivity experienced during whitening. However, this discomfort only lasts a couple of days, and once the whitening treatment stops, the sensitivity disappears within about 2 to 3 days.
How many times can you whiten your teeth professionally?
Generally, we recommend an initial whitening session lasting from 5 to 14 days to achieve desired results. After that, if you are part of our lifetime whitening program, you receive a touch-up whitening kit during your regular cleanings. You can whiten for about two to three days to restore results to their post-initial phase state. This routine every six months helps maintain the brightness and whiteness of your teeth.
How can I extend the results of a teeth whitening treatment?
Some main ways include avoiding certain foods or substances that stain teeth. For example, reducing coffee, tea, and red wine consumption can help, as these contain high levels of staining components. Smoking is another factor that causes whitening treatments not to last long. Avoiding these can generally extend the lifespan or results of your whitening.
When can I schedule a teeth whitening appointment?
You can schedule that at any time. If you are new to the office, we first conduct an exam to check the health of your teeth. Whitening teeth with untreated cavities, for example, can increase sensitivity and discomfort. Once we've addressed any issues and confirmed your teeth are healthy, we can schedule a scan for the whitening at any point.
I hope I was able to answer some of your questions about tooth whitening. If you have any further questions or are interested in getting tooth whitening done, please feel free to reach out to our office at (204) 817-6768 and we'd be happy to help.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses peroxide-based bleaching agents to remove stains and lighten tooth enamel by several shades in a single appointment or over a series of at-home treatments. Professional whitening delivers faster, longer-lasting results than over-the-counter strips because dental-grade concentrations penetrate deeper stain layers safely under clinical supervision. For Winnipeg patients seeking a brighter smile before a wedding, graduation, or job interview, in-office whitening at Renew Dental typically achieves results four to eight shades lighter in under two hours.
5 Things to Know Before Getting Teeth Whitening in Winnipeg
- Professional whitening is safer than DIY kits. Dental-supervised treatments use professional-grade peroxide in custom trays that protect your gums, reducing the risk of soft-tissue irritation common with ill-fitting over-the-counter products.
- Results vary based on stain type. Extrinsic stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco respond best to bleaching. Intrinsic stains caused by tetracycline antibiotics or fluorosis may require porcelain veneers for full correction.
- Sensitivity is temporary and manageable. Roughly 38% of patients experience mild tooth sensitivity after whitening. Using a desensitizing toothpaste for two weeks before treatment and avoiding extremely hot or cold foods for 48 hours after significantly reduces discomfort.
- Whitening does not work on crowns, veneers, or fillings. Bleaching agents only lighten natural enamel, so any existing restorations will remain their original colour. Your Renew Dental dentist will assess your existing work before recommending treatment.
- Maintenance extends your results significantly. Patients who limit staining foods, use a whitening toothpaste, and schedule regular professional cleanings every six months can maintain their results for two to three years before needing a touch-up.
- A dental exam is required first. Whitening is not appropriate for patients with untreated cavities, gum disease, or cracked teeth. A pre-whitening exam at Renew Dental ensures your smile is healthy before treatment begins.
This page was reviewed by Dr. Emma Mutcher DDS, a general dentist at Renew Dental Winnipeg with over 8 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dr. Mutcher regularly performs professional teeth whitening treatments and counsels patients on smile enhancement options tailored to their oral health history and aesthetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening in Winnipeg
How much does teeth whitening cost in Winnipeg?
Professional teeth whitening at Renew Dental in Winnipeg typically ranges from $300 to $700 depending on the method chosen. In-office whitening (same-day results) costs more than take-home whitening kits, but delivers faster, more dramatic results. We offer both options and will recommend the best fit for your goals and budget during a consultation. Call us at (204) 817-6768 to get current pricing.
How many shades whiter will my teeth get?
Professional teeth whitening at Renew Dental can brighten teeth by 3 to 8 shades in a single in-office session. Results vary based on the type and severity of staining, your natural tooth colour, and the whitening system used. Extrinsic stains from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco tend to respond best. Intrinsic discolouration (from medications like tetracycline or fluorosis) may require alternative cosmetic treatments such as veneers.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Professional teeth whitening performed or supervised by a dentist is safe when done correctly. At Renew Dental in Winnipeg, we assess your oral health before whitening to ensure your gums and enamel are healthy. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Over-the-counter whitening strips carry higher risks of gum irritation and uneven results compared to professionally applied treatments.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional teeth whitening results typically last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your diet and oral hygiene habits. Avoiding staining foods and drinks (coffee, red wine, berries, soy sauce) and not smoking will help maintain your results longer. Renew Dental offers take-home maintenance kits so you can touch up your smile between in-office visits and preserve your investment.
What is the difference between in-office and take-home whitening?
In-office whitening at Renew Dental uses a higher-concentration bleaching gel applied by our dental team, often with a light or laser to accelerate the process. Results are visible immediately, typically in a single 60–90 minute appointment. Take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and a lower-concentration gel you apply at home over 1–2 weeks. Take-home kits are more affordable and offer flexibility, while in-office whitening is ideal if you need fast results for a special event.
Does teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening agents only work on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding, and tooth-coloured fillings will not change colour during a whitening treatment. If you have visible restorations in your smile zone and want a more uniform appearance, Renew Dental may recommend replacing those restorations after whitening to match your new, brighter shade. We will assess your existing dental work during your consultation at our Winnipeg clinic.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, in many cases. Patients with sensitive teeth can still undergo professional whitening at Renew Dental, but we take precautions to minimise discomfort. We may recommend a lower-concentration gel, shorter application times, or desensitising treatments before and after whitening. Potassium nitrate and fluoride-based products can help reduce sensitivity. Let our Winnipeg dental team know about your sensitivity during your consultation so we can tailor a plan that works for you.
How do I book a teeth whitening appointment at Renew Dental in Winnipeg?
You can book a teeth whitening consultation at Renew Dental by calling (204) 817-6768 or visiting our clinic at 405 Centre St, Unit 1, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 2C7. We are open Monday and Tuesday 11:30am–7:30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30am–4:30pm, and Friday 8:30am–3:30pm. Our team will assess your current tooth shade, discuss your goals, and recommend the whitening option that is right for you.