Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments for good reason. It is fast, non-invasive, and delivers visible results that can genuinely transform the way your smile looks and feels. If you have been curious about getting your teeth whitened in Calgary, this guide breaks down everything you need to know, including the different types of whitening available, what the process involves, how much it costs, and what kind of results you can realistically expect.
Before diving into treatment options, it helps to understand why teeth change colour in the first place. Tooth discolouration falls into two main categories.
Extrinsic staining occurs on the outer surface of the enamel and is caused by food, beverages, and lifestyle habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are among the most common culprits.
Intrinsic staining originates inside the tooth itself. This can be caused by aging, certain medications (such as tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood), trauma, or excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development.
Professional whitening works best on extrinsic staining. For intrinsic discolouration, other cosmetic options like porcelain veneers may produce better results. Our team can help you determine which approach is right for your specific situation.
In-Office Professional Whitening with Opalescence
At Vigée Dental, we use Opalescence for our professional whitening treatments. Opalescence is one of the most trusted whitening systems in dentistry, used by dental professionals worldwide for its consistent, reliable results and patient comfort.
In-office whitening with Opalescence is performed at our clinic and typically takes about one hour. A high-concentration Opalescence whitening gel is applied directly to your teeth, and your gums are carefully protected throughout the process. This is the fastest way to achieve noticeably whiter teeth, often lightening your smile by several shades in a single session.
Take-Home Opalescence Whitening Kits
Opalescence also offers a professional take-home system that delivers outstanding results at your own pace. Your dentist takes impressions of your teeth and creates custom-fitted trays. You then apply Opalescence gel at home for a set amount of time each day, typically over one to two weeks.
The advantage of Opalescence take-home kits over pharmacy alternatives is the gel formula itself. Opalescence contains potassium nitrate and fluoride, which help reduce sensitivity and strengthen enamel during the whitening process. The custom trays ensure the gel stays exactly where it needs to be, delivering even, consistent results across every tooth.
The trays can be kept and reused whenever you want a touch-up in the future, making them a lasting investment in your smile.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Whitening strips, toothpastes, and generic gel trays from the pharmacy can provide some improvement but fall significantly short of professional systems like Opalescence. The concentration of whitening agents is much lower, results are less dramatic and take longer to achieve, and the trays are not custom-fitted to your teeth, which leads to uneven coverage and a higher risk of gel contacting your gums.
If you are looking for meaningful, lasting whitening results, the Opalescence system available through Vigée Dental is the more reliable investment.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Before starting any whitening treatment, your dentist will assess the current condition of your teeth and gums. Whitening should not be performed over cavities, cracks, or active gum disease, so any underlying issues need to be addressed first. If you are overdue for a checkup, our dental hygiene and teeth cleaning appointments are a great place to start. Your dentist will also discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate Opalescence option for your situation.
Step 2: Cleaning
A professional cleaning before whitening removes surface plaque and tartar that could interfere with the whitening gel making even contact with your enamel. This step helps ensure you get the most uniform results possible.
Step 3: Whitening Treatment
For in-office whitening, your gums are protected with a barrier before the Opalescence gel is applied to your teeth. The gel is left on for a series of short intervals, and the results are visible immediately after your appointment.
For take-home whitening, you will leave with your custom Opalescence trays and gel. Your dentist will walk you through exactly how to apply the gel, how long to wear the trays, and what to expect throughout the process.
Step 4: Aftercare Guidance
After whitening, your teeth may be temporarily more sensitive to hot and cold. The potassium nitrate in Opalescence gel helps minimize this, but your dentist will also provide aftercare instructions, including which foods and beverages to avoid in the days immediately after treatment.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Calgary?
The cost of professional teeth whitening in Calgary depends on the type of treatment you choose.
Teeth whitening is generally not covered by dental insurance because it is classified as a cosmetic procedure. That said, it remains one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry options available. If you are considering combining whitening with other treatments, our financing options can help make your full smile plan more manageable.
How Long Do Whitening Results Last?
With Opalescence professional whitening, results typically last between one and three years. How long your results last depends largely on your diet and habits. Frequent consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco will cause your teeth to re-stain more quickly.
To extend your results, your dentist may recommend occasional touch-up sessions using your Opalescence take-home trays. Brushing after consuming staining foods and beverages also helps slow the re-staining process.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes. Opalescence is a clinically tested, dentist-trusted whitening system that is safe and well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients. Its formula includes potassium nitrate and fluoride specifically to protect enamel and reduce sensitivity during and after treatment. Temporary tooth sensitivity is the most commonly reported side effect, and it typically resolves within a day or two.
Whitening is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with significant gum recession, or children whose teeth are still developing.