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Finch Midland Dental

Teeth Whitening Home Kits

Achieve a brighter smile from the comfort of your own home

Finch Midland Dental in Scarborough provides professional take-home teeth whitening kits — custom-fitted trays plus professional-strength whitening gel for gradual, safe whitening from the comfort of your home. our team takes precise impressions so your trays fit snugly, minimizing gum irritation and ensuring even whitening of every tooth. Patients from Scarborough choose take-home kits for convenience and excellent long-term control of their smile. Schedule your whitening consultation or call (416) 297-6109.

What are professional whitening home kits? What to expect from a whitening kit Benefits of professional home kits Managing tooth sensitivity How often to reapply Who is not a candidate? Frequently asked questions
Custom tray for professional teeth whitening home kit
Cosmetic Dentistry

What Are Professional Teeth Whitening Home Kits?

Teeth whitening home kits have become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people seek to brighten their smiles without the cost and inconvenience of professional dental treatments. These kits typically include a whitening gel or paste and a tray or strip to hold it against your teeth.

They can be used at home, at your own convenience, and at a fraction of the cost of professional treatments. However, with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which teeth whitening home kit is right for you.

Our Clinical Approach

Custom take-home whitening is a preferred option for most patients. The trays are molded to your exact teeth, which means the gel stays on the teeth and off the gums — the opposite of 'boil-and-bite' options from the drugstore. Results are gradual but excellent, and shade touch-ups are easy over time.

Many patients benefit from combining in-office whitening with take-home trays — a fast jump-start in the office followed by home maintenance to hold the shade long-term. Patients appreciate having that control at home.

Reviewed by our team · Finch Midland Dental, Scarborough, ON

Transcript
hi everyone my name is whitney and i'm a dental hygienist if you're new here welcome if you've been here before welcome back today let's talk about teeth whitening so you want whiter teeth it's a trend that's been around for a long while i get it let's talk about the three steps you need to take in order to properly and safely whiten your teeth step one make sure you're a teeth whitening candidate you are not a teeth whitening candidate if you are currently pregnant or nursing under 18 years old undergoing chemo or radiation using photosensitive drugs diagnosed with melanoma have cracked enamel curious lesions cervical abrasion and or dentinogenesis imperfecta or emiliogenesis imperfecta you may or may not be a candidate if you have anterior fillings and or veneers internal staining such as tetracycline staining or fluorosis so that is step one find out if you're a candidate which entails asking your dentist or dental hygienist it's also recommended and always best to have your teeth professionally cleaned before you whiten your teeth if you get routine cleanings every six months you're probably fine but if you have not had a professional dental cleaning and exam in a while you need to do that before you consider whitening step two decide how much time and how much money you want to spend so the most expensive whitening treatments generally not always but often generally are the ones that will achieve whitening results quicker and the more affordable whitening treatments will generally take a little longer to achieve the results so it is up to you how much time you are willing to commit and how much money you are willing to spend the three whitening options that i'm about to discuss all will achieve the same result however there are pros and cons to each option so like i said always talk to your dental provider before you consider whitening but until then here are some things to think about one more thing the three options i'm about to discuss all contain some type of peroxide peroxide is the ingredient that whitens your teeth so depending on the concentration of peroxide that the product itself contains that's what will determine the price and the speed the first option is whitening strips they contain smaller amounts of peroxide which will take longer but you still should achieve professional results so if you have a week or two or even a month and you want to choose the most affordable option then i would recommend to try whitening strips pros of whitening strips they are affordable and you can take breaks and make your own schedule if you're having sensitivity such as one day on one day off cons of whitening strips if you're not careful sometimes they can slip and get on your gums and steam your gums especially if you were someone who produces a lot of saliva regularly if you normally have a spitty mouth they might not stick on your teeth as well causing them to slide around and move around the second option is custom trays these are the ones that you would get an impression taken at your dental office usually alginate impressions but it can vary the type of impression regardless they are custom fabricated so they look like clear aligners and they fit perfectly to your teeth to your dentition they are usually moderately priced but they can last for a very long time maybe even forever if you take care of them and then whenever you want to whiten you purchase the whitening product to go into them this whitening product is available to purchase at your dental office so if you're interested ask what they have and depending on the type of product they offer they'll let you know the amount of peroxide and how long it will take to achieve the results you want it could be anywhere from a couple weeks to a month cons of whitening trays price they can be more expensive than strips and less convenient because you can't just go to the store to buy them you need to have your dental trays fitted and fabricated by a dental professional pros of custom whitening trays they are known to be the least reported in causing sensitivity generally because they fit your teeth perfectly and it's less likely that the whitening product will touch your gums and lots of custom whitening material is made from carbon my peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide and a lot of them contain potassium nitrate you don't have to remember all that but what it means is a lot of them contain the ingredients that help reduce tooth sensitivity and also with these just like strips you can make your own routine at home and take them on and off as needed and lastly the third option is in-office whitening this will be the quickest and you will be in and out in one dental appointment sometimes two depending on the treatment but you'll be in and out with the whitening results you want so that's the pro it's quick however the cons are that this is generally the most expensive option and it commonly has the most sensitivity upon use in office whitening solutions are much stronger than the at-home products because they work fast in addition they sometimes use heat light or a combination of the two to intensify your whitening process so that's definitely something to consider if you've ever had or you're currently having sensitive teeth again please remember that you will achieve the same results no matter which option you choose so choose wisely depending on your level of commitment and how much money you have and if your teeth are sensitive or not i can't stress enough to talk with your dental provider before you make a decision because they can help guide you in the right direction and let you know the best option for your individual mouth and before i go something important to note for all whitening products is if you lose the directions from the product you are using do not and i repeat do not read someone else's directions from another box there are multiple concentrations for each product that all require a different amount of time for them to sit on your teeth and some products use carbohydroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide and the conversion of the percentage of peroxide if it's a different type of peroxide with the amount of time on your teeth does not transfer over between the two types so if you're using 35 carbon my peroxide it would be about 12 percent hydrogen peroxide because it's divided by three my point is follow your directions on your box i actually have a whole video about that which i will link below if you want to learn more also on my website teetstockgirl.com i have a list of popular whitening products with the type and amount of peroxide and the amount of time they should be left on your teeth which i will link below as well i hope this video helped you please like and subscribe if it did and if you want more teeth talk you can visit my website seethatgirl.com where i have more articles and videos about healthy mouths and healthy teeth peace love and teeth
The Process

What to Expect from a Professional Whitening Kit

Dental Exam: The first step is a thorough dental exam to assess the health of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will check for any underlying issues that may affect treatment effectiveness.

Custom Trays: Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays that fit snugly, holding the whitening solution in place for even and consistent coverage.

Whitening Solution: A customized whitening solution is created based on the shade of your teeth and the results you desire — typically a higher concentration than over-the-counter products.

Instructions and Support: Your dentist will provide detailed instructions on how to use the kit and offer support throughout the treatment process.

Why Choose Professional

Benefits of a Professional Teeth Whitening Home Kit

While drug store whitening kits may seem convenient, they simply can't compare to a professional kit from your dentist:

Professional-Strength Whitening at Home

Our take-home gel contains a higher concentration of whitening agent than any OTC product — delivering real, visible results over 1–2 weeks.

Custom-Fitted Trays

Made from precise impressions of your teeth, custom trays ensure even gel coverage and prevent it from contacting your gums, maximizing comfort and results.

Reusable for Future Touch-Ups

Your custom trays are yours to keep. Order additional whitening gel from our office whenever you want to maintain or refresh your results — no new impressions needed.

Gradual Comfortable Results

The gradual whitening process is well-tolerated by most patients, including those with mild sensitivity, and produces beautifully natural-looking results.

Ready to brighten your smile on your own schedule? your dentist will take your impressions and send you home with everything you need to achieve professional whitening results — at a time and pace that works for your life.
Transcript
hi everyone my name is whitney and i am a dental hygienist if you're new here welcome if you've been here before welcome back today let's talk about how to fix and or prevent sensitivity on your teeth after whitening if you have sensitive teeth after whitening don't freak out it happens and before we jump in talking about ways to modify your whitening routine if you have sensitive teeth i'd like to remind you about my website teethtalkgirl.com if you're ever looking for a specific dental topic there's a search bar for you to easily find specific articles and videos of mine and also my instagram teeth talk girl whitening products are known to cause sensitivity so if you are someone who has never had tooth sensitivity be prepared for your teeth to possibly be sensitive either during whitening or after whitening and if you are someone who already has sensitive teeth regularly be aware that whitening can cause you severe sensitivity it can enhance your sensitivity and if this is you you should maybe consider not doing it but either way before you whiten you should always consult your dental provider and ask them about it based on your individual mouth you are under their care so no one could give you better advice than your personal dental provider but for the purpose of this video let's talk about generalized tips and tricks and fixing sensitivity upon whitening lots of at home whitening product require you to use them for a couple weeks up to a month so if you start to have sensitivity when this product is on your teeth please know that you do not have to power through it take them off if you start feeling uncomfortable and also if they are not hurting you and you're like okay i'm gonna leave them on for another 10 minutes so they get extra white never do that never go over the amount of time recommended thinking they will whiten your teeth better there's a reason why there's a time limit on those instructions also please know that it's perfectly fine sometimes recommended to skip days like to put them on every other day instead of every day so both of these things using product every other day and for less time each session might not be as effective or you might not get your results as quickly as you'd like but it's worth it in the long run if you're having sensitivity there's no rush make sure you're comfortable another tip is to use sensitivity toothpaste right after whitening it's a great prevention whether or not you're having sensitivity however if you do experience or are expecting severe sensitivity there's something called sensitivity strips they look very similar to white strips so after you remove your white strips you brush you rinse and then you put these sensitivity strips on i don't think everyone needs to use these sensitivity strips preventatively i recommend using the toothpaste preventatively but only use the strips if you are worried or you're struggling with sensitivity already another product to try whether you've experienced sensitivity or not is sensitivity mouthwash i'll link some product recommendations in the bottom or below if you're interested oftentimes sensitivity does happen during whitening when the product is on your teeth but not always sometimes it's sneaky you'll take the whitening product off your teeth feel all good but then you'll wake up the next morning experiencing sensitivity so if you're watching this please know it might surprise you when you go to drink cold water and your lower front teeth feel weird often for whatever reason the lower front teeth is where sensitivity starts but not always it can be generalized so i'm all about using sensitivity toothpaste and mouthwash before you feel anything to prevent feeling anything and if you're super stressed expecting severe sensitivity grab the sensitivity strips as well so to recap the biggest thing to remember is it's okay to quit early don't have the mindset that i paid for these whitening strips i'm gonna push through even though i'm in pain i wanna get my money's worth no also never finish a box just to finish the box if you already achieved the results you desire no need to overdo it like if the instructions say three weeks and you like how your teeth look at two weeks count it as a win save that extra product for a later date and pro tip keep your whitening product in your refrigerator to make it last longer and before we go please remember that whitening your teeth is dehydrating your teeth right it should be safe if you're following the directions and you're keeping your dental provider in the loop about what you're doing to your teeth at home but just remember that whitening is not something you want to do every single day for the rest of your life it can get addictive don't let it because sensitivity thank you all for watching i hope this video helped you please like and subscribe if it did and if you want more teeth talk you can visit my website seedtalkgirl.com where i have more articles and videos about healthy mouths and healthy teeth until next time peace love and [Music] you
Comfort Tips

Managing Tooth Sensitivity with Home Teeth Whitening

  • Use a desensitizing toothpaste before and after treatment to help reduce sensitivity.
  • Limit treatment time: Follow the recommended time and don't exceed it — longer sessions increase sensitivity.
  • Avoid hot or cold drinks during treatment, as they can trigger tooth sensitivity.
  • Use a lower concentration of bleaching agent if you have sensitive teeth.
  • Take breaks between treatments: If you experience sensitivity, wait a few days before continuing.
  • Talk to your dentist: If sensitivity persists, your dentist may recommend an alternative treatment.
Maintenance

How Often Can I Reapply Whitening Product?

Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or dental professional. Typically, most products can be reapplied every 3 to 6 months to maintain results.

It's best to reapply after a dental cleaning to ensure the whitening solution has the best possible surface area to work with.

Side effects of over whitening:

  • Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Gum irritation and inflammation
  • Increased risk of tooth decay and damage to enamel
  • Uneven results, with some areas appearing more white than others
Important Considerations

Who Is Not a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Pregnant or nursing women: The safety of teeth whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not yet known, so it is generally recommended to avoid treatment.

Individuals under 18: Children and teenagers are still developing their teeth, so whitening is not recommended.

Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation: These treatments can weaken enamel and make teeth more sensitive.

Individuals with damaged teeth: Avoid whitening if you have periodontal disease, cracked enamel, cavities, or cervical abrasion.

Is This Right For You

Is Teeth Whitening Home Kits Right for You?

Teeth Whitening Home Kits is a good fit if you are:

  • Patients with general yellowing from coffee, tea, wine, or age
  • Patients who want a gradual, manageable at-home process
  • Patients who prefer to touch up shade themselves over time
  • Patients with healthy teeth and gums and no untreated decay

This may not be the right option if:

  • Patients with visible fillings, crowns, or veneers on front teeth (will mismatch)
  • Patients with severe tetracycline or intrinsic staining
  • Patients with active gum disease (must be treated first)
Step By Step

What to Expect During Your Teeth Whitening Home Kits Visit

Here is exactly what happens at your appointment at Finch Midland Dental. Knowing each step makes the experience far less intimidating — and lets you relax knowing what comes next.

  1. 1. Impressions for trays. our team takes precise impressions of your teeth. Custom trays are fabricated at the lab — typically ready in a few days.
  2. 2. Tray fitting. You return to pick up the trays. our team checks the fit, gives you the whitening gel, and explains how to use it.
  3. 3. At-home use. Fill each tray with a small amount of gel and wear 30–60 minutes (or overnight, depending on strength) nightly for 1–2 weeks.
  4. 4. Results. Most patients see visible whitening within a week. Final results are reached at 2–4 weeks. Touch-up treatments are easy — you keep the trays for future use.
Common Concerns

Common Concerns About Teeth Whitening Home Kits

These are the questions patients at Finch Midland Dental ask most often before committing to treatment. our team addresses each one honestly at your consultation.

"Why not just use drugstore strips?"

Store-bought strips don't conform well to tooth shape, can irritate gums, and use weaker gel. Custom trays ensure the professional-strength gel stays on your teeth (not your gums), delivering better, more even results.

"Isn't in-office whitening faster?"

Yes — in-office produces same-day results. Take-home is gradual (1–2 weeks). Many patients combine both: in-office for the jump-start, then take-home to extend and maintain.

"Will take-home whitening make my teeth sensitive?"

Some sensitivity is common, but custom tray fit and the right gel strength keep it manageable. our team adjusts the protocol for sensitive patients.

What to Know

Risks and Considerations of Teeth Whitening Home Kits

Every procedure has tradeoffs, and transparent conversation about them is part of informed consent. our team reviews these at your consultation and answers every question before treatment begins.

  • Temporary tooth sensitivity (usually mild, fades within days)
  • Gum irritation if gel contacts soft tissue (minimized by custom tray fit)
  • Existing crowns, veneers, and fillings do not whiten
  • Overuse can cause lasting sensitivity or enamel issues
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening Home Kits

Custom professional at-home teeth whitening kits are created specifically for you by a dental professional, ensuring a customized fit and higher concentration of whitening solution than what is available in over-the-counter products.

Whitening products do not change the color of fillings, crowns, or other dental restorations. Your dentist can advise on the best approach if you have existing restorations in visible areas.

It's recommended to wait until braces are removed before using a teeth whitening kit to ensure even whitening.

Yes, custom professional kits are typically more expensive, but they offer a higher concentration of whitening solution and a customized fit for better, longer-lasting results.

Yes. At our Scarborough dental office we offer professional teeth whitening home kits to patients from Scarborough and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Most patients see visible results within 1–2 weeks of nightly use, with full results at 2–4 weeks. The gradual approach lets your teeth adjust to the whitening process, minimizing sensitivity.

Results typically last 1–3 years with good oral hygiene. Patients who consume staining foods/drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) may need occasional touch-up treatments. Because you keep the custom trays, touch-ups are easy and inexpensive.

Yes — when used as directed under professional supervision. The custom tray fit keeps the gel on teeth, and our team adjusts the peroxide strength to match your sensitivity level. Stop use and call us if you experience persistent sensitivity or gum irritation.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation. Overuse or poor-fitting trays can worsen sensitivity. Existing crowns, veneers, and fillings do not whiten with the gel. Consult our team or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.

Ready for a Brighter Smile at Home?

Get a professional-grade teeth whitening kit customized by your dentist for safe, effective, and long-lasting results.

Book NowCall (416) 297-6109