Smile brighter with our professional teeth whitening services
Finch Midland Dental in Scarborough offers professional teeth whitening that can brighten your smile up to eight shades in a single visit — combining in-office chair-side treatment with optional custom take-home kits for long-term results. our team uses professional-strength hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide gels applied under direct supervision, with gum protection and sensitivity management built into every appointment. Schedule your whitening consultation or call (416) 297-6109.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves removing stains and discoloration from the surface of the teeth to create a brighter, more radiant smile. This process can be done in a variety of ways, such as through the use of specialized toothpaste, at-home whitening kits, or in-office treatments performed by a dental professional. While teeth whitening is primarily done for aesthetic purposes, it can also help to improve overall dental hygiene by encouraging patients to take better care of their teeth. If you're looking to achieve a more confident and radiant smile, teeth whitening may be the solution you've been searching for.
Every patient's enamel thickness and existing dental work is evaluated before a whitening protocol is recommended. Whitening gel does not lighten crowns, veneers, or fillings — so patients with visible dental work have their target shade planned carefully to avoid a mismatch with existing restorations.
For most patients, a two-phase approach delivers the best results: in-office treatment for the initial jump-start, followed by custom take-home trays to extend results and handle future touch-ups. This combination offers the fastest visible change with the best long-term control.
Reviewed by our team · Finch Midland Dental, Scarborough
Teeth can become discolored over time due to aging, consuming certain foods and drinks, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are several teeth whitening methods available to restore a brighter, more youthful smile:
In-office Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a professional whitening method that is done in a dental office. This method involves applying a high-concentration bleaching gel to the teeth and using a special light or laser to activate the gel. This method can whiten teeth up to eight shades in a single one-hour session. In-office whitening is the most effective and fastest teeth whitening method available. This is because the dentist is able to use stronger bleaching agents than those found in at-home kits, and the light or laser helps to speed up the process. Additionally, in-office whitening is performed under the supervision of a dentist, ensuring that the procedure is safe and effective.
Professional at-home Whitening Kits
Professional at-home whitening kits are provided by a dentist and involve using whitening trays or whitening strips at home. The whitening gel used in these kits is typically less concentrated than in-office whitening, and results may take several weeks to achieve. However, these kits are more affordable and convenient for those who cannot schedule an in-office whitening appointment. The trays or strips are custom-made to fit each individual's teeth, ensuring that the gel is applied evenly and effectively. Additionally, the supervision of a dentist ensures that the procedure is safe and effective.
Over the Counter Whitening Kits
Over the counter whitening kits are available at drugstores and supermarkets and are the most affordable option for teeth whitening. These kits typically include whitening strips, pens or trays and a lower concentration of bleaching agent than professional at-home kits. However, they are not custom-made to fit each individual's teeth, which can result in uneven application of the gel. Additionally, there is no supervision from a dentist, which can increase the risk of side effects such as sensitivity or damage to the gums.
It is important to note that all teeth whitening methods have potential side effects, such as sensitivity or irritation of the gums. It is important to consult with a dentist before beginning any teeth whitening treatment and to follow the instructions provided with the whitening kit to avoid overuse of the product, which can cause further damage to the teeth and gums.
Over-bleaching your teeth can result in bleachorexia or "whitening addiction." This condition occurs when individuals become obsessed with achieving perfectly white teeth and engage in excessive or unnecessary teeth whitening treatments. Over-bleaching your teeth can lead to a variety of side effects that can be both uncomfortable and damaging to your oral health. Here are some of the most common side effects of over-bleaching:
To avoid these side effects, it is important to follow the instructions provided with your teeth whitening products and to avoid overuse. Consult with a dental professional before beginning any teeth whitening treatment to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can help to brighten and enhance the appearance of your smile. Here is what to expect during a professional teeth whitening procedure:
Expect a Consultation
Your dentist will begin by examining your teeth and discussing your expectations for the treatment.
Expect Pre-treatment Cleaning
Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any debris or plaque that may interfere with the whitening process.
Expect Application of Whitening Agent
Your dentist will apply a whitening agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to your teeth.
Activation of the Whitening Agent
Depending on the type of whitening agent used, your dentist may use a special light or laser to activate the agent and speed up the whitening process.
Multiple Applications
Your dentist may apply the whitening agent multiple times to achieve the desired level of whitening.
Evaluation of Results
Once the whitening process is complete, your dentist will evaluate the results and compare them to your initial shade to determine the level of improvement.
Post-treatment Care
Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks for a period of time after the treatment to help maintain the results.
Professional-grade whitening agents achieve dramatically brighter results than any over-the-counter product — often in just one visit.
Treatment is performed or prescribed by your dentist, ensuring gum tissue is protected and the gel concentration is appropriate for your teeth.
Custom trays or in-office application ensures the whitening gel reaches every surface evenly — no streaking or missed patches.
With proper care and occasional touch-ups, professional whitening results can last 1–3 years — far longer than store-bought treatments.
A noticeably brighter smile makes a strong first impression and gives patients a meaningful boost of confidence in social and professional settings.
We evaluate your sensitivity level before treatment and can adjust the gel strength or recommend a desensitizing protocol to keep you comfortable.
Teeth Whitening is a good fit if you are:
This may not be the right option if:
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.
Here is how the main whitening methods compare. our team reviews all options with every patient so you make the best-informed decision for your situation.
| Feature | In-Office | Take-Home (Custom) | Over-the-Counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peroxide strength | High (25–40%) | Medium (10–22%) | Low (3–10%) |
| Treatment time | 60–90 min single visit | 1–2 weeks nightly | 2–4 weeks daily |
| Shade improvement | Up to 8 shades | 4–6 shades | 1–3 shades |
| Customization | Full control | Custom trays | One-size strips |
| Gum protection | Barrier placed | Custom tray fit | Minimal |
| Clinical oversight | Direct | Guided | None |
These are the questions patients ask most often before committing to treatment. our team addresses each one honestly at your consultation.
"I'm worried about tooth sensitivity"
Some sensitivity is common and usually temporary. our team adjusts the peroxide concentration for your tooth enamel and can apply a desensitizing gel before and after treatment. Most patients describe it as a brief cold-water twinge that resolves within 24–48 hours.
"Will whitening damage my enamel?"
Professional whitening under supervision does not damage enamel. Overbleaching with store-bought products over months can — which is why clinical oversight matters. our team monitors the shade and stops at the optimal point.
"Will the results last?"
Results typically last 1–3 years with good oral care and moderate consumption of staining foods and drinks. Custom take-home trays make touch-ups easy and inexpensive.
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.
The degree of whitening varies from person to person, but most people can expect to see their teeth become 2-8 shades lighter.
A professional teeth whitening treatment typically takes around 60-90 minutes to complete.
Teeth whitening is generally not recommended for children under the age of 16, as their teeth and gums are still developing.
Teeth whitening is generally considered safe when performed under the supervision of a dental professional. However, overuse or misuse of whitening products can lead to negative side effects.
Yes. At our Scarborough dental office we offer professional teeth whitening to patients from Scarborough and the surrounding area. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Most patients see 4–8 shades of improvement with professional whitening. Results depend on starting shade, stain type, and enamel condition. our team will set realistic expectations at your consultation.
In-office whitening typically takes 60–90 minutes per visit. Most patients complete treatment in one session, though deeply stained teeth may benefit from a second visit.
Results typically last 1–3 years with good oral hygiene and moderate consumption of staining foods and drinks. Custom take-home trays make touch-ups easy and inexpensive.
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, gum irritation, and uneven results if existing restorations are present. Overbleaching can cause lasting sensitivity or enamel damage — professional supervision prevents this. Consult our team or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.
Contact our office to discuss how this treatment can help you achieve your dental health goals.