Office parties, family dinners and Christmas Eve photos come up quickly. It’s often in November that we think: “I’d love a brighter smile for the holidays.” If you’re looking for teeth whitening in Repentigny, here’s how to choose between in-chair whitening and the take-home whitening offered at Centre dentaire Repentigny, and, most importantly, how to plan so you can get to December without the stress.
Teeth whitening, also called “dental bleaching,” aims to restore the whiteness your teeth once had. It’s a simple cosmetic treatment, but it is still dental care: it deserves a professional assessment and follow-up.
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Why plan your whitening now
December is busy, for you and for appointment books. Here’s why it pays to start early:
- An exam and a cleaning first. Tartar and surface stains are removed during the cleaning. It’s also the opportunity to check that there are no cavities, irritated gums or restorations that need to be redone before a whitening product is applied.
- The treatment continues at home. Whether you choose in-chair or at-home whitening, the CDR protocol includes trays worn for several days. You therefore need to allow for that time before your event.
- The period without coloured foods. After treatment, you need to avoid coloured foods and drinks for a few days (see below). It’s better if that period doesn’t fall right in the middle of a holiday dinner, between the red wine, coffee and cranberries!
- Time to manage sensitivity. If sensitivity appears, it’s better to have a few days of buffer.
In short: book your appointment a few weeks before your events rather than the day before.
In-chair whitening: a start at the clinic
At Centre dentaire Repentigny, in-chair whitening is done during an appointment of about an hour and a half. A dental hygienist applies the whitening treatment directly in the clinic. She also makes a custom tray that you take home to continue the treatment for a few days.
Who is it for?
This option works well for people who:
- want to see a difference as of the day of the appointment;
- prefer to have a professional handle the first step;
- have a busy schedule and like a structured protocol.
Take-home whitening: at your own pace
For take-home whitening, our team makes custom trays and gives you the whitening product. For several days, you wear the trays during the day or at night, according to the instructions you receive.
Who is it for?
This option may be a good fit if you:
- prefer to do the treatment in the comfort of your home;
- are comfortable following a protocol carefully;
- want to spread the treatment out around your schedule.
This treatment requires more discipline from the patient: each step must be followed to achieve the desired result.
How to choose?
| Criterion |
In-chair |
At home |
| Where it starts |
In the clinic, with a hygienist (about 1.5 hours) |
At home, with custom trays |
| Follow-up |
A tray is provided to continue for a few days |
Trays worn for several days |
| Patient involvement |
Moderate |
Greater discipline |
There is no “best” option in absolute terms. Your starting shade, the sensitivity of your teeth, your restorations and your schedule guide the recommendation. Results vary from person to person; no one can promise a specific shade.
Professional or drugstore kit?
Strips and kits sold in pharmacies, big-box stores or online are tempting. Here’s how they differ from professional teeth whitening:
- custom-made trays, fitted to your teeth, to limit contact of the product with the gums;
- a prior assessment: we check that your teeth and gums are healthy;
- follow-up: if sensitivity occurs or if the result seems uneven, the team can advise you.
As our clinic page notes, in-clinic treatment is safe for the mouth and gums, unlike many products offered outside a professional setting.
What does not whiten: crowns, fillings and veneers
An important point to know before whitening: the whitening product acts only on natural teeth. Crowns, white fillings (composites), bridges and veneers do not change colour during treatment.
So if you have a visible dental restoration at the front, it could show a shade difference with your natural teeth after whitening. That’s why it’s important to discuss it with your dentist before you start. In some cases, it may be better to plan the whitening before replacing a restoration, so a new shade can be chosen that will harmonize with your smile.
For a more comprehensive approach to the aesthetics and health of your smile, also see our Smile transformation page.
Who should wait or avoid whitening?
Whitening is not for everyone, or not right away. We generally recommend postponing it or talking with the dentist first if:
- you have untreated cavities or inflamed gums;
- you have significant tooth sensitivity or exposed roots;
- you are pregnant or breastfeeding (treatment is often postponed as a precaution);
- it involves a child or a young teenager;
- your stains are intrinsic (certain medications, trauma), which sometimes respond less well.
Only an exam can determine whether you are a good candidate.
After whitening: foods to avoid and sensitivity
Dietary restrictions
According to our instructions, for 3 to 4 days after in-chair or at-home whitening — or 4 to 7 days during touch-ups — you should avoid eating or drinking coloured foods. Think coffee, tea, red wine, berries, soy sauce or tomato sauces. Choose foods without dark colourings. That’s the main reason not to have your whitening the day before a holiday dinner!
Sensitivity
Sensitivity, especially to cold, is possible after treatment. Our instructions: brush with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth (such as Sensodyne Rapid Relief or Repair & Protect), then do not rinse, eat or drink for 30 minutes so the product stays in contact with the teeth. If the sensitivity persists, call us.
Keeping the brightness
After either treatment, you can buy whitening gel tubes at the clinic during your cleaning appointment, to do your touch-ups with your trays.
FAQ — teeth whitening before the holidays
How far ahead of the holidays should I book?
Ideally a few weeks ahead, so you can have the exam and cleaning, complete the days of wearing the trays, and get through the period without coloured foods before your events.
Is in-chair whitening painful?
The treatment is generally not painful, but sensitivity, especially to cold, can occur afterwards. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth often helps.
Will my crowns or fillings whiten?
No. Restorations do not change colour. Talk to the dentist so you can plan the sequence of treatments.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Repentigny?
We don’t publish fees online. The cost will be explained to you at the clinic, depending on the option you choose.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. The response to whitening varies from person to person, depending on the starting shade and the type of stains.
Book your whitening before the December rush
Want a brighter smile for your holiday photos? Start with an exam and a cleaning, then choose with our team between in-chair whitening and take-home whitening.
Centre dentaire Repentigny · 557 Notre-Dame, Repentigny · 450-582-0965
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Learn more: Teeth whitening · Smile aesthetics
This article is for information purposes only; it does not replace a dental assessment. Results vary from person to person.
