Care at Crystal Dental
Teeth Whitening
Explore professional whitening options and find out what may suit your teeth and your goals.
A brighter shade that suits your smile
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening uses a bleaching gel to lighten the colour of natural teeth, which can darken with age or become stained by food, drinks and tobacco. The gel breaks down coloured compounds in the tooth so they become less noticeable. This differs from a dental cleaning or whitening toothpaste, which mainly removes deposits or stains on the tooth surface.
The amount of lightening varies with the starting shade and cause of discolouration, and crowns, fillings and veneers keep their existing colour. Whitening can temporarily make teeth sensitive or irritate the gums, so the product, application time and instructions matter. At Crystal Dental, we check your teeth and gums and discuss existing dental work and sensitivity before explaining suitable options and the change you could expect.
Finding the right shade
When would I consider teeth whitening?
Healthy teeth and gums come first. Decay, gum disease or unexplained sensitivity may need care before whitening. A single tooth that has darkened after an injury or previous treatment should be assessed to identify the cause.
- Your natural teeth have become darker or more stained over time.
- You would like a brighter smile and want to know what whitening could achieve.
- You want advice on a whitening product or help planning around existing dental work.
A closer look
Understanding your whitening options
Whitening with guidance from your dentist
Professional approaches include take-home whitening with fitted trays and treatment in a dental office. We can explain which options are suitable and available for you, including the application times and care instructions.
Surface stain removal or bleaching
A professional cleaning can remove surface deposits and some stains. Whitening toothpastes mainly address surface stains, while bleaching gel changes natural tooth colour. Your examination helps identify the kind of change you are looking for.
Planning around crowns, veneers and fillings
These restorations keep their existing shade when natural teeth are whitened. If you are also planning new dental work, tell us before you start so the order of treatment and colour matching can be considered together.
What to expect
What to expect, step by step.
01
Check your teeth and starting shade
Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, reviews existing dental work and asks about sensitivity. Understanding the cause of the colour change helps us explain which approach could help.
02
Choose an appropriate whitening plan
We explain the suitable methods and how to use the recommended treatment. If a custom tray system is chosen, records of your teeth are used to make trays, and their fit is checked before you begin at home.
03
Review your comfort and progress
Follow the instructions for your product and let us know if you develop sensitivity or sore gums. Your dental team can advise on a pause or adjustment, review the result and explain when a future touch-up may be appropriate.
The Crystal Dental approach
Why choose Crystal Dental for teeth whitening?
Care close to home
Our family-owned practice serves Burnaby and Langley. Bring your questions about whitening to the team caring for your teeth and gums.
Expectations based on your teeth
Your starting shade, the cause of staining and existing dental work help us explain the change whitening may achieve. Your preferences are part of that plan.
Attention to your comfort
A history of sensitivity matters when choosing treatment. We explain how to use the recommended product and what to do if your teeth or gums become uncomfortable.
Your care team
Four doctors. One family approach.
Dr. Bogdan Stanisavljevic
B.Sc., DMD
Dr. Goran Stanisavljevic
DMD, M.Sc., PhD · Co-founder
Dr. Dragana Stanisavljevic
DMD · Co-founder
Dr. Nicole Stanisavljevic
B.Sc. (Honours), DMD
FAQs
Teeth Whitening: your questions.
Have another question? Contact our team and we will be happy to help.
Will whitening work on every kind of stain?
Some types of discolouration respond more readily than others. Your dentist can assess the cause and explain whether whitening is likely to help, or whether another approach would suit the tooth better.
Can whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur during whitening, but these effects are usually temporary. If you notice sensitivity during treatment, pause whitening and contact our team for advice before restarting. We can discuss adjustments to help keep treatment comfortable. Persistent or worsening pain should be assessed before you continue.
Will my crowns and fillings become whiter?
No. Whitening lightens natural teeth but does not change the shade of crowns, veneers or fillings. This can make a previously matching restoration more noticeable.
How long does whitening take?
The timeline depends on your starting shade, the type of staining and the whitening method. Take-home treatment commonly takes a few weeks. In-office whitening can produce noticeable brightening in as little as one visit. If you have an event in mind, mention the date early so we can discuss a suitable timeline for assessment, treatment and review.
How do I look after my teeth afterwards?
Keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth and attend regular dental visits. Staining foods, drinks and tobacco can affect the shade over time. Ask your dentist before repeating treatment or extending product use.
Should I whiten during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Elective whitening is generally postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your dentist can help with routine cleaning and any oral health concerns in the meantime.
How do I book, and can I ask about costs first?
Choose Burnaby or Langley on our Contact page and call, email, or text the office to arrange a visit. Our reception team will confirm your appointment. Ask about estimates and bring your current benefit information; see our insurance and payment page for more details.
Further reading: Canadian Dental Association: Teeth Whitening · American Dental Association: Teeth Whitening · American Dental Association: Whitening · NHS: Teeth Whitening · American Dental Association: Natural Teeth Whitening
Your next visit
Let’s make time for your smile.
Choose the office that works for you. Our reception team will help arrange your appointment.