--- title: "Ask Our Dentist: Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe?" description: In this article, HealthOne goes in-depth about how you can safely use professional teeth whitening products to achieve a whiter smile. image: https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Oct-As-our-Dentist-is-teeth-whitening-safe.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.healthone.ca/ask-our-dentist-is-professional-teeth-whitening-safe#main-content) [![HealthOne-CMYK](https://blog.healthone.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/HealthOne-CMYK.png?width=250&height=51&name=HealthOne-CMYK.png)](https://blog.healthone.ca/) - [healthone.ca](https://healthone.ca/) - [Our Story](https://healthone.ca/about-us/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [healthone.ca](https://healthone.ca/) - [Our Story](https://healthone.ca/about-us/) Dental # Ask Our Dentist: Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe? In this article, HealthOne goes in-depth about how you can safely use professional teeth whitening products to achieve a whiter smile.  ![Dr. Yasmin Vakilian, Dentist](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Dr%20Yasmin%20Dentist.png) Reviewed by: Dr. Yasmin Vakilian, Dentist ![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/clock.svg)Last Updated: September 14, 2026 . ![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Oct-As-our-Dentist-is-teeth-whitening-safe.jpg) Last Updated: September 14, 2026 . ### Table of Content LinkedIn headshots, family reunions, graduation ceremonies, you name it. These days, there are plenty of reasons why you might want a [professional teeth whitening in Toronto](https://healthone.ca/toronto/dental-to/teeth-whitening/) The concept of teeth whitening, however, can be tricky to navigate. Is it true that [berries can whiten your teeth](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-common-myths-about-teeth-whitening)? Are [at-home products the same as professional products](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-differences-between-at-home-and-professional-teeth-whitening)? And perhaps the most important question of all... is teeth whitening even safe?   **The short answer is yes — when performed by trained dental professionals using approved products, teeth whitening is considered safe and effective** As a highly skilled dentist who specializes in [cosmetic dentistry](https://healthone.ca/dental/#cosmetic), [Dr. Yasmin Vakilian](https://healthone.ca/team/dr-yasmin-vakilian/) certainly knows a thing or two about achieving a whiter smile. And when you visit her at [HealthOne Dental](https://healthone.ca/toronto/dental-to/)**team, who have performed thousands of teeth whitening sessions**, your safety is *always* the top priority! We sat down with Dr. Vakilian to learn more about professional teeth whitening and how safe it really is.   ## How Teeth Whitening Works Before we break down common myths, it helps to understand how teeth whitening actually works. Most whitening treatments use **hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide**. These ingredients break down stains through a chemical process, lifting both surface and deeper discolouration to make teeth appear brighter. ## Teeth Whitening at Home There are lots of options for whitening your teeth. You can use [store-bought products](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-common-myths-about-teeth-whitening) like whitening gels, strips, and rinses, or professional products from a dentist.  Most people assume that achieving a better smile is as easy as picking up a whitening kit from the drug store. But according to Dr. Vakilian, this can do more harm than good.   That’s because it’s easy to overuse or misuse these types of products. When used incorrectly, [experts suggest](https://news.ubc.ca/2016/01/06/teeth-whitening-can-cause-permanent-damage-ubc-prof/) that bleaching products can cause enamel damage, gum irritation, and sensitive teeth.  The [Canadian Dental Association](https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/talk/procedures/teeth_whitening/) also points out that although surface whiteners like whitening toothpaste can help lighten the appearance of surface stains, they aren't going to accomplish much else. They are not an effective substitute for a proper cleaning or a professional teeth whitening treatment. This is why the safest and most effective option if you want a whiter smile is to visit the professionals. They’ll provide you with high-quality products that you can use from the comfort of your home.  ![Oct-blog-teeth-whitenting-ask-our-dentist\_2](https://blog.healthone.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Oct-blog-teeth-whitenting-ask-our-dentist_2.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=Oct-blog-teeth-whitenting-ask-our-dentist_2.jpg) ### Best Teeth Whitening Products So why exactly is visiting a professional better than doing it yourself? First and foremost, a dentist will provide you with the best teeth whitening products available.   “Professional whitening is a lot stronger and more effective than over-the-counter gels,” Dr. Vakilian explains, “And drug stores are not allowed to sell the same products as our offices. We provide our patients with stronger and more efficient whitening gels than you would buy in a store or online.”  Specifically, at [HealthOne](https://healthone.ca/), our teeth whitening gel contains 35% carbamide peroxide. It's completely safe when used as directed and strong enough to provide you with noticeable results.  ### Teeth Whitening Kit Now that you understand why the professional route is better, let’s take a look at how exactly the magic happens!   The first step if you’re interested in teeth whitening is to have an [initial consultation](https://healthone.ca/toronto/dental-to/book-an-appointment/) with a dentist. Ideally, we like to perform a dental examination before prescribing your whitening products to make sure your teeth are healthy.  Next, we'll take a mould of your teeth and use it to create a customized tray. You’ll pick up this tray and two syringes of whitening gel at a later appointment. Typically, the two syringes will last up to a year or two. Once you’ve run out, you can purchase a new tube of gel for $30.  “Our teeth whitening kit works better than over-the-counter because it’s stronger and more effective. The custom-fitted tray makes the whitening gel adhere to the teeth much better than just using, for example, whitening strips that only cover your front four teeth and may not get into the crevices,” Dr. Vakilian explains.  ![Whiter Teeth from Home](https://blog.healthone.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Oct-blog-teeth-whitenting-ask-our-dentist_3-1.jpg?width=900&name=Oct-blog-teeth-whitenting-ask-our-dentist_3-1.jpg) ### How To Whiten Teeth? To whiten your teeth using your new at-home kit, you’ll place a small amount of whitening gel in the tray and wear it for 10 to 15 minutes. Dr. Vakilian recommends doing this every day for no longer than two weeks total.  Once the two weeks are up, you should wait a few months before using your products again. This works out perfectly because most people's results last for 2-6 months!  [Research](https://www.cdha.ca/pdfs/Education/Scene/volume33_6_page5.pdf) even suggests that this professional route is the best way to go. A study from the Probe Scienfici Journal states that people should "be provided with custom-fitted bleaching trays with viscous bleaching gel and be advised to follow instructions very carefully." Patients love the at-home method because it gives them freedom and flexibility. If you have a special event coming up, like graduation or a wedding, for instance, you can start your at-home whitening a few weeks beforehand. 10-15 minutes a day is all it takes — you’ll be picture-ready in no time!   ## Does Teeth Whitening Make Your Teeth More Sensitive? Now that you understand how professional teeth whitening works and why it’s better than store-bought products, one big question remains: is it safe?  This is a common concern that many people have because of how much misinformation is out there. You might be worried that whitening your teeth will make them more sensitive, for example. But according to Dr. Vakilian, this is uncommon.  “Current research supports that tooth bleaching is generally safe and an effective method to improve the aesthetics of the teeth,” she confirms. “This is, of course, when undertaken by a dentist’s supervision and according to the manufacturer’s directions, which unfortunately is not always the case. When the products are not used as directed, then tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation are the most common negative effects. These problems usually resolve on their own and are very short-term.”  This is why you should always follow the instructions given by your dentist. When you use your at-home teeth whitening kit as directed, sensitivity should not become an issue.  ## Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel? The second thing people tend to worry about is if the procedure will damage their enamel.  It's a valid concern because the enamel is important — it protects your teeth from daily wear and tear, extreme temperatures, and even contact with chemicals. There are a lot of things that can cause enamel to erode, such as sugary drinks, acid reflux disease (GERD), and a diet high in sugar and starches. But according to Dr. Vakilian, teeth whitening isn’t on the list.  “In terms of enamel damage \[from teeth whitening\], experts say this is not true,” she says. “The whitening agents used by the dentist or even the ones in the office have very special safety certifications that come with them. That’s why an initial consultation with the dentist is crucial to determine whether a patient is a good candidate. If a patient naturally has very thin or de-mineralized enamel, their teeth should not be whitened. So, does it damage the enamel?  No. Is everyone the right candidate? No. And that should be determined by the dentist.”  As we mentioned, perhaps the most important step of whitening your teeth happens *before* the actual procedure. We recommend getting a [dental examination](https://healthone.ca/toronto/dental-to/book-an-appointment/) before whitening to make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.  If you have a lot of plaque and calculus on your teeth, for example, a dentist might recommend that you book a hygiene appointment before you start whitening. Or if you plan on straightening your teeth in the near future, they might recommend that you complete your orthodontic treatments first.  It isn’t required that you get an exam before whitening, but we do highly recommend it to make your journey as effective as possible.  ## Teeth B**leaching** Toronto At the end of the day, everyone wants to feel confident in their smile. But generic whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes will only get you so far.  When you visit a professional for teeth whitening treatment, you can feel confident that you’re choosing the best method possible. Not only is the whitening gel from a dentist 100% safe, but it’s also more effective and produces better results.  “It's individual, it’s custom-built, and it’s overlooked by professionals and dentists. We’re always here for our patients if there are any issues,” Dr. Vakilian concludes.   Begin your own teeth whitening transformation at our dental clinic in downtown Toronto! Dr. Vakilian and the rest of our team would love to help you start your journey.   [Want a brighter, whiter smile? Book a dental examination at our clinic.](https://healthone.ca/toronto/dental-to/book-an-appointment/) ![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/see-icon.svg) ### Frequently Asked Questions 1\. Is professional teeth whitening safe? Yes, professional teeth whitening is considered safe and effective when done under the supervision of a dentist and used as directed. Dentists use clinically approved products with safety certifications, and they tailor treatments to each patient to ensure both safety and optimal results. 2\. How long does teeth whitening last? The results of teeth whitening can last anywhere from 2-3 years to 6 months. It varies from person to person and can be impacted by a variety of factors including the product used as well as activities that can stain your teeth, such as smoking or drinking liquids such as coffee and red wine. 3\. Is teeth whitening covered under insurance? No, teeth whitening is not covered by insurance because it's considered a cosmetic procedure. Please speak with a member of our team to learn which services are covered. 4\. Who should not get teeth whitening? Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. You may not be a good candidate if you have: - Thin or demineralized enamel - Significant plaque or buildup (may need cleaning first) - Upcoming orthodontic treatment A dentist can assess your oral health and determine if whitening is appropriate for you before starting treatment. Written by: [![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/health-one.svg)](https://healthone.ca/) ![Dr. Yasmin Vakilian, Dentist](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/Dr%20Yasmin%20Dentist.png) Reviewed by: **[Dr. Yasmin Vakilian](https://healthone.ca/team/dr-yasmin-vakilian/)** Dr. Vakilian earned her Bachelor of Science from UBC and her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from Semmelweis University, graduating in the top five percent. With advanced training in oral surgery and endodontics, she is committed to lifelong learning and exceptional care and is pleased to serve patients at HealthOne Harbourfront. HealthOne is a Toronto-based health and wellness centre bringing medical, dental, skin, rehab, mental health and more together under one roof. With three GTA locations and over 200,000 patients served, HealthOne is redefining how Canadians access modern, connected care. [Meet our Clinicians](https://healthone.ca/our-team/) Share on: [![Share on Facebook](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/f-icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.healthone.ca/ask-our-dentist-is-professional-teeth-whitening-safe) [![Tweet](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/insta-icon.svg)](https://www.instagram.com) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/in-icon-1.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.healthone.ca/ask-our-dentist-is-professional-teeth-whitening-safe) [![](https://blog.healthone.ca/hubfs/back-arrow.svg) Back to Main Blog](https://blog.healthone.ca/) ###### Related Posts [Teeth Whitening Cost in Toronto: Two Options From Our Dentist](https://blog.healthone.ca/teeth-whitening-cost-in-toronto-two-options-from-our-dentist) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/teeth-whitening-cost-in-toronto-two-options-from-our-dentist) [5 Surprising Facts About Invisalign Treatment](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-surprising-facts-about-invisalign-treatment) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-surprising-facts-about-invisalign-treatment) [Attachments, Munchies, And Retainers: What's The Scoop?](https://blog.healthone.ca/attachments-munchies-and-retainers-whats-the-scoop) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/attachments-munchies-and-retainers-whats-the-scoop) [TMJ Disorder Treatment Explained By Our Osteopath](https://blog.healthone.ca/tmj-disorder-treatment-explained-by-our-osteopath) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/tmj-disorder-treatment-explained-by-our-osteopath) [5 Things To Expect When You Become An Invisalign Patient](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-things-to-expect-when-you-become-an-invisalign-patient) [Read More](https://blog.healthone.ca/5-things-to-expect-when-you-become-an-invisalign-patient) [What Is A TMJ Disorder? 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