Teeth Whitening in Esquimalt, BC
What Our Patients Say
Brighten Your Teeth, Brighten Your Smile
Results That Fit Your Smile
Every whitening recommendation at Highrock Dental starts with a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums. The cause of your discolouration, the condition of your enamel, and the health of your gums all affect which approach will work best and what results are realistic for you.
In-Office or At Home, Your Choice
We offer in-office whitening for patients who want faster results and custom take-home trays for patients who prefer to whiten gradually at their own pace. Both use professional-strength gel supervised by your dentist for comfortable, consistent results.
Honest Expectations From the Start
Whitening results depend on the type and degree of discolouration, and we believe you should know what to expect before you commit to anything. We give you a clear, honest picture of what your treatment can achieve at your very first appointment.
Insurance and Payments
Understanding How Whitening Works
Tooth discolouration falls into two main categories, and knowing the difference helps explain why professional whitening works so well for most patients.
Surface Staining
Surface staining develops on the outer layer of enamel over time from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. This type of discolouration responds well to professional whitening, which uses a peroxide-based gel to break down staining compounds and lift colour from the enamel surface.
Intrinsic Discolouration
Intrinsic discolouration originates from within the tooth itself, caused by certain medications, fluorosis, injury, or natural thinning of the enamel with age. It is more resistant to whitening. Where whitening has limited effect, we'll discuss whether bonding or another cosmetic option might better address the concern.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Whitening?
Whitening works best for patients with healthy teeth and gums whose discolouration is primarily surface-based. A few things worth knowing before you begin:
- Active cavities or gum disease are addressed before whitening starts, so the process stays comfortable
- Patients with sensitivity may benefit from a lower-concentration take-home approach used over a longer period
- Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding. We factor existing restorations into our recommendation so your results look even
- Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding are advised to wait until after before beginning treatment
Meet Our Doctor
200+
Kois
UBC
A Comprehensive Approach to Care
Invested in the Long Term
What to Expect
In-Office Whitening
A higher-concentration gel is applied to your teeth in a controlled environment. Treatment takes approximately one hour and delivers a noticeable improvement in a single visit. A good option for patients who want faster results or are whitening ahead of a specific occasion.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
Custom-fitted trays are made from a precise impression of your teeth and filled with professional-strength gel. Worn for a set amount of time each day over one to two weeks, the fitted trays keep the gel in consistent contact with the enamel throughout treatment, delivering gradual, even results at your own pace.
Making Your Results Last
A few straightforward habits help preserve your results over time:
- Limiting coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-pigmented foods reduces ongoing staining
- Rinsing with water after consuming staining foods or drinks minimises their contact with the enamel
- Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings keep the enamel surface clean and bright
- Touch-up whitening with your take-home trays extends your results when you notice the shade beginning to fade
What to Expect
A Thorough Exam
Know What to Expect
We Show You What We See
A Relationship, Not a Transaction
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I maintain my whitening results at home between visits?
Yes. Your take-home trays can be used for touch-ups whenever you notice your shade beginning to fade. We'll advise you on how often and for how long to use them based on your specific whitening system.
How soon after whitening can I eat and drink normally?
For the first 24 to 48 hours after whitening, we recommend avoiding dark-pigmented foods and drinks to protect your results. After that, you can return to your normal diet.
Is whitening covered by insurance?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by most dental insurance plans. We recommend calling the office before your appointment so we can give you a clear picture of costs.
How do I know if in-office or take-home whitening is right for me?
In-office whitening delivers results in a single visit, while take-home trays give you more control and allow for touch-ups over time. Your dentist will help you decide based on your goals, your timeline, and the current condition of your teeth.
Will whitening work on my crowns or fillings?
Whitening gel does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding. We discuss this during your assessment so you have a clear picture of how your overall smile will look after treatment.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, with a modified approach. A lower-concentration gel used over a longer period is gentler on sensitive teeth and can still produce good results. We assess your sensitivity before recommending a system and adjust the protocol if needed.
Is professional whitening safe?
Yes, when carried out on appropriate candidates with proper supervision. The assessment we do before recommending whitening ensures the treatment is suitable for your teeth and gums.
How long do whitening results last?
Most patients find results last between six months and two years, depending on diet, habits, and home care. Regular cleanings and occasional touch-ups help maintain your shade over time.
Does whitening hurt?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to cold during or after whitening. This typically resolves within a day or two. If you have a history of sensitivity, let us know before treatment begins so we can adjust the approach accordingly.
How many shades whiter will my teeth get?
Results vary depending on the cause and degree of your discolouration and how your enamel responds to treatment. We give you a realistic expectation during your assessment so you know what to anticipate before you begin.
Location
Located on the third floor, two floors above the Esquimalt Public Library. Enter the doors between the library and the coffee shop, take the elevator to the third floor. The office is located to the left when you get out of the elevator. You can access the elevators from the parking garage, take the elevators to the third floor.
503 Park Pl #302, Esquimalt, BC V9A 6Z9- Underground parking in designated stalls in garage off Park Place.
- Above ground parking lot off Fraser St. at $1.50/hr.
- 2hr Free Parking in Public Lot west of Memorial Park.
