Teeth Whitening in Surrey, BC
Professional teeth whitening lightens the colour of your natural teeth and reduces certain kinds of staining. At The Dental Group at Central City, your dentist checks your teeth and gums first, then recommends an approach that fits your teeth and your goals: whitening done at the office, a take-home system, or, if whitening won’t give the result you want, another option. We’re inside Central City Shopping Centre in Surrey, BC, and welcome new patients.
Quick facts
| Options discussed | In-office whitening and professional take-home whitening. |
| First step | A dental check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening |
| Works on | Natural teeth. Fillings, crowns and veneers generally don’t change colour the same way |
| Results last | Not permanent. Depends on your habits and care |
| Hours | Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 9 AM–8 PM · Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun 11 AM–4 PM |
| Location | Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office |
| Phone | (604) 585-2345 |
Book a new patient exam · Call (604) 585-2345
Why teeth become yellow or stained
Tooth colour changes gradually. Common causes include:
- Coffee, tea, red wine and other strongly coloured drinks
- Dark sauces and certain foods or berries
- Tobacco
- Natural aging and changes in tooth structure
- Surface stains, which sit on the enamel
- Some internal discolouration, which comes from inside the tooth
Not all stains respond the same way. Surface stains and general yellowing often respond well; some types of internal discolouration respond less. That’s why a dental assessment comes first.
In-office vs. take-home whitening
| In-office whitening | Professional take-home whitening | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | At our office | At home, following a plan from your dentist |
| Pace | More immediate | Usually gradual |
| Supervision | Done by the dental team | You follow your dentist’s instructions |
| A good fit if… | You prefer treatment at the office or have an event coming up | You prefer flexibility, a gradual approach or a busy schedule |
Your dentist will explain how to use your system, how often and how to maintain results. The best option depends on your teeth, dental health, lifestyle and goals.
What whitening can’t change
Whitening works on natural tooth structure.
- Fillings: They may not change colour like natural enamel, so they can look darker or lighter than your whitened teeth afterward.
- Crowns and veneers: They generally don’t whiten the way natural teeth do. If you have visible restorations, talk to your dentist first so the final result looks balanced. See dental crowns and porcelain veneers.
- Some internal discolouration: Results can be limited.
- Cavities or damaged fillings: These should be treated before cosmetic whitening. See dental fillings.
If whitening isn’t likely to give you the result you want, your dentist can discuss other cosmetic options such as veneers or restorative treatment.
Whitening vs. porcelain veneers
| Teeth whitening | Porcelain veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Changes | Colour of natural teeth | Colour, shape, size and minor imperfections of selected teeth |
| Approach | More conservative | More extensive |
| Best for | Stained or yellowed natural teeth | Wanting to change more than colour |
If you’re considering both, decide on your final tooth colour with your dentist first. Planning the order helps give a consistent result. See porcelain veneers.
Whitening and Invisalign
Invisalign moves teeth into better positions, while whitening changes colour. If you want both, tell your dental team so the treatments can be planned in a sensible order.
Is whitening safe? What about sensitivity?
Whitening should be planned around your dental health. Before treatment, your dentist checks your teeth and gums and may recommend treating cavities, gum problems or damaged restorations first. Follow your dentist’s instructions.
Some people notice temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening. If your teeth are already sensitive, tell us before treatment so we can choose an approach that suits you. More whitening isn’t automatically better. A personalized plan balances your target shade with your comfort. Call us if you have lasting sensitivity, pain or gum irritation.
How long do results last?
Whitening isn’t permanent. Teeth can darken again from aging, food and drink, tobacco and other factors. To help keep results:
- Brush regularly with a soft toothbrush and clean between your teeth
- Keep regular exams and cleanings and hygiene visits
- Limit frequent exposure to strongly coloured foods and drinks, and rinse with water afterward
- Avoid tobacco
- Use touch-ups only as your dentist recommends
Do you need a cleaning before whitening?
Not always, but your oral health must be checked first. Plaque, tartar, cavities or gum disease may need attention before cosmetic treatment. A professional cleaning removes surface buildup so you can see your natural tooth colour. See hygiene care.
Who is a good candidate?
Professional whitening may suit adults with healthy natural teeth who want a brighter smile. Your dentist considers your oral health, existing restorations, the cause of discolouration, sensitivity, your expectations and any previous treatment. Whitening for teenagers and children should be discussed with a dentist first. The goal isn’t to make teeth as white as possible but to get a healthy, natural-looking smile that fits your expectations.
Whitening before an event
If you have a wedding, graduation, interview, photos or a trip coming up, plan ahead. That gives us time to check your oral health and recommend an approach.
Related services
Porcelain veneers · Invisalign · Exam & cleaning · Hygiene care · Dental crowns · Dental fillings · All dental services
Frequently asked questions
How much whiter can my teeth get?
It varies from person to person. It depends on your starting colour, the cause of the discolouration, the method and how your teeth respond.
Does whitening work on yellow teeth?
It can improve many kinds of natural discolouration, including some yellowish stains. The result depends on the cause and depth of the discolouration.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings or crowns?
You can often whiten your natural teeth, but fillings and crowns generally won’t change colour the same way. Your dentist will assess your smile first.
Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter whitening?
Professional whitening lets a dental professional check your oral health and choose an approach for you. The right option depends on your teeth, goals and dental history.
Can whitening cause sensitivity?
Some people feel temporary sensitivity. Tell your dentist beforehand if your teeth are sensitive.
How often should I whiten my teeth?
There’s no single schedule. Your dentist can recommend whether touch-ups are appropriate based on your results and oral health.
Can teenagers whiten their teeth?
It should be discussed with a dentist, who will consider dental development and decide whether whitening is appropriate.
Should I whiten before getting veneers?
If you’re considering both, talk with your dentist about your final tooth colour first. Planning the order helps give a consistent result.
Is whitening permanent?
No. Teeth can darken again with age, diet, lifestyle and other factors. Good oral hygiene and maintenance can help results last longer.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients and accept walk-ins during office hours. You can also book online or call (604) 585-2345.
Book a teeth whitening consultation in Surrey
A brighter smile doesn’t have to mean extensive treatment. A consultation can tell you whether whitening is right for you and what to expect.
Book online · Call (604) 585-2345
Unit 1117, 10153 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2W1, inside Central City Shopping Centre, next to the Passport Office.