Last updated: November 2026
In Ottawa, professional teeth whitening from a dentist typically costs about $200 to $500 for custom or take-home whitening trays, and about $400 to $900 for in-office whitening. Store-bought strips cost about $20 to $60 but give slower, milder results. Whitening is cosmetic, so the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) doesn’t cover it, and most private insurance plans don’t either.
Below: what each option costs, which one gives the best results for the money, and how to plan whitening before the holidays or a big event.
Teeth Whitening Cost in Ottawa at a Glance
| Option | Typical cost | How long to see results | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-office whitening (one visit) | $400 – $900 | 1 visit, about 1 – 2 hours | You want the fastest result for an event |
| Dentist take-home trays and professional gel | $200 – $500 | About 10 – 14 days | Best value for most people; easy to touch up |
| Touch-up gel from your dentist | $30 – $80 per syringe | A few applications | Keeping results bright after whitening |
| Store-bought strips or kits | $20 – $60 | Several weeks | Mild staining on a tight budget |
Typical 2026 ranges from published Canadian cost guides, before tax. Ottawa dental offices generally fall within these ranges. Your dentist will confirm your fee and whether whitening is right for you.
Why Professional Whitening Costs More Than Strips
- Stronger, professional-grade gel. Dentists can provide higher-concentration peroxide gels that work faster and reach deeper stains than store-bought products.
- A health check first. Whitening over a cavity, cracked tooth or receding gums can cause pain. A dentist makes sure your teeth and gums are healthy before you start.
- Trays that fit. Professional trays hold the gel against your teeth and away from your gums, so you get more even results with less irritation.
- Sensitivity management. Your dentist can adjust how often you whiten and recommend desensitizing products.
- In-office time. In-office whitening uses the most concentrated gels with the gums protected, which is why it costs the most.
Which Whitening Option Gives the Best Value?
For most people, take-home whitening from a dentist is the best value. It costs less than in-office whitening, gives very similar final results after about two weeks, and you keep the trays for touch-ups. In-office whitening is worth it when you need visible results within days, such as before a wedding or a photo shoot.
Store-bought strips can lift light surface stains, but they don’t fit every tooth evenly, they work more slowly, and people with sensitive teeth or gum recession often find them uncomfortable.
What whitening can’t do: it only lightens natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding and white fillings stay the same colour. If you have dental work on your front teeth, plan to whiten first and then match or replace that work afterward. Very deep grey or brown staining, for example from certain medications or a tooth that has had a root canal, may need bonding or veneers instead.
Does Insurance or CDCP Cover Teeth Whitening?
Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
No. CDCP doesn’t cover teeth whitening at any income level, including in-office whitening and take-home trays. It does cover the exam and cleaning that are a good idea before you whiten. What CDCP covers →
Private dental insurance
Most plans treat whitening as cosmetic and don’t cover it. A few plans cover internal bleaching of a single dark tooth that has had a root canal, because that has a clinical reason. Ask us to check your plan.
Health spending accounts
Purely cosmetic procedures generally aren’t eligible medical expenses under the Canada Revenue Agency’s rules. Check with your plan administrator before counting on it.
How to Plan Whitening Before the Holidays or a Big Event
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 4 – 6 weeks before | Book a check-up and cleaning. Polished teeth whiten more evenly, and any cavities get fixed first |
| 3 – 4 weeks before | Start take-home whitening (about 10 – 14 days of wear) |
| 1 – 2 weeks before | Your shade is close to final. Book in-office whitening now if you’re short on time |
| During whitening | Go easy on coffee, tea, red wine and curry, and don’t smoke |
| After the event | Touch up with a few applications every 6 – 12 months, often right after your cleaning |
Planning for December photos? Starting in mid-November gives you time for a cleaning and a full two-week whitening cycle.
Does Whitening Hurt? Sensitivity and Safety
Some people feel temporary sensitivity or a quick “zing” in a tooth during whitening. It usually fades within a day or two of stopping. To reduce it:
- Use a sensitivity toothpaste for two weeks before and during whitening
- Whiten every other day instead of daily
- Wear the trays for a shorter time
- Don’t overfill the trays, so gel stays off your gums
Whitening isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for young children, or if you have untreated cavities or gum disease. Treat those first.
Is professional whitening safe for enamel? Yes. When used as directed, peroxide-based whitening from a dentist doesn’t weaken healthy enamel. Problems usually come from overusing products or using unregulated kits bought online.
Teeth Whitening at Bells Corners Dental Studio (Ottawa West)
At our office, we use Opalescence professional take-home whitening. After a quick check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, you take your kit home and wear the trays about an hour a day (or overnight, depending on the gel). Most people see full results in about 10 to 14 days. If you have sensitive teeth, we may suggest whitening every other day. Touch-ups after each six-month check-up usually take just 3 to 5 applications.
We’re at 2150 Robertson Road, Unit 9, in Nepean, with free parking right outside. Patients come to us from across Ottawa’s west end:
- Kanata (Bridlewood, Beaverbrook, Kanata Lakes): about 10 minutes
- Stittsville: about 15 minutes
- Barrhaven: about 15–20 minutes
- Centrepointe, Craig Henry, Qualicum and Lynwood Village: about 5–10 minutes
- Westboro and Carlingwood: about 15 minutes
Want a brighter smile for the holidays?
Book a check-up and whitening consult. We’ll make sure your teeth are healthy, show you your current shade, and explain your options and costs.
Book Online Call or Text (613) 421-2222 Teeth Whitening2150 Robertson Rd, Unit 9, Nepean, ON K2H 9S1 · CDCP accepted for check-ups and cleanings · Direct billing
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does teeth whitening cost in Ottawa?
Take-home whitening trays from a dentist usually cost $200 to $500. In-office whitening usually costs $400 to $900. Store-bought strips cost about $20 to $60.
How much does it cost to get teeth whitened in Ontario?
Ontario prices are similar to Ottawa: about $200 to $500 for dentist take-home whitening and $400 to $900 for in-office whitening. Downtown Toronto offices tend to be at the higher end.
Does CDCP cover teeth whitening?
No. CDCP doesn’t cover teeth whitening at any income level. It does cover exams and cleanings.
Does insurance cover teeth whitening?
Usually not, because whitening is cosmetic. Some plans cover bleaching a single dark tooth after a root canal.
Is professional teeth whitening worth it?
For most people, yes. It works faster and more evenly than store-bought strips, it’s checked by a dentist for safety, and take-home trays can be reused for touch-ups for years.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Results usually last 6 months to 2 years, depending on coffee, tea, wine and smoking. A few touch-up applications every 6 to 12 months keep teeth bright.
Does whitening work on crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings keep their original colour.
Sources
- RealDentalCosts, Teeth whitening cost in Canada
- Government of Canada, CDCP Dental Benefits Guide
- Canada Revenue Agency, Eligible medical expenses
- American Dental Association, Whitening
Prices are typical ranges for general information and are not a quote. This article is not a substitute for professional dental advice.
