Teeth Whitening

Having a beautiful smile may be even easier than you think. Many people achieve the look they’ve been dreaming of with our simple “whitening” procedure.

What are the details of teeth whitening?

It’s safe, quick, and inexpensive. Just let us know at any appointment if you would like to whiten your teeth. You can lighten only your upper teeth or both the upper and lower, depending on how much you show when you talk and smile.

Dental whitening can be used to correct tooth discoloration. Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in whitening technology, we can offer a safe method for creating a beautiful “brilliant” smile. In cases of extreme tooth discoloration, crowns or veneers may be the only choice, but because of the low cost of whitening treatments, teeth whitening is nearly always worth a solid try.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Our in-office teeth whitening system can give you almost immediate results. Using a special bleaching agent carefully applied to your teeth and an activating light, we can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades in as little as an hour while you relax in the dental chair. Our in-office teeth whitening experience is so relaxing, some patients fall asleep during the process! You can have your teeth whitened during your lunch break if you like. We use carefully chosen products that ensure minimal irritation to delicate gum tissue and maximum whitening for impressive results.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

An impression is taken to make a specialized “mouthguard” or “stent” to hold the bleach against the teeth. In only a day or two your custom bleach splints will be ready for you to pick up. We provide you with a special bleaching agent that you put into the clear splints. The material is used each night for about 3-4 hours for a week or two, and at the end of this time, significant whitening will occur. In some cases, the change is nothing short of brilliant. For confidence in appearance, bleaching technology allows us to promise improvements in yellowing, aging, or stained teeth.

With only a few hours of wear per day, our special bleaching agent bubbles stains right out of your enamel in a very short time without altering tooth structure or existing dental work in any way. When your teeth reach the desired brightness, only occasional treatment is needed to maintain your new smile. We’ll want to take “after” photos at your next appointment.

Considerations for Teeth Whitening

Over-the-counter bleaching agents are available for purchase at drug stores and pharmacies. However, since these products can cause harm to the gums and teeth, it’s better to use products that our practice recommends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

How long does teeth whitening take?

In-office teeth whitening can often be completed in about an hour, while at-home whitening typically takes one to two weeks, depending on your desired results and the product used. Your dentist can help determine which option best fits your needs and schedule.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after whitening. These effects typically subside after treatment. We can recommend appropriate whitening products and techniques to help minimize discomfort.

How long do teeth whitening results last?

Results vary depending on your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, maintaining good oral hygiene, and using occasional touch-up treatments can help keep your smile bright for longer.

Will teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No. Whitening treatments work on natural tooth enamel and do not change the color of crowns, veneers, fillings, or other dental restorations. If you have visible dental work, we can help you determine the best approach to achieve a consistent-looking smile.

Is professional teeth whitening better than over-the-counter products?

Professional teeth whitening offers the advantage of guidance from your dental team and access to whitening products suited to your needs. We can help you choose a safe, effective option while minimizing the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.