COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Teeth Whitening
A brighter smile that still looks like you
Professional whitening helps lift coffee, tea, and wine stains from natural teeth without scraping or thinning enamel. We offer dentist-supervised in-office and custom take-home options, with realistic results tailored to your smile.
Our Approach to Whitening
Whitening works by chemistry, not abrasion. A professional gel passes into the tooth and breaks apart stains trapped inside, so the enamel itself stays intact. We keep the process gentle and closely monitored, matching the concentration and timing to what your teeth can comfortably handle.
In-Office Whitening
A stronger professional gel is applied here in our office while your gums are protected. It is the fastest way to see visible change.
Custom Take-Home Trays
Custom trays are made to fit your teeth, along with a professional whitening gel, so you can whiten on your own schedule with clear guidance.
Supervised and Enamel-Safe
We examine your teeth and gums first, then tailor the plan to your needs—something a drugstore kit cannot do.
What Whitening Can Help
Whitening works best on certain types of staining. The right plan depends on what is causing the discoloration, which we confirm at your first visit.
- Surface stains: Coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco stains tend to respond best.
- Natural aging: Teeth naturally darken over time, and professional whitening can help brighten them again.
- Existing dental work: Crowns, veneers, and fillings do not change color, so we plan around them.
- Deeper or injury-related stains: A tooth that darkened after an injury needs evaluation first.
HOW IT WORKS
How Your New Smile Comes Together
Consultation and Shade
We look at what is causing the discoloration, confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy, and record your starting shade.
Treatment
We either complete your in-office whitening session, fit you for custom take-home trays, or recommend a combination of both based on your goals and timeline.
Maintenance
We send you home with aftercare and touch-up guidance. Regular professional cleanings can also help keep new stains from settling in.
ASK THE EXPERTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some sensitivity and mild gum irritation are common, and both are usually temporary. With take-home trays or strips, sensitivity often shows up a few days into treatment and then fades. If you experience severe or lasting pain, gum burning, swelling, or irritation, stop treatment and contact our office.
How long do the results last?
Most patients enjoy their brighter smile for about one to two years before noticing some fading. How long results last depends a lot on habits like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco use. Periodic touch-ups with custom take-home trays can help maintain your results.
Is professional whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes. Dentist-supervised whitening is designed to brighten teeth without damaging enamel. The gel works by breaking apart stains from within the tooth rather than scraping the surface.
Will it whiten my crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening gels only work on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings will stay the same shade, so we look at everything beforehand and plan carefully to help your results stay balanced and natural-looking.
In-office or take-home: which is right for me?
That depends on your goals and timeline. In-office whitening is the faster route to visible change, while custom take-home trays give you more flexibility. Many patients use a combination of both, and we help you decide after evaluating your teeth and starting shade.
Can I whiten my teeth during pregnancy?
Out of caution, we recommend waiting until after pregnancy to move forward with cosmetic whitening. If you are breastfeeding, talk with our team so we can help you decide on the safest timing for treatment.
