Teeth Whitening

Coffee, tea, wine, and time all leave their mark on teeth. Professional whitening lifts the surface stains and the deeper ones over-the-counter strips cannot reach — and we do it in a way that protects your gums and your tooth enamel.

What it is

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the color of your natural teeth. We offer two main approaches:

• In-office whitening — a single one- to two-hour visit where we apply a professional-strength whitening gel under controlled conditions. You walk out with noticeably brighter teeth the same day.
• Take-home whitening — custom trays made from impressions of your teeth, along with whitening gel you use at home over a couple of weeks. The result builds gradually but is often the same end shade.

Some patients combine the two — start in the office for an immediate boost, then maintain at home.

It is worth knowing what professional whitening does not do. It will not change the color of existing crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding. If you have visible front-tooth restorations, we may need to plan around those — for example, whitening first and then matching new restorations to your brighter shade.

What to expect

For in-office whitening:

1. We start with a quick exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening
2. Your hygienist polishes off surface buildup so the gel can work evenly
3. We protect your gums with a barrier
4. The whitening gel is applied in cycles, usually three or four rounds of 15 to 20 minutes
5. You leave with brighter teeth and care instructions for the first 24 to 48 hours

For take-home whitening:

1. We take impressions of your teeth at one visit
2. Custom trays are made and ready in a few days
3. You pick them up along with your whitening gel and instructions
4. You wear the trays at home for a set time each day for about two weeks

Some people feel mild tooth sensitivity for a day or two after whitening — this usually fades on its own. We can recommend a sensitive-teeth toothpaste before or after to keep you comfortable.

Who it’s for

Whitening may be a good fit if you:

• Have healthy teeth and gums that are duller than you would like
• Want a brighter smile for a specific event or photo
• Have noticed your teeth darken with age
• Are about to start cosmetic work and want to match new restorations to a brighter shade

Whitening is not the right choice for everyone. It is usually not recommended during pregnancy, for patients with untreated cavities or gum disease, or for some kinds of deep internal staining. Your dentist will let you know if your situation is a good fit.