Professional Teeth Whitening | Dentistry & Implants

Why teeth stain

What dulls a smile.

Teeth change color for a few common reasons.

Food and drink. Coffee, tea, red wine and cola carry pigments that settle into the porous surface of enamel.
Tobacco. Smoking and oral tobacco cause brownish-yellow staining over time.
Aging. Enamel is white but the dentin beneath it is yellower. As enamel thins with wear, teeth can look more yellow.

Whitening works best on surface stains and yellowing. It cannot always fix thinning enamel. In that case, veneers, bonding or crowns may be a better answer, and an exam will tell us.

Your options

In-office or take-home.

Both can brighten your smile. They suit different schedules.

In-office whitening

Professional-strength whitener is applied and activated, rinsed away, and the process is repeated until you reach the shade you want. It is a good fit when you want fast results for a wedding, an interview or another event.
Take-home whitening

We take impressions and a dental lab makes reusable custom trays. You pick them up with professional whitening gel and whiten at home. Results build gradually, so the change is less obvious, and the gentler pace often suits sensitive teeth.
Combination

An in-office treatment followed by take-home touch-ups, to get a brighter shade and keep it.

Sensitive teeth

Whitening with comfort.

You can usually have your teeth whitened even if they are sensitive. We adjust the plan, often with a gentler whitener spread over more time, so you stay comfortable.

If your teeth are sensitive

Use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before and during treatment, and avoid very hot and very cold foods and drinks for a while. Choose take-home trays if you want the gentlest pace.

How to treat sensitivity after whitening

Keeping your smile bright

Results often last a year or more, depending on your habits. Brush twice a day for two minutes, floss daily, and rinse or use a straw with coffee, tea and wine. Quitting tobacco helps both your smile and your health.

Many patients refresh whitening every year or two, but the timing is up to you. A whitening toothpaste with peroxide can help between visits.

Common questions

Whitening questions.

How does teeth whitening work?

A peroxide-based gel penetrates the enamel and breaks down stain molecules, so teeth look lighter.

How long do results last?

Often a year or more. Coffee, tea, wine and tobacco shorten it. Touch-ups can bring the shade back.

Is whitening safe?

Professional whitening under a dentist's supervision is safe for most healthy teeth. We check your teeth and gums first.

Will my teeth be sensitive?

Some people notice temporary sensitivity. We can lower the strength, spread treatment over a longer time and recommend products to keep you comfortable.

Can everyone get whitening?

Most adults can, but active cavities or gum problems should be treated first. Whitening does not change crowns, veneers or fillings, so we plan around them.

How white will my teeth get?

It depends on the type of stain and your natural tooth color. We cannot promise a particular shade, but we can tell you what to expect after your exam.

What does whitening cost?

Cost depends on the option you choose. See insurance and financing.