Teeth Whitening

Yes, professional teeth whitening performed under dental supervision is very safe. Our whitening treatments use clinically tested, FDA-approved whitening agents, and we take several precautions to ensure your safety and comfort: We conduct a thorough examination before treatment to ensure you're a suitable candidate. We apply protective barriers to shield your gums and soft tissues from the whitening agents. We carefully monitor the process to prevent overexposure. We use formulations with desensitizers to minimize sensitivity. Unlike some over-the-counter products that can damage enamel if overused, our professional treatments are designed to whiten teeth effectively without harming your dental health. While temporary sensitivity is possible, it typically resolves within 24-48 hours after treatment.

Teeth whitening results typically last 1-3 years, though this varies based on several factors: Dietary habits: Regular consumption of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco will cause results to fade faster. Oral hygiene: Excellent oral hygiene helps maintain results longer. Natural tooth shade: Those with naturally yellower teeth may notice regression sooner. Age: As we age, teeth naturally darken, affecting whitening longevity. Type of whitening: In-office treatments often last longer than take-home options. To extend your results, we recommend: Avoiding or limiting staining foods and beverages. Using a straw when drinking potentially staining beverages. Brushing or rinsing promptly after consuming staining substances. Using whitening toothpaste for maintenance. Scheduling periodic touch-up treatments. Many patients maintain their results with brief touch-up treatments every 6-12 months.

Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after teeth whitening, but this is typically mild and subsides within 24-48 hours after treatment. Several factors influence sensitivity: Your natural tooth sensitivity. The concentration of whitening agents used. Duration of treatment. Previous history of sensitivity. We take several steps to minimize sensitivity: Using whitening formulations with built-in desensitizers. Applying desensitizing agents before and/or after treatment if needed. Adjusting treatment time or concentration for sensitive patients. Recommending desensitizing toothpaste before and after treatment. If you have naturally sensitive teeth, let us know before treatment so we can customize your whitening plan accordingly. For take-home whitening, we might recommend shorter application times or skipping days between treatments if sensitivity occurs. Most patients find the temporary sensitivity a small price to pay for the dramatic improvement in their smile.

Professional and over-the-counter whitening differ in several key ways: Whitening agent strength: Professional treatments use higher-concentration whitening agents (15-40% hydrogen peroxide) compared to over-the-counter products (3-10%), allowing for more dramatic results. Customization: Professional treatments are tailored to your specific needs and tooth sensitivity, while over-the-counter products are one-size-fits-all. Application method: Professional in-office treatments ensure complete, even coverage of all teeth, while self-applied products can result in uneven whitening. Safety monitoring: Professional whitening includes dental supervision to prevent gum irritation and enamel damage. Results: Professional whitening typically achieves 5-10 shades of improvement versus 1-3 shades for over-the-counter products. Speed: In-office whitening delivers immediate results in one visit, while over-the-counter methods require weeks of daily use. Cost: While professional whitening costs more initially, the superior, longer-lasting results often provide better value over time. Professional take-home kits bridge this gap, offering professional-grade results with the convenience of at-home application.

Not all discoloration responds equally to whitening treatments. Whitening is most effective on extrinsic stains (surface stains from food, drinks, and tobacco). Intrinsic stains (those inside the tooth structure) have varied responses: Yellow teeth typically respond well to whitening. Brown/orange discoloration often shows moderate improvement. Gray discoloration (often from tetracycline antibiotics or trauma) is the most resistant to whitening. Additionally, whitening will not affect: Dental restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers, bonding) which maintain their original color. Discoloration from tooth decay or internal damage, which requires restorative treatment. For situations where whitening alone isn't sufficient, we might recommend alternative cosmetic options like veneers or bonding. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your specific type of discoloration and provide realistic expectations about the potential results.

While teeth whitening is safe for most adults, it's not recommended for: Pregnant or breastfeeding women (as a precautionary measure). Children under 16 (as their teeth are still developing). Patients with untreated tooth decay or gum disease (these should be addressed first). Individuals with worn enamel, exposed roots, or extremely sensitive teeth. People with numerous restorations (fillings, crowns) in visible areas (as these won't whiten). Patients with certain medical conditions or taking medications that increase sensitivity. Those with unrealistic expectations about whitening results. Before recommending whitening, we conduct a thorough examination to ensure you're a suitable candidate. If traditional whitening isn't appropriate for you, we can discuss alternative cosmetic options to improve your smile. Our goal is to recommend the safest, most effective treatment for your specific situation.

For the first 48 hours after whitening, teeth are more susceptible to staining as the enamel temporarily becomes more porous. During this time, we recommend following the "white diet" by avoiding foods and drinks that could stain, including: Dark beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and dark juices. Deeply colored foods: Berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, beets, and curries. Acidic foods and drinks: Citrus fruits, sports drinks, and vinegar-based foods that can further open enamel pores. Condiments: Mustard, ketchup, and other dark sauces. Tobacco products: Smoking or chewing tobacco. Additionally, we recommend avoiding: Very hot or cold foods/drinks if you're experiencing sensitivity. Colored lipsticks or lip products that might transfer to teeth. Colored mouthwashes (especially those containing chlorhexidine). If you do consume potentially staining substances, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush if possible. Following these guidelines during the critical 48-hour period significantly enhances the longevity of your whitening results.

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies based on the type of treatment: In-office whitening typically ranges from $400-$800 per session. Take-home custom whitening kits generally cost $250-$500. Combination treatments (in-office plus take-home maintenance kits) usually range from $600-$1,000. While dental insurance typically doesn't cover whitening as it's considered cosmetic, we offer several payment options to make it more affordable: Flexible payment plans. Dental savings plans that may provide discounts. Special promotions or package pricing when combined with other dental services. Many patients find the investment worthwhile given the significant impact a brighter smile has on their appearance and confidence. During your consultation, we'll provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific treatment plan and discuss all available payment options.