Professional whitening lifts years of coffee, wine, and simply living from your enamel. Done well, the result is a cleaner, fresher version of your own smile rather than a new one.
In-office whitening is for when you want results now. A protective barrier is placed over the gums, a high-concentration gel is applied to the teeth in several short cycles, and you leave about ninety minutes later with teeth several shades lighter. It's the right choice before a wedding, an interview, or photographs.
Take-home whitening uses custom trays made from an impression of your teeth and a gentler gel you wear for an hour or so a day over one to two weeks. It's slower, less expensive, and easier on sensitive teeth, and you keep the trays for touch-ups later.
Many patients do both: an in-office session to get there, and trays to stay there.
Whitening works on natural enamel. It doesn't change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings, which is why we usually whiten first and then match any new restorations to the lighter shade. Grey or banded discoloration from childhood antibiotics responds less predictably than yellow staining; for those cases, bonding or veneers may be a better route, and we'll tell you honestly which is which.
Some sensitivity during and shortly after whitening is normal and temporary. We use desensitizing gel in the office and can adjust the concentration and schedule for take-home trays. If your teeth are already sensitive, say so, and we'll plan around it.
Usually one to three years depending on diet and habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking shorten it. Take-home trays make it easy to top up for a night or two whenever you notice the shade drifting.
Dentist-supervised whitening uses stronger, more effective gels, with the gums protected and the trays fitted so the gel stays where it should. Over-the-counter products are safe but weaker and more prone to patchy results and gum irritation.
You can, but the crown won't change color. If it ends up noticeably darker than the whitened teeth around it, it can be replaced to match. We'll flag this before you start so there are no surprises.
Send a request and we'll be in touch within one business day to find a time that works. For anything urgent, the phone is fastest.