Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a safe, effective treatment that removes stains and brightens your teeth several shades in just one appointment. We use stronger whitening agents than over-the-counter products, along with special lights or heat to activate the gel. The treatment can remove years of stains from coffee, wine, smoking, and aging. You’ll see dramatic results in about an hour – much faster and more effective than store-bought whitening strips or toothpaste.

Most patients see their teeth lighten 3-8 shades in a single professional whitening session. The amount of whitening depends on your starting tooth color and the type of stains you have. Surface stains from food and drinks respond better than deep stains from medications or genetics. Dr. Fenton will show you a shade guide so you can see realistic expectations for your specific situation before we start treatment.

Most patients experience little to no discomfort during professional whitening. You might feel some mild sensitivity during or after treatment, similar to eating something cold, but this usually goes away within 24-48 hours. We can adjust the treatment strength if you’re experiencing sensitivity. Using desensitizing toothpaste for a few days before treatment can help minimize any discomfort.

Professional whitening results typically last 1-3 years, depending on your habits and lifestyle. If you drink coffee, tea, red wine, or smoke, your teeth may yellow again sooner. Good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods and drinks help maintain your results longer. We can provide touch-up treatments or take-home whitening trays to help you maintain your bright smile between professional treatments.

Whitening isn’t recommended for pregnant or nursing women, children under 16, or people with certain dental conditions. If you have extensive dental work like crowns or veneers on your front teeth, whitening won’t change their color – only your natural teeth will get whiter. People with severe tooth sensitivity or gum disease should address those issues first. Dr. Fenton will evaluate your situation during a consultation.

Professional whitening is much more effective and faster than drugstore products. While whitening toothpaste and strips might lighten teeth 1-2 shades over several weeks, professional treatment can achieve 3-8 shades of improvement in one hour. The stronger professional-grade gel and supervised application also ensure even results and protect your gums from irritation.

Professional teeth whitening typically costs $300-$800 for in-office treatment. Take-home whitening trays usually cost $200-$400. While this is more expensive than drugstore products, the dramatic results and professional supervision make it a worthwhile investment for most patients. The confidence boost from a brighter smile often pays for itself in personal and professional situations.

Dental insurance typically doesn’t cover teeth whitening since it’s considered a cosmetic treatment. However, some employers offer cosmetic dental benefits as an add-on to their insurance plans. Even without insurance coverage, many patients find professional whitening worth the investment because of the immediate, dramatic results and boost in confidence it provides.