Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, anyone with healthy gums and teeth that are looking to brighten up their smile can benefit from the professional teeth whitening system. It has been shown to be highly effective. The benefit of having a dental professional whiten your teeth is that we know how to customize treatment to suit your existing dental work and prevent it from harming.

The process was designed to enhance the natural whiteness of the enamel. Existing restorations such as tooth-colored fillings, dentures, crowns, bonding, veneers, and bridges do not lighten/whiten. This means that any pre-existing dental work may need to be replaced to match the new tooth shade achieved in the natural teeth, should a bleaching/whitening process proceed. Typically product is applied only to natural teeth, allowing these treated teeth to lighten/whiten up to match a cap, crown, or veneer.

With our in-office treatment, immediate whitening results will be seen and take just one hour in most cases.

At-home whitening trays can be used as little as once every few months and up to several times a week until the desired outcome is achieved. At-home trays provide a more gradual transition and are also great for maintaining shade after an in-office treatment. Results vary depending on the type and level of staining and from person-to-person.

The length of time the results of professional teeth whitening is largely dependent on the way you care for your teeth after the procedure. It is essential to limit the intake of staining foods and drinks, such as wine, coffee and tomato sauce. If you smoke, your teeth may start changing color earlier than those who do not.

In general, the results of professional teeth whitening typically last between 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual behavior and oral hygiene. However, with our combination treatment option, you will provided with custom whitening trays for maintenance and can use them 1 to 2 times per month indefinitely to maintain the brightness of your smile.

Teeth whitening works best on teeth free of plaque and tartar. Staying current on your dental cleanings is important for your health, but will also ensure the best possible results for whitening. If you are due for a cleaning, you can also schedule a dental cleaning with us the same day. For optimal results teeth should be clean before beginning treatment.

Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity to the teeth and gums. Some patients experience little to no sensitivity, while other patients may need to limit the strength and time of the treatment to avoid sensitivity. We are happy to speak to you about ways to avoid sensitivity and recommend special toothpaste to use prior to and after the procedure, as well as suggest an appropriate type of whitening. If you do experience sensitivity after treatment, an over the counter pain reliever can usually help to reduce the symptoms.