If you want a brighter, whiter smile, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments. It’s quick and simple, and it leaves you with a whiter, more confident smile.

Why teeth become discolored

Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored for many reasons: aging, staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea and red wine, smoking, certain illnesses or medications, and trauma to a tooth.

Yellowish teeth usually whiten very well, while brown or gray teeth may not respond as much. Whitening doesn’t change the color of crowns, fillings or dentures, and it may not help discoloration caused by trauma or medication. For those cases, ask about veneers or bonding.

Whitening uses a peroxide-based gel that breaks up stains to brighten your teeth. Some people have temporary tooth sensitivity, which fades soon after treatment.

In-office whitening

For the best and safest results, consider in-office whitening. We place a protective barrier over your gums, then apply professional-strength whitening gel directly to your teeth, sometimes using a special light to speed up the process. Most patients see their teeth get several shades whiter in a single visit.

Take-home whitening

Drugstore whitening strips and gels use the same peroxide ingredients as in-office whitening, but take longer to show results. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that remove some surface stains. For better results at home, we can make you custom-fitted trays with professional-grade whitening gel.