Professional whitening brightens your teeth several shades in a single visit of less than two hours. It’s safer, faster and longer-lasting than store-bought kits, and it’s supervised by your dentist from start to finish.
Whether you have a wedding, a job interview or just want to feel better about your smile, professional whitening is one of the quickest ways to make a visible difference.
On this page
Coffee, tea, red wine, cola and berries are common culprits.
Smoking and chewing tobacco cause stubborn yellow and brown stains.
The outer enamel naturally thins over time, letting the darker layer underneath show through.
Some medications and injuries can also darken teeth.
We start with an in-office treatment for an immediate, noticeable lift. Then we make custom trays you can use at home to keep your smile bright. You can keep using them for touch-ups for as long as they fit.
The whole visit takes less than two hours. Bring headphones or a podcast.
We record your starting shade so you can see the difference.
We cover your gums and lips so only your teeth are treated.
A professional-strength whitening gel is applied to your teeth in timed rounds.
We compare your results and make impressions for your take-home trays.
Store-bought kits can work, but only if you use them perfectly and consistently. One-size-fits-all strips and trays can leave uneven results and let gel touch your gums, causing irritation. Professional whitening uses stronger, more reliable ingredients, protects your gums, and comes with a plan built around your teeth. For many patients, the faster, more even, longer-lasting results are worth it.
Whitening works best on natural teeth stained by food, drink, smoking or age. It doesn’t change the color of crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings. We’ll check your teeth first, make sure there are no cavities or gum problems, and plan around any existing dental work so your smile looks even.
Professional whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so insurance usually doesn’t cover it. We’ll give you a clear price up front, including your take-home trays. Many patients find the faster, more even results are worth more than repeated rounds of store-bought kits.
For chips or small gaps, see cosmetic bonding. For straighter teeth, see Invisalign®.
Social media is full of whitening hacks, and some can do real damage. Baking soda scrubs, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and charcoal powders can wear down enamel or irritate gums. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back, and thinner enamel can make teeth look more yellow over time. Professional whitening is designed to lighten stains safely without harming your teeth.
Planning for a wedding, graduation or big event? Book your whitening at least two weeks ahead. That gives time for any sensitivity to settle and for a touch-up with your take-home trays if you want an extra lift.
We’ll start with a quick exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, check your starting shade, and plan around any crowns or fillings. Then we’ll book your in-office session at a time that suits you. Many patients time it a couple of weeks before a big event.
Some people feel mild sensitivity for a day or two. If you’re prone to it, we’ll adjust the treatment.
With touch-ups from your take-home trays, results can last for years.
Most people see a difference of several shades. Results vary with the type of staining.
When done under a dentist’s supervision, professional whitening is considered safe for enamel.
Usually not, because it’s cosmetic. We’ll give you a clear price up front.
Yes, but they won’t change color. We’ll plan around them so your smile looks even.
Book online in about a minute, or call us at (703) 420-5250. New patients are always welcome.
