Cosmetic dentistry
Professional teeth whitening
Professional whitening lifts stains from coffee, tea, wine and age, safely and noticeably. You can do it in our office in one visit, or at home with custom trays.
- Time in the chair
- About 90 minutes in-office
- Visits
- One or two
- Numbing
- Not needed
- Typical cost
- $300–$1,000
What it is
Whitening uses a peroxide gel that breaks down the stains inside the enamel. Professional whitening is stronger than store strips, and because we protect your gums and fit the gel to your teeth, the result is more even and more comfortable.
Two honest caveats. Whitening works on natural teeth only: crowns, veneers and fillings stay their original colour, so we plan around them. And some greyish staining (from certain medicines, or a tooth that was injured) doesn’t respond well. We tell you if that is you before you spend anything.
Who does this here
Dr. Marcus TellezWhat to expect, step by step
Shade check
We note your starting shade with a shade guide and take a photo, so you can see the real change rather than guess at it.
Cleaning first
Whitening works best on clean teeth. If you are due a cleaning, we do that first.
In the office
A cheek retractor holds your lips back and a protective gel covers your gums. Whitening gel goes on for three rounds of about 15 minutes. It isn’t uncomfortable, just a little dull, so bring a playlist.
Or at home
We scan your teeth for thin custom trays. You wear them with gel for 30 to 60 minutes a day for about two weeks.
After
We check the new shade together and give you a top-up gel. Skip coffee, red wine and smoking for 48 hours.
How long it takes
In-office whitening takes about 90 minutes. At-home whitening takes about two weeks of daily wear.
Results typically last one to three years, longer with occasional top-ups. Sensitivity to cold for a day or two is common and passes.
What it costs
$300–$1,000
Typical U.S. range, before insurance
Most patients pay somewhere in this range. Your exact cost depends on whether you choose in-office whitening or take-home trays (trays sit toward the lower end), or both.
Whitening is cosmetic, so dental insurance doesn’t cover it.
This is a guide, not our fee and not a quote. After your exam you get a written estimate, and we check your insurance, before anything starts. Call (602) 555-0148 for a quote. Where these ranges come from.
Questions patients ask
Does whitening damage enamel?
Professional whitening used as directed doesn’t damage enamel. It can make teeth temporarily sensitive, which fades.
How white will my teeth get?
Most people see a change of several shades. We show you a realistic target on the shade guide before you start.
How to book
Use our request form and we’ll call you back within one business day to pick a time, or call us now on (602) 555-0148. Tell us it’s for teeth whitening and we’ll book the right length of visit.