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Cosmetic dentistry

Professional teeth whitening in Herriman

Coffee, tea, soda and time can leave teeth looking dull or yellow. Professional whitening can brighten your smile safely, with a plan that fits your teeth and your schedule.

How does professional teeth whitening work?

A whitening gel is placed on your teeth to break up stains in the enamel. Your dentist uses a stronger gel than store kits and protects your gums while it works. You can whiten in the office or at home with custom trays.

  • Works on your natural teeth, not crowns, fillings or veneers
  • Best for yellow or brown stains from food, drinks and age
  • Your dentist checks for cavities and gum problems first

Is whitening right for you?

Whitening often works well if your teeth are healthy and the stains sit on or near the surface. It is a good fit if you:

  • Drink coffee, tea, red wine or soda often
  • Smoke or used to smoke
  • Have teeth that have yellowed with age
  • Want a brighter smile before an event or other cosmetic work

Some stains do not respond well to bleaching. Gray stains from certain medicines, white spots or a single dark tooth may need another approach. A tooth that darkened after an injury or root canal may do better with internal bleaching. Chips or stains that will not lift can be covered with bonding or veneers. Whitening is not advised during pregnancy. Your dentist will tell you what results are realistic for your teeth.

Your whitening options

In-office whitening

  1. Prep. Your dentist checks your teeth and notes your starting shade. Your lips and gums are covered to keep the gel off them.
  2. Whitening. The gel goes on your teeth for short rounds. A visit often takes 30 to 90 minutes.
  3. Check. We compare your new shade and talk about how to keep it.

Take-home whitening

We scan your teeth and make trays that fit you. You wear them with a gel we provide for a set time each day. Results build slowly over a couple of weeks. Some people start in the office and use trays later for touch-ups.

Keeping your smile bright

  • For the first day or two, go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, berries and tomato sauce.
  • Rinse with water after dark drinks, or drink them through a straw.
  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if your teeth feel tender.
  • Keep up with cleanings, which remove new surface stains.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about teeth whitening

Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some people feel short-term sensitivity during or after whitening. It usually fades within a few days. Your dentist can adjust the gel or suggest a sensitivity toothpaste.
How white will my teeth get?
It depends on your natural tooth color and the type of stain. Yellow stains tend to lighten more than gray ones. Your dentist will give you an honest idea at your visit.
How long do whitening results last?
Results can last many months or longer. Your diet and habits make the biggest difference. Many people do touch-ups with their trays now and then.
Can I whiten my crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening only works on natural enamel. If you plan to get veneers or crowns, whiten first so the new work can match your brighter shade.
Is professional whitening safer than store kits?
Store kits can work for mild stains, but they do not check for cavities or gum disease first. Whitening with your dentist means your teeth are checked and your gums are protected.

Related care

You may also want to know about

Tooth Bonding

Tooth-colored resin that repairs small chips, gaps and stains, often in one visit.

About tooth bonding

Questions?

Call to book your visit

Our Herriman team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.