Quick answer
What is teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening uses dentist-strength gel to lift stains from coffee, tea, wine and aging. In-office whitening can brighten teeth several shades in about an hour, while custom take-home trays whiten gradually over one to two weeks. Both are safer and more even than store-bought kits.
Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team · Updated October 12, 2026
- In-office
- About 60 – 90 minutes
- Take-home
- 1 – 2 weeks with custom trays
- Results
- Several shades brighter
- Sensitivity
- Minimized with desensitizing gel
Is teeth whitening right for you?
- Yellowing from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco
- Brides, grooms and anyone with a big event
- Patients planning veneers who want to match shades
- Healthy teeth and gums
Before & after
Illustrative examples. Individual results vary.
How teeth whitening works, step by step
- 1
Shade check
We record your starting shade and make sure teeth and gums are healthy.
- 2
Whitening
In-office gel is applied in rounds, or we make custom trays for home.
- 3
Maintain
Touch-up gel keeps your smile bright for the long run.
A brighter smile in one visit
Brighten your smile this month
Professional whitening lifts years of coffee, tea and wine stains safely, with less sensitivity than store kits.
Why not just use strips?
Store kits use lower-strength gel and generic trays that can leak onto gums. Professional whitening is supervised, more even and faster.
Will crowns and fillings whiten?
No — only natural enamel whitens. If you have front crowns or bonding, we plan whitening first and match restorations afterward.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
In-office and take-home whitening are among our most affordable cosmetic treatments. Ask your office about current pricing and specials.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Is professional whitening safe?
Yes. When supervised by a dentist, whitening is safe for enamel. We protect gums and use desensitizing agents.
How long do whitening results last?
Typically months to a couple of years, depending on diet and habits. Touch-ups keep results fresh.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients feel temporary sensitivity for a day or two. We minimize it with desensitizing gel.
Can everyone whiten?
Most adults can. Some deep internal stains respond better to veneers or bonding.
