Professional Teeth Whitening
Brighter, without the sensitivity guesswork.
Professional whitening is stronger and safer than store kits, with custom trays or in-office treatment and a plan to manage sensitivity.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening uses peroxide gels to lighten stains inside the enamel. It's done in the office in one visit or at home with custom trays over 1–2 weeks. It works on natural teeth stained by coffee, tea, wine, smoking or age. Its main limitation: it doesn't change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Yellowing from age or diet
- Coffee, tea or wine stains
- Healthy teeth and gums
- Preparing for veneers or bonding
Needs extra care or planning
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Very sensitive teeth
- Front crowns or fillings that won't change color
- Gray stains from medications
When an exam is needed: A quick exam and cleaning make sure there's no decay or gum problem first.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Results fade gradually and some deep stains (like tetracycline) respond poorly.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Noticeable results quickly
- Non-invasive
- Safer than over-the-counter kits
- Custom trays can be reused for touch-ups
Disadvantages
- Temporary sensitivity
- Doesn't whiten dental work
- Needs touch-ups
- Results vary by person
The treatment process
- 1
Shade record
We photograph and record your starting shade.
- 2
Cleaning
Surface stains and tartar are removed first.
- 3
Protection
Gums are protected for in-office treatment, or trays are scanned for home use.
- 4
Whitening
Gel is applied in the office or worn at home in custom trays.
- 5
Review
We compare shades and plan maintenance.
Timeline: In-office: about 90 minutes. At home: 1–2 weeks of daily wear.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: Temporary sensitivity for 24–48 hours is common.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Avoid dark drinks for 48 hours
- Use sensitivity toothpaste
- Use a straw for iced coffee
- Touch up as directed
Call us right away if you notice
- Gum burns or white patches
- Severe sensitivity
- Uneven results
Longevity and outcomes
Results often last 1–3 years with touch-ups.
What affects your result
- Diet
- Smoking
- Touch-up routine
Possible complications
- Sensitivity
- Gum irritation
- Fading
Cost and payment options
In-office and take-home options are priced differently. We'll quote both so you can choose.
What affects the price
- In-office vs take-home
- Custom tray fabrication
- Touch-up gel
- Combination plans
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Whitening toothpaste
Removes surface stains only.
Bonding or veneers
For stains whitening can't lift.
Professional cleaning
Removes surface stains.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Does whitening damage enamel?+
Not when supervised and used as directed.
How white will my teeth get?+
Usually several shades lighter; results vary.
Will it hurt?+
Some people feel temporary sensitivity.
How long does it last?+
1–3 years with touch-ups.
Can I whiten crowns?+
No; they can be replaced to match.
In-office or at home?+
In-office is faster; home trays are gentler and good for touch-ups.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →Related treatments
Not sure if you need professional teeth whitening?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
Book your visit