Tooth Whitening

Ready to enhance your natural smile? Professional tooth whitening offers a safe, effective way to remove years of staining and discoloration, revealing the brighter smile you deserve. At Hillcrest Dental, Dr. Andy Keith specializes in customized whitening treatments that deliver noticeable, long-lasting results while prioritizing your comfort and oral health.

Our experienced team takes the time to understand your goals and concerns, creating a personalized whitening plan that fits your lifestyle and delivers the level of brightness you desire.

Request Appointment

Understanding Tooth Whitening

Professional tooth whitening encompasses several effective methods to brighten your smile. These include one-hour professional treatments using high-concentration carbamide peroxide for immediate results, take-home custom trays with specialized whitening gel for gradual enhancement, and over-the-counter products for minor touch-ups.

While over-the-counter options work more slowly, professional treatments offer faster, more dramatic results. Modern whitening gels are specifically formulated to minimize sensitivity while effectively removing both surface stains and deeper discoloration from your teeth.

Benefits of Tooth Whitening

Professional Results in Less Time

Professional tooth whitening delivers superior results in significantly less time compared to over-the-counter products. The advanced formulations and precise application methods ensure even coverage and consistent whitening across all visible teeth. Professional treatments can achieve up to eight shades brighter in a single session, making them ideal for special occasions or anyone seeking quick, reliable results.

Personalized Sensitivity Management

Professional whitening treatments can be customized to accommodate different levels of tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can adjust the concentration of whitening agents, application duration, and frequency based on your comfort level. This personalized approach, combined with professional-grade desensitizing products, ensures a comfortable experience while still achieving your desired results.

Improved Oral Health Awareness

The tooth whitening process often motivates patients to maintain better oral hygiene habits. Regular whitening maintenance encourages consistent brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Many patients report becoming more mindful of staining foods and beverages, leading to healthier dietary choices that benefit both their smile and overall oral health.

Cost-Effective Long-Term Solution

While professional tooth whitening may have a higher initial cost than over-the-counter products, it provides better value over time. Professional treatments require fewer touch-ups, use more efficient whitening agents, and produce longer-lasting results. The supervised process also prevents the expense and complications of incorrect application or overuse of whitening products.

Enhanced Professional Appearance

A brighter smile can positively impact your professional image and interpersonal interactions. Research shows that people with whiter teeth are often perceived as more successful, trustworthy, and approachable in professional settings. The improved appearance can boost your confidence during presentations, meetings, and important career opportunities.

Take Home Trays

An impression is taken and models of your teeth are made. A custom tray is fabricated that will fit comfortably over your natural teeth. Then a specific concentration of gel is placed inside the tray and inserted easily into your mouth and worn for an hour or two every day for up to two weeks. If whiter teeth are desired, the trays can be worn for an extended period. The newer gels have reduced all sensitivities dramatically.

JL just wanted whiter teeth. She felt like her yellow ones made her look old.

Our Dental Whitening Process

Shade Assessment and Goals

Dr. Andy Keith starts by measuring your current tooth shade and understanding your desired level of whiteness. Our dental team uses a professional shade guide to document your starting point and discusses realistic expectations for your results. This detailed assessment helps us select the most effective whitening concentration for your needs.

Treatment Selection

After analyzing your teeth and sensitivity level, we help you choose between our immediate in-office brightening or custom take-home tray options. We consider factors like your schedule, lifestyle, and previous whitening experiences to recommend the most suitable approach. During this step, we also address any concerns about existing dental work or uneven coloring.

Professional Whitening Session

For in-office treatments, we apply protective barriers to your gums and lips before carefully administering the professional-grade whitening gel. Dr. Keith monitors the process in 15-minute intervals, checking your comfort and progress. If you’ve chosen take-home trays, we take precise impressions of your teeth and provide detailed instructions for optimal results.

Sensitivity Prevention

We take proactive steps to minimize potential sensitivity using specialized desensitizing agents before and after treatment. Our team provides specific guidelines for temperature-sensitive foods and beverages during the first 48 hours. We also recommend appropriate oral care products to maintain your comfort throughout the whitening process.

Maintenance Planning

Before you leave, we create a personalized maintenance strategy based on your lifestyle and habits. This includes recommendations for touch-up treatments, specific oral hygiene products, and dietary suggestions to extend your results. Dr. Andy Keith schedules periodic check-ins to ensure your smile stays bright and makes adjustments as needed.

Why Choose Our Approach to Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening demands more than just advanced products – it requires a combination of precision, expertise, and detailed attention to your specific dental needs. At Hillcrest Dental, Dr. Andy Keith has developed a technique that adapts the whitening concentration based on your tooth density and stain patterns, ensuring even, natural-looking results.

Our dental team excels in preventing the common issues of uneven whitening and sensitivity through careful application methods and proactive desensitizing treatments. We’ve helped patients with tetracycline stains, fluorosis, and age-related discoloration achieve remarkable improvements while maintaining the health of their enamel and gums.

Choose a Brighter Future for Your Smile!

Don’t let stained teeth hold you back from expressing yourself freely. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to refresh your smile, our proven whitening techniques in Hillcrest Dental deliver the results you want.

Connect with Dr. Andy Keith today at (619) 291-2980 – your brighter smile is just one consultation away.

Request Appointment

FAQs

Is tooth whitening safe?

Think of professional tooth whitening like a facial for your teeth – it’s a controlled, surface-level treatment that doesn’t affect your tooth structure. We use premium whitening formulas with built-in protective ingredients that actually help strengthen your enamel during treatment. Before any whitening session, we perform a detailed enamel assessment to ensure your teeth can benefit from the treatment. Our step-by-step approach includes pH monitoring throughout the process.

How long does tooth sensitivity last after teeth whitening?

The tingling sensation some patients experience usually peaks within the first 6 hours and fades completely by 48 hours. What’s unique about our approach is that we apply a calcium-phosphate barrier before treatment, which significantly reduces sensitivity for most patients. Some people might notice brief sensitivity to temperature changes, but this typically resolves before you even finish your next meal.

Does tooth whitening damage enamel?

No – in fact, our professional whitening system includes remineralizing agents that can improve enamel strength. The process works by opening microscopic pores in your enamel to flush out stain molecules, then resealing these pores with strengthening minerals. We continuously monitor your enamel’s response during treatment using specialized assessment tools. Many patients report their teeth feel smoother and stronger after completing their whitening sessions.

How to decrease tooth sensitivity after whitening?

Skip the ice cream for two days and opt for room-temperature foods and drinks. We provide a special post-treatment kit that includes a prescription-strength desensitizing gel and a remineralizing paste. Applying these products for just 10 minutes before bed can dramatically reduce any lingering sensitivity. Simple changes like switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and using lukewarm water when brushing also make a significant difference.

How long does tooth whitening last?

Your bright results can last well beyond a year with proper care, even if you’re a coffee lover. The key is implementing our “white diet” strategy for the first week after treatment, then following our specialized maintenance protocol. We’ve found that patients who use our custom-fitted trays for monthly touch-ups maintain their results 2-3 times longer than average. Simple habits like drinking staining beverages through a straw can add months to your results.

Is tooth whitening painful?

Our patients often tell us they’re surprised by how comfortable the process actually is. We’ve developed a unique three-layer approach to comfort: pre-treatment desensitizing, temperature-controlled whitening gel, and continuous monitoring with infrared technology. Most people describe the sensation as a mild effervescent feeling that comes and goes. You’ll remain fully comfortable throughout the appointment, able to watch TV or listen to music while the treatment works.