Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Procedure Description
In-office whitening is a quick cosmetic procedure that brightens and lightens teeth using light-activated bleaching agents. The dentist begins by assessing your current tooth shade and thoroughly cleaning your teeth. To isolate and protect your gums, a flexible dam or plastic frame is carefully positioned. A hydrogen peroxide gel is then applied to your teeth, and a blue light source is placed directly onto the front teeth to activate the whitening gel. The light-activated reaction breaks down the colored compounds that have stained your teeth, revealing a brighter smile. After treatment, maintaining your results is simple—regular brushing, flossing, and occasional at-home touch-ups will keep your smile brilliant. We also offer take-home whitening kits with custom trays and professional-grade gel for gradual brightening at your convenience.
In Office Tooth Whitening
Indications
Professional teeth whitening is ideal for patients who want to brighten their smile and remove common staining. This treatment effectively addresses:
When to Consider Teeth Whitening
Food and Beverage Stains
Discoloration from coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark-colored foods.
Tobacco Staining
Yellow or brown discoloration caused by smoking or chewing tobacco.
Age-Related Yellowing
Natural darkening of teeth that occurs over time as enamel thins.
Surface Stains
External discoloration that hasn't penetrated deeply into the tooth structure.
Note: Teeth whitening is not effective for all types of discoloration. Intrinsic stains (from certain medications, excessive fluoride, or trauma) may not respond to whitening and might require veneers or bonding instead.
Benefits
Why Choose Teeth Whitening?
Dramatic Results
Most patients achieve teeth that are several shades whiter, with some seeing improvements of 8-10 shades.
Fast Treatment
In-office whitening delivers noticeable results in just one appointment, typically lasting 60-90 minutes.
Safe and Effective
Professional-grade products are clinically proven and dentist-supervised for optimal safety.
Alternatives
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Drugstore strips and gels are less expensive but weaker and less effective
Porcelain Veneers
Permanent solution for severe discoloration that doesn't respond to whitening
Dental Bonding
Can mask stubborn stains on individual teeth
Cost & Fee Schedule
Professional teeth whitening pricing: Take-home whitening kits with bleaching trays are approximately $300, while in-office laser whitening treatments are around $500. Contact us for exact pricing and to learn about our flexible payment options and insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Locations Offering Teeth Whitening
Available at all Philadelphia Dental locations throughout Philadelphia
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to learn more about this treatment? Contact us today.
Book Appointment