Teeth Whitening

Home | Cosmetic Dentistry | Teeth Whitening

If you want to achieve a whiter smile, professional teeth whitening may be the right choice for you. At SoLo Dental, Dr. Lopez and Dr. Sosa offer personalized, professional whitening treatments designed to deliver noticeable results in a comfortable setting. Professional whitening can safely and effectively lift years of stains from your teeth, helping you feel more confident in your smile.

With professional whitening like Zoom (Philips) or Opalescence (Ultradent Products), most patients enjoy their results anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. It really depends on everyday habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking can all cause staining over time. To help your results last longer, we may recommend custom take-home trays. These makernit easy to do occasional touch-ups at your convenience and keep your smile looking bright without needing frequent in-office visits. We will also share simple, realistic tips so you can maintain your results without feeling like you have to give up the things you enjoy.

Yes, professional whitening is very safe when it is done under a dentist’s care. We take steps to protect your gums and keep you comfortable throughout the process. If you are feeling nervous, that is completely okay. We will explain everything ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect.

In-office whitening, like Zoom, is done right here in our office and usually takes about an hour. You will see results right away. Take-home kits use custom trays that you wear for a short time each day over one to two weeks. The results happen more gradually. Some patients like the instant results of in-office whitening, while others prefer a slower approach at home. We are happy to help you choose what feels most comfortable.

Some patients notice a little sensitivity during or after whitening, but it is usually temporary and mild. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know. We can adjust your treatment and use products designed to keep you more comfortable.

Many patients see their teeth brighten by about 3 to 8 shades. Some people may see even more improvement depending on their starting point. Before we begin, we will talk through what kind of results you can realistically expect so there are no surprises.

Whitening may not be the best option if you have untreated cavities or gum disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may also be less effective for certain types of deep discoloration or if you have crowns or veneers on your front teeth. If whitening is not right for you, we will walk you through other options in a low-pressure way.

With in-office whitening, you will see a difference right away before you leave your appointment. With take-home kits, you will start noticing changes within a few days, with full results over one to two weeks.

Keeping your results is pretty simple. Try to avoid dark or staining foods and drinks for the first day or two after treatment. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings go a long way. Using a straw for drinks like coffee or iced tea can also help. If you ever feel like your smile is starting to dull, we can help you with easy touch-up options.

Whitening only works on natural teeth. It will not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have dental work in visible areas, we will help you plan so your smile still looks even and natural.