Teeth Whitening
In-office and take-home whitening treatments that brighten your smile by several shades — safely and predictably.
01
Overview
Professional teeth whitening uses a higher-concentration peroxide gel than over-the-counter strips, which means better results in less time. We offer two options: in-office whitening (one visit, dramatic results) or custom take-home trays (whiten gradually at your own pace).
Both approaches are safe, dentist-supervised, and customized to your teeth.
02
Who it's for
Whitening works best on:
- Surface stains from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, or aging
- Healthy teeth and gums — we treat any decay or gum issues first
- Patients without crowns or veneers on front teeth (whitening doesn't change those)
- Patients over 16 with fully developed adult teeth
It's less effective on stains caused by trauma, certain medications (like tetracycline), or fluorosis. We'll let you know honestly what to expect at your consultation.
03
How it works
In-office whitening — about 60–90 minutes:
- We protect your gums with a barrier.
- Apply professional-strength whitening gel.
- Activate it with light or let it sit for 15-minute cycles.
- Repeat 2–3 times in one visit.
Take-home trays — about 2 weeks:
- We take impressions and make custom-fit trays for your teeth.
- You wear the trays with whitening gel for 30–60 min/day or overnight.
- Continue for 10–14 days.
Many patients combine both — in-office for a fast jumpstart, then trays for touch-ups.
04
Recovery and aftercare
Some mild sensitivity is normal for 24–48 hours after whitening — use a sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne for a week.
For the first 48 hours, avoid:
- Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas
- Tomato sauce, soy sauce, berries
- Tobacco
After that, your teeth re-mineralize and you can return to normal habits. Results last 6 months to 2 years depending on diet — use your trays for occasional touch-ups to maintain.
05
Cost and insurance
In-office whitening in the Los Gatos area: typically $400–$700 for a single visit.
Custom take-home trays + gel: typically $300–$500.
Combination (in-office + take-home for maintenance): usually $500–$900 total.
Insurance: cosmetic whitening is generally not covered by dental insurance. We offer it as part of our new-patient welcome special and at a discount for current patients.
06
Questions, answered.
- 01Is professional whitening safe?
Yes — when done under dental supervision. We protect your gums with a barrier, use clinically tested gel concentrations, and adjust treatment based on your sensitivity. The peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen and doesn't damage tooth enamel.
- 02How white will my teeth get?
Most patients see their teeth lighten by 4–8 shades. The exact result depends on your starting color, the type of staining, and how your teeth respond. We'll show you a shade guide before treatment so you know what to expect.
- 03How long do whitening results last?
Typically 6 months to 2 years, depending on what you eat and drink. Coffee and red wine drinkers see results fade faster. Custom trays let you do occasional touch-ups at home to keep your smile bright indefinitely.
- 04Will whitening work on crowns or veneers?
No — whitening only changes natural tooth structure. Crowns, veneers, and fillings stay the same color. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, whiten first, then replace those restorations to match your new shade.