Teeth Whitening in South Lake Union, Seattle
A Brighter Smile Without the Sensitivity
What Makes Professional Whitening Different
Most over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are limited in strength, fit poorly, and bathe the gums and soft tissue with bleaching gel in ways that can cause irritation and uneven results. Professional whitening uses higher-concentration gel inside trays custom-made to fit only your teeth. The gel sits where it is supposed to, your gums are protected, and the result is brighter and more even.
What professional whitening can change
- Yellowing from age, diet, coffee, tea, or red wine
- Surface and deeper staining throughout the enamel
- Dullness that has crept in over the years
What whitening cannot change
- Discoloration from inside a tooth (often from past trauma or root canal therapy), which sometimes needs internal whitening or a veneer
- Color of existing dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings do not whiten)
- White spots or fluorosis (sometimes responds to whitening alone, sometimes needs additional treatment)
Your Whitening Process at TDSD
Step 1: Exam and shade check
Dr. Sabrina confirms your teeth and gums are healthy enough to whiten, addresses any decay or sensitivity issues first, and records your current shade so we can show you the difference.
Step 2: Custom trays
We take a digital scan and fabricate custom whitening trays that fit only your teeth. This is what keeps the gel where it should be and your gums comfortable.
Step 3: Whitening at home
You wear the trays with professional whitening gel for a set period each day, usually over one to two weeks. Most patients see clear results in the first few days.
Step 4: Follow-up and touch-ups
We check in to confirm you are happy with the shade. Keep your trays. When you want a touch-up six months or a year later, all you need is a fresh tube of gel.
What to Do If Your Teeth Get Sensitive
Some whitening sensitivity is normal and usually mild. Strategies that help include using a sensitivity-formula toothpaste leading up to whitening, shortening your daily wear time, and taking a day or two off between sessions. We talk through all of this when you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much whiter will my teeth get?
Most patients lighten several shades over a one to two week course. Results vary by your starting shade, the cause of discoloration, and how consistently you wear your trays.
How long does the result last?
Most patients enjoy their brighter shade for six months to a year or longer, depending on diet and habits. Touch-ups with your trays make it easy to keep on top of.
Is whitening safe for enamel?
Professional whitening, used as directed, does not weaken or damage enamel. The pH is balanced and the application is controlled by custom trays so the gel goes only where it should.
Does whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening only changes the color of natural tooth structure. If you have visible dental work in your smile, we will plan whitening with the long-term plan in mind so shades match.
Will whitening cause sensitivity?
Mild, temporary sensitivity is common and usually resolves quickly. Several strategies make it easy to manage; we will set you up before you start.
Can I whiten if I am pregnant or nursing?
We typically recommend waiting until after pregnancy and nursing as a precaution, even though no harm has been demonstrated.
Does insurance cover whitening?
Professional whitening is cosmetic and is not typically covered by dental insurance.
How does this compare to in-office (chair-side) whitening?
In-office whitening produces fast results in a single visit; take-home whitening with custom trays produces excellent, often more consistent results over one to two weeks and is gentler on sensitivity. We offer take-home whitening at The Downtown Seattle Dentist because it gives most patients the best balance of comfort, control, and lasting results.
