Professional Teeth Whitening in Salt Lake City
If you would like your teeth to look brighter or reduce discoloration that has developed over time, professional teeth whitening may be a good place to start.
At Lakeside Dental, we offer in-office and take-home whitening options. Before getting started, we'll evaluate your teeth and existing dental work and talk about what you can realistically expect.
Why Do Teeth Change Color?
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine, blueberries, turmeric, and other dark-colored foods or drinks
- Tobacco use
- Natural changes with age
- Certain medications
- Previous trauma
- Natural differences in tooth color and structure
Professional Whitening Options
In-office whitening allows treatment to be monitored by our team. Take-home whitening offers more gradual treatment on your own schedule, and can include using custom trays and professional whitening material. Which approach makes sense depends on your starting color, goals, timing, sensitivity, and preference.
What Can Whitening Change?
Whitening is intended to lighten natural tooth structure. It does not predictably change the color of crowns, ceramic veneers, fillings, bonding, bridges, or other restorations. This matters when whitening is part of a larger cosmetic plan; if visible restorations are being replaced, whitening may sometimes be completed first so the final restoration color can be planned afterward.
How White Will My Teeth Get?
There isn't one predictable shade change for every patient. Results depend on starting color, type of discoloration, whitening system, and how the teeth respond. Our goal is to help you understand what whitening is likely to accomplish in your situation.
Sensitivity
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know. We can discuss ways to modify the process and determine whether whitening is appropriate.
How Long Does Whitening Last?
There isn't a fixed amount of time. Teeth can gradually darken again, and habits such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can affect how quickly that occurs. Some patients choose periodic touch-ups rather than repeating the entire process.
Can Crowns, Veneers, or Fillings Be Whitened?
No. Whitening treatments work on natural tooth structure and will not predictably change the color of crowns, ceramic veneers, fillings, bonding, or other restorations.
Should I Whiten Before Veneers or Bonding?
Often, if you want the surrounding natural teeth lighter. The appropriate sequence depends on the overall treatment plan, so it is worth discussing your goals before beginning treatment.
