If a brighter, whiter smile is on your wish list, you’re in good company. In fact, millions of Americans invest in teeth whitening every year, making it one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments out there. At Espire Dental, we offer two effective ways to whiten your smile: in-office treatments and professional take-home kits. Here’s how to decide which option fits your goals best.
Why Teeth Whitening?
From coffee and red wine to aging and certain medications, our teeth go through a lot. Over time, stains build up — but whitening treatments can help reverse those effects by lightening the color of your teeth several shades.
There are two types of stains we typically treat:
- Extrinsic stains affect the surface of the enamel and are usually caused by food, drinks, or smoking.
- Intrinsic stains occur deeper within the tooth and may result from trauma, aging, or certain medications.
Both types of stains can often be treated effectively — but the right method depends on the severity and depth of discoloration.
What’s the Difference Between Whitening and Bleaching?
You may hear the terms “whitening” and “bleaching” used interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same:
- Whitening refers to any method that removes surface stains and debris (even whitening toothpaste falls into this category).
- Bleaching uses agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to change the natural color of the tooth — and it’s what both our in-office and take-home treatments rely on.
Before whitening begins, we’ll examine your smile, clean your teeth, and make sure any issues like cavities or gum irritation are addressed to ensure safe and effective results.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Looking for fast, noticeable results? Our in-office whitening might be the right fit. Here's how it works:
- A dentist applies a protective barrier to your gums before placing a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel on your teeth.
- The gel is left on for 15 to 30 minutes, wiped off, and reapplied as needed.
- Some treatments also use a special light to enhance the whitening effect.
Results are often visible immediately — with some patients leaving the office several shades brighter after just one visit. The average cost is around $650 per session, and it's ideal for anyone looking for quick, dramatic results.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Prefer to whiten your teeth on your own schedule? Our custom take-home kits offer a more flexible and affordable option.
- We take impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays.
- Once your trays are ready (usually in about two weeks), you’ll receive a professional-grade whitening gel to use at home.
- Wear your trays for about an hour a day over 1–2 weeks.
At-home kits use a lower concentration of whitening agent than in-office treatments, making them gentler on your teeth while still delivering excellent results. Costs range from $100 to $400 depending on your specific treatment plan.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Whitening treatments are safe and well-tolerated by most patients. However, you might experience some short-term side effects like:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold
- Mild gum irritation
- Temporary discomfort in the front teeth
These symptoms usually fade within a few days. If they linger, we may recommend switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help ease discomfort.
Ready for a Brighter Smile?
At Espire Dental, we’re here to help you feel confident in your smile. Whether you choose in-office whitening or a professional take-home kit, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Let’s find the best solution for your lifestyle, timeline, and budget.
Schedule your teeth whitening consultation today — and get ready to smile even brighter.
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