Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth Whitening

IN EVERETT, WA

Professional in-office whitening for a visibly brighter smile.

How professional whitening differs

Whitening works by allowing a peroxide gel to break down the staining compounds held within tooth structure. Strip and toothpaste products use low concentrations and reach only the outer surface, which is why results plateau quickly.

Whitening lifts natural tooth structure only. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings will not change shade — which is why we plan any whitening before cosmetic work, so new restorations can be matched to the final color.

The honest comparison with the supermarket aisle is about concentration and control, not marketing. Over-the-counter strips carry a low-strength gel and no protection for your gums, so results come slowly and unevenly. Professional in-office whitening uses a considerably stronger gel with your gums and lips isolated throughout, which is what allows several shades of change in a single appointment.

Not every discolouration responds. Grey tones from tetracycline lift far less predictably than yellow ones, and a single dark tooth after root treatment usually needs internal whitening or a veneer instead. We will tell you before you spend anything whether whitening is likely to get you where you want to be.

Who gets the best results from whitening

  • Yellowing that has come on gradually with age, coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco.
  • Healthy teeth and gums, with no untreated decay and no active gum disease.
  • Natural teeth at the front — crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings will not change shade.
  • A specific occasion to be ready for, where in-office treatment beats weeks of trays.

What to expect

A single in-office appointment takes about 90 minutes.

  1. 1 Check first We confirm your teeth and gums are healthy, and identify any existing restorations that will not lighten.
  2. 2 The appointment Gums and lips are isolated and protected, then the professional whitening gel is applied in timed, supervised cycles.
  3. 3 Hold the result We provide guidance — and, where useful, custom trays — so you can maintain the shade at home.

Sensitivity and longevity

Short-term sensitivity is common for a day or two and settles on its own; tell us beforehand if your teeth are already sensitive, as we can adjust. Results last longest if you go easy on coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco in the first 48 hours, when teeth re-stain most readily.

Common questions about teeth whitening

How long does in-office whitening take?
About 90 minutes to two hours in a single visit, including preparation and gum protection. Most people go back to work afterwards.
How long do the results last?
Typically one to three years, depending heavily on diet and smoking. Coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco pull the shade back fastest. A set of custom trays for occasional top-ups at home keeps the result going for far longer.
Does whitening damage enamel?
Professionally supervised whitening at the concentrations we use does not damage enamel. Temporary sensitivity is common because the gel opens the tooth's microscopic tubules; it settles within a day or two.
What if my teeth are already sensitive?
Tell us beforehand. We can pre-treat with a desensitizing agent, adjust the gel strength, or use take-home trays at a lower concentration over a longer period, which is usually the gentler route.
Will my crowns and fillings whiten too?
No. Whitening lifts natural tooth structure only. If you have visible crowns, veneers, bonding or white fillings at the front, we plan the whitening first and then match any replacements to the new shade.

Questions about teeth whitening?

We'll walk you through the options, the costs, and what to expect.

Madison Street Dental Clinic serves Everett and the surrounding communities of Marysville, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Lynnwood and Bothell.

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