Cosmetic dentistry
Teeth Whitening in Huntersville, NC
In-office and take-home whitening from your family dentist, with an exam first so you know what to expect.
Professional teeth whitening uses a peroxide gel to lighten the natural color of your teeth. Kreeb Family Dentistry in Huntersville offers two ways to do it: in-office whitening in one visit, or take-home whitening with custom trays made to fit your teeth. Whitening suits adults with healthy teeth and gums whose teeth have yellowed. It does not change the color of crowns, veneers or fillings, so an exam comes first.
At a glance
- OptionsIn-office whitening or take-home trays with whitening gel
- VisitsIn-office: one visit; take-home: a visit for impressions, then a visit to fit your trays
- How long it takesIn-office: one appointment; take-home: a few days to a few weeks of use
- What whitensNatural teeth; yellow teeth will probably bleach well
- What does not whitenCrowns, caps, veneers and fillings
- Common side effectTemporary tooth sensitivity
- InsuranceWhitening is a cosmetic treatment; call us for insurance details
Is teeth whitening right for you?
Whitening is a good fit if your natural teeth are healthy and have turned yellow over time. ADA MouthHealthy says yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends an exam before whitening, to find the cause of the color change. At that visit, your dentist checks for:
Cavities and gum problems
These are treated before whitening.
Crowns, veneers and fillings on your front teeth
These will not get lighter, so they may not match after whitening.
The type of stain
Gray tones, or stains from an injury or medicine, may need a different approach, such as a veneer or crown.
The office does not recommend Zoom! in-office whitening for anyone under 16, or for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding.
In-office vs take-home whitening: which is better for you?
Both use a peroxide gel. The difference is speed, strength and where you do it.
| Option | In-office whitening | Take-home trays from our office | Store-bought products |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | In the dental chair | At home, with trays made for your teeth | At home |
| Time | One visit | A few days to a few weeks | Can take much longer to reach the same result |
| Gel | A peroxide gel, applied by the dental team | Carbamide peroxide gel; dentist-supplied gels range from 10% to 38% | Lower strength than dentist-supplied gels |
| Gum protection | A protective gel or rubber shield may be used | Custom trays limit contact between the gel and your gums | Trays or strips are not made for your mouth |
| Suited to | People who want a faster change | People who want to whiten on their own schedule | Mild touch-ups; look for the ADA Seal |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
For in-office whitening, the office uses the Zoom! system, a peroxide gel activated with a light. Your dentist can explain which option suits your teeth, your schedule and any sensitivity you already have.
What happens during teeth whitening?
In-office whitening:
Exam
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums.
Protecting your gums
ADA MouthHealthy says in-office whitening may use a protective gel or a rubber shield to protect your gums.
Whitening
The gel goes on your teeth and is activated with a light.
Take-home whitening:
- Impressions. We take impressions of your teeth. A lab uses them to make your custom trays.
- Fitting visit. At your next visit, we adjust the trays for comfort.
- Whitening at home. You put a small amount of gel in the trays and wear them for the time your dentist sets. Results build over a few days to a few weeks.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Whitening does not use needles or drilling, but tooth sensitivity is a common side effect. The ADA says mild to moderate sensitivity, which goes away, can occur in up to two-thirds of users during the early stages of bleaching. ADA MouthHealthy adds that in most cases the sensitivity is temporary.
Some people also notice sore or irritated gums. The ADA says this is typically temporary and settles soon after treatment ends. If you already have sensitive teeth, tell your dentist before you start. Call the office if sensitivity is strong or does not ease after you stop.
How long do whitening results last?
Results fade slowly. A 2023 review of 24 studies on take-home whitening found that "most authors state that the color remains stable between 1 and 2.5 years," and that severe stains came back more often.
To help your results last:
- Brush twice a day and keep your regular cleanings.
- Rinse after coffee, tea, red wine and other dark drinks.
- Do not use tobacco.
- Ask about touch-ups, such as Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel.
Do not use whitening products more than directed. Overuse can damage tooth enamel or gums.
Risks, limits and alternatives
Know these limits before you whiten:
Fillings, crowns and veneers stay the same color
If you have them on your front teeth, they may need replacing after whitening to match.
Gray stains may not lighten
Sensitivity is common, and gum irritation can occur
Both are typically temporary.
Results fade over time
so touch-ups may be needed.
Your alternatives:
- Porcelain veneers cover the front of a tooth and can hide stains that do not respond to whitening.
- Same-day crowns can cover a tooth that is discolored or badly shaped.
- Tooth-colored fillings can replace dark or worn fillings.
- Doing nothing. Whitening is a cosmetic choice. Staying with your natural shade is fine for your health.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Your cost depends on the option you choose and what your exam finds. The main things that drive it:
In-office or take-home whitening
Custom trays
and refill gel for touch-ups.
Any care needed first
such as a cleaning or treating a cavity.
Replacing fillings or crowns
on front teeth afterwards, if you want them to match.
Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so insurance may not cover it. Call us for insurance details, and ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page.
Why patients choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for teeth whitening
Two options in one office
Choose in-office whitening or take-home trays made for your teeth.
An exam first
Your family dentist checks your teeth and gums so whitening starts in a healthy mouth.
Your whole smile in view
If a filling or crown will not match, we can talk about cosmetic dentistry options in the same office.
Early hours
The office opens at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
How long does in-office teeth whitening take?
In-office whitening is done in one visit. ADA MouthHealthy says chairside bleaching usually requires only one office visit. Your dentist can tell you how long your appointment will be when you book.
Is professional whitening better than whitening strips?
Professional gels are stronger. The ADA says store-bought products use lower peroxide levels and may take much longer to reach a similar result. Custom trays from the office also fit your teeth and limit gel contact with your gums. If you use store-bought products, look for the ADA Seal.
Will whitening work on my crowns or fillings?
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth. ADA MouthHealthy says whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. If you have them on your front teeth, ask your dentist whether they would need replacing to match your new shade.
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Whitening is meant to be used under your dentist's directions. ADA MouthHealthy warns that overuse of whiteners can damage enamel or gums. Follow your dentist's directions for how long and how often to wear the gel.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?
Sensitivity is a common side effect of the peroxide gel. The ADA says mild to moderate sensitivity can occur in up to two-thirds of users early in treatment, and it goes away. Tell your dentist if it is strong or lasts after you stop.
How long does teeth whitening last?
It varies. A 2023 review of take-home whitening found that "most authors state that the color remains stable between 1 and 2.5 years," with severe stains returning more often. Avoiding tobacco and dark drinks, and touch-ups with your trays, can help.
Book your teeth whitening visit in Huntersville
Start with an exam so your dentist can check your teeth and gums and help you choose an option.