- Home
- Treatments
- Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening for natural teeth dulled by coffee, tea, wine, smoking or time, done in the office, at home or with a laser.
Is It Right for You
Teeth Whitening for Stained or Dull Teeth
Teeth whitening lightens the natural color of your teeth. It works well on stains from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking, and on the gradual yellowing many people notice with age.
Whitening is a good first step if your teeth are healthy and you like their shape, just not their color. Some deeper discoloration doesn’t respond well to whitening. For those teeth, porcelain veneers can cover it instead.
Good to Know
Whitening only changes natural enamel.
Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings keep their color. If you have any on your front teeth, they may look darker once the teeth around them are whiter. We’ll point this out before you start, and any replacements can be matched to your new shade afterward.
How It Works
How Teeth Whitening Works
-
Color from coffee, tea, wine and tobacco settles on and within the enamel over time.
-
A professional whitening gel is applied to your teeth. In the office, it’s activated with a special light.
-
The gel works into the enamel and breaks down the stains, so the tooth itself looks lighter.
Step by Step
What Happens When You Whiten
About Sensitivity
Whitening doesn’t need numbing. Some people feel tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation during or after whitening. It’s usually temporary. If your teeth are already sensitive, tell us, as it helps us choose the right option.
-
A Check First
We examine your teeth and gums, note any crowns, veneers or fillings, and record your starting shade. Any decay or gum problems are treated before whitening.
-
Choosing Your Option
We talk through in-office, take-home and laser whitening, and choose the one that suits your teeth and your schedule.
-
Whitening
In the office, the whitening gel is applied and activated with a special light, or a specialized laser is used, while our team keeps an eye on your teeth and gums. For take-home whitening, we fit your custom trays and show you how to use them.
-
Comparing Shades
We compare your new shade with where you started, and talk about how to keep it.
Who Treats You
Dr. Camille Adli and Her Team
Your whitening is planned by Dr. Camille Adli, a general and cosmetic dentist who has practiced in Long Beach since 1997, and carried out by her team of dentists and hygienists.
Dr. Adli completed advanced training in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry at UCLA’s Aesthetic Continuum, and is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Cost and Insurance
Paying for Whitening
Most dental plans treat whitening as cosmetic, so it usually isn’t covered. Ask us for the cost of each option at your visit. If you’re also due for a check-up and cleaning, your PPO plan may cover that part of the visit.
- Insurance
- Most PPO plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, Operating Engineers and ILWU
- Financing
- Monthly payments through CareCredit or Sunbit
Questions
Teeth Whitening Questions
It can. Some people notice sensitivity during whitening or for a short time afterward, and it’s usually temporary. If your teeth are already sensitive, tell us before you start so we can choose the right option.
No. Whitening only lightens natural enamel. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings keep their color, so we’ll look at your front teeth first and talk through how they’ll look next to your whitened teeth.
Professional whitening uses a stronger solution that only licensed dental professionals can use, so you usually see more change in less time. It’s also supervised: we check your teeth and gums first and monitor the process. Store kits used incorrectly can cause sensitivity or irritation.
It varies with your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking will slowly stain teeth again. Rinsing after dark drinks, regular cleanings and occasional touch-ups with take-home trays help your shade last.
Both are done in our office. In-office whitening uses a professional gel activated with a special light. Laser whitening uses a specialized laser and is finished in one appointment. We’ll recommend one at your visit.
Usually not, because it’s cosmetic. Ask us for the cost of each option, and if you’d like to spread it out, CareCredit and Sunbit offer monthly payments.