Teeth Whitening
A brighter smile, made simple. Real professional results.
A Brighter Smile, the Right Way
Years of coffee, tea, red wine, or just normal aging — they all add up. Even with great oral hygiene, teeth get darker over time. The good news is, professional whitening can take you back several shades in a single visit (or over a couple of weeks at home), and the results are noticeable.
At River Street Dental, we offer two whitening options. Both are way more effective than anything you can buy at a drugstore — because the bleaching gel is professional strength and we customize the treatment to your teeth.
In-Office Whitening
The fastest option. You sit in the chair for about an hour while we apply a professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth. The gel is activated and removed in stages, and by the time you walk out, your smile is several shades brighter.
This is a great choice if you have a wedding, reunion, photo shoot, or any other event coming up — or if you just don't want to mess with trays at home.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
For this option, we make a custom-fitted set of whitening trays based on impressions of your teeth. You take them home with the whitening gel and wear them for a short time each day (or overnight, depending on the formula). Most patients see results in about 1 to 2 weeks.
Take-home trays are the better option if you want gradual results, more control over how white you go, and the ability to do touch-ups in the future. The trays last for years, so you can refresh whenever you need.
Why Choose Professional Over Drugstore?
We get this question a lot. Drugstore strips are fine for very mild staining, but here's what professional whitening gets you that strips can't:
- Stronger bleaching gel for faster, more dramatic results
- Custom-fit trays that cover every tooth evenly
- Treatment customized to your tooth color and sensitivity
- Less risk of gum irritation from gel touching the gums
- Even results — no patches or stripes
- Professional supervision if anything feels off
Worth Knowing
Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. If you have crowns, veneers, or composite fillings on your front teeth, they won't change color when you whiten. Dr. Carroll will check your teeth before whitening so we can plan around any existing dental work and avoid mismatched results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do whitening results last?
With professional whitening, results typically last 1 to 3 years — sometimes longer with good habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco will shorten it. Touch-up whitening every year or so can keep your smile bright.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
No. Professional whitening is safe when done correctly. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity for a day or two, but it doesn't damage enamel or hurt your teeth.
Why not just use whitening strips from the drugstore?
Over-the-counter strips work for very mild staining, but the bleaching agent is much weaker than what we use professionally. Strips also don't fit your teeth well, which means they often miss spots or leave you with uneven results. Professional whitening is faster, more effective, and more even.
Does whitening work on crowns and fillings?
No. Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel. If you have crowns, veneers, or composite fillings on your front teeth, they won't change color — which can leave you with mismatched teeth. We'll talk you through this before you whiten so there are no surprises.
Whitening is one of the easiest ways to refresh your smile. Give us a call and we'll talk through which option fits your timeline and goals best.
Schedule a Whitening
Want a brighter smile for an event or just for yourself? Let's get you on the schedule.
Book AppointmentTwo Options
In-Office
Done in about an hour
Take-Home Trays
Results in 1–2 weeks
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Whether you're due for a cleaning or considering a smile makeover, we're here to help. Schedule your appointment today.
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