Schedule
(800) 277-3633

Teeth whitening: 
Your guide to a brighter smile

Overview

A brighter smile can boost your confidence. If stains or discoloration have kept you from smiling comfortably, teeth whitening may be right for you. With safe and effective whitening solutions at Aspen Dental, you can enjoy a smile that looks brighter and feels healthier.

Key takeaways
  • Removes stains and discoloration for a brighter, healthier-looking smile

  • Aspen Dental offers both professional in-office and at-home whitening options

  • Fast, effective results using advanced LED technology

  • Personalized treatment with clear cost estimates and options that fit your budget

Teeth whitening: what is it?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that removes stains and discoloration from the surfaces of your teeth, giving you a brighter, healthier-looking smile. It’s one of the fastest, most effective and affordable ways to enhance the appearance of your teeth. At Aspen Dental, we use cutting-edge whitening techniques, like LED light technology, to achieve noticeable same-day results.

Get smiling today with 20% off dental services¹

See us today and save all your dental care services.

Schedule today
Aspen Dental professional speaking with an older adult man seated in a dental chair during a visit.
Aspen Dental professional speaking with an older adult man seated in a dental chair during a visit.

¹Offer available in select offices. Not valid for previous or ongoing work and cannot be combined with other discounts or dental discount programs. Not valid on Basic or Classic dentures or orthodontia. Discount taken off usual and customary fees for general dentistry services and does not apply to services rendered by a specialist. Patients with insurance will receive either the 20% discount or insurance plan pricing, whichever discount is greater. Offer expires 12/31/2026.

Professional teeth whitening vs.
at-home solutions

Both professional and at-home solutions have their unique benefits. Let’s compare: 

In-office teeth whitening
Teeth whitening at home

Effectiveness 

High, up to 10 shades brighter in one session²

Effectiveness 

Moderate, noticeable after 3-4 sessions

Cost

$$ - $$$

Cost

$ - $$

Follow-ups

May be included

Follow-ups

Not included

Longevity

6 months - 1 year²

Longevity

A few months²

Convenience

Treatment performed at the dentist

Convenience

Treatment performed at home

Customization

Tailored to you

Customization

One-size-fits-all

²Based on Glo Science clinical studies.

Who needs professional
teeth whitening treatment?

Tooth discoloration is common and often caused by everyday habits like drinking coffee, tea or red wine, as well as smoking. Aging, tooth injuries, certain medications and health conditions can also affect the color of your teeth.

While mild surface stains may respond to at-home treatments, deeper or stubborn discoloration typically requires professional whitening for noticeable results. Scheduling a visit with your local Aspen Dental care team is the fastest way to get a personalized recommendation based on your smile and goals.

Smiling older woman holding an Aspen Dental mirror and viewing her smile during a dental visit, with a dentist in the background.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

Teeth whitening costs vary based on the treatment recommended for you. In-office whitening is more expensive but provides faster results, while at-home kits are more affordable but may take longer. Visit your local Aspen Dental dentist today for a customized estimate.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening results can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment you choose, your dental hygiene routine and your daily habits. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Professional treatments: With proper care, professional in-office whitening can deliver results that last up to a year, with take-home options available to help maintain them longer.

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments: Over-the-counter whitening kits take longer to deliver results and require ongoing treatments to maintain them. While less powerful than in-office options, they’re a popular choice due to affordability.

  • Diet and lifestyle: The choices you make with your diet and overall lifestyle also play a big role in how long your teeth stay white. Beverages like coffee, tea and red wine, along with habits such as smoking, can shorten how long your results last.

  • Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings, can help extend your whitening results.

Step-by-step guide to professional teeth whitening

Consultation

Your dentist will evaluate your smile and discuss your brightening goals.

Heading

Next, we’ll prep your smile by polishing your teeth and covering your gums.

Whitening gel

After, we’ll apply a safe, professional-grade whitening gel to your teeth.

LED Light

Once your teeth are covered, an LED light will activate the gel.

Gel removal & rinsing

Lastly, we’ll clean your smile and check your results meet your needs.

How does teeth whitening at home work?

At Aspen Dental, we offer multiple professional-grade teeth whitening treatments that can help you safely brighten your smile at home, or maintain your results from an in-office visit. Your local Aspen Dental care team will assess your goals and sensitivities, make their recommendation and provide instructions on how you can get the results you want. To see which of kit would be best for you, schedule a visit today.

We make dental care easier

Icon

Most insurance accepted

Explore dental insurance plans we accept. We do not accept Medicaid.

Icon

Same-day appointments

With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.

Icon

Flexible financing options

99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.

Frequently asked questions about teeth whitening

  • Professional in-office whitening provides the fastest, most noticeable results that are fully customized to your needs.

  • At-home trays provided by your dentist are the second-most effective option as they are customized to you and help maintain any previous in-office whitening treatment you’ve had.

Professional-grade whitening systems are the most reliable for safe, effective results. They use stronger, dentist-approved formulas that remove deeper stains without damaging enamel. While over-the-counter options can help with surface stains, professional treatments deliver noticeably brighter, longer-lasting results.

Yes, teeth bleaching is another term for whitening, but it typically refers to stronger solutions available through professional treatment.

Yes, yellowed teeth respond well to whitening and can be brightened in 30 minutes with a visit at Aspen Dental.2 Severe cases may require multiple treatments or other solutions, like veneers. To learn which may be right for you, explore our blog, Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers.

²Based on Glo Science clinical studies.

In-office professional whitening is the quickest and safest option. Treatment can usually be completed in about 30-minutes and can include touch-up kits for at-home use.

Whitening is a common treatment that is available for most patients. To see if it’s right for you, consider the following before setting up a visit with your local Aspen Dental office.

Whitening is not recommended for: 

  • Pregnant women 

  • Children under 16 

  • People with sensitive teeth or allergies to whitening agents 

  • People with dental restorations like implants, crowns, or bridges 

Professional teeth whitening is typically considered the best option for a brighter smile. At Aspen Dental, they are not only among the safest and most effective options available, but are also highly customized to your unique needs and brightening goals.