Teeth whitening:
Your guide to a brighter smile
Quick, effective and comfortable solutions for every budget
A brighter smile can transform your smile and your confidence. If stains or discoloration have kept you from sharing your smile freely, 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.
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. Whether it's coffee stains, discoloration from aging or lifestyle habits, we can help you achieve the results you want.
Professional teeth whitening: in-office vs at-home solutions
Professional-strength whitening solutions—whether in-office or at home—each offer unique benefits.
In-office teeth whitening | Teeth whitening at home | |
Effectiveness | High, up to 10 shades brighter in one session² | Moderate, noticeable after 3-4 sessions |
Cost | $$ - $$$ | $ - $$ |
Follow-ups | May be included | Not included |
Longevity | 6 months - 1 year² | A few months² |
Convenience | Treatment performed at the dentist | Treatment performed at home |
Customization | Tailored to you | One-size-fits-all |
²Based on Glo Science clinical studies.
Who needs professional teeth whitening treatment?
Many people experience tooth discoloration from daily habits such as drinking coffee, tea or red wine, or from smoking. Discoloration can also result from aging, tooth injuries, medications and certain health conditions.
While light surface stains can sometimes be treated at home, more severe or stubborn discoloration usually requires professional whitening to achieve a noticeable difference. The fastest way to achieve the results you want is to schedule a visit with your local Aspen Dental to see what’s recommended for your unique smile and goals.
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 treatments often provide long-lasting results, even lasting up to a year. Typically, they also come with custom whitening trays that you can use for at home to maintain your results even longer.
•Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments: OTC at-home whitening kits take longer to be effective, meaning you’ll need more treatments to maintain your results long-term. While they can take longer to whiten your smile and need consistent maintenance treatments to increase how long your results last, they’re a go-to choice for many patients because of their affordability.
•Diet and lifestyle: The choices you may with your diet and overall lifestyle also play a big role in how long your teeth stay white. Consuming staining beverages like coffee, tea or red wine, as well as habits like smoking, can significantly reduce the longevity of your results.
•Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing, flossing and dental cleanings at Aspen Dental, can help extend the effects of your whitening treatment.
Step-by-step guide to professional teeth whitening
Here’s what you can expect when working with your personal care team.
Consultation
Your dentist will evaluate your smile and discuss your brightening goals.
Preparation
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?
How your at-home teeth whitening kit works at home is dependent on the type of kit you’re using. 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. To see which of kit would be best for you and your goals, schedule a visit today. Your local Aspen Dental team will assess your goals and sensitivities, make their recommendation and provide instructions of how your kit at home to get the results you want.
Why choose Aspen Dental for your teeth whitening treatment?
Comprehensive care
We offer a full suite of dental services for all of your smile needs.
Same-day appointments
With same-day availability and flexible hours, seeing your provider is easy.
Made affordable to you
99% of patients who apply for 3rd-party financing are approved.
Picture your new smile
With Smile Try-On, get a sneak peek of what your smile could look like in seconds.
Teeth whitening FAQs
What are the most effective teeth whitening methods?
Professional in-office whitening provides the fastest, most noticeable results that are fully customized to your whitening needs.
Professional at-home whitening provided by your provider are the second-most effective option and help maintain any previous in-office whitening treatment you’ve had.
Which teeth whitener works best?
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.
Is teeth whitening the same as teeth bleaching?
Yes, teeth bleaching is another term for whitening, but bleaching often refers to stronger solutions that are only available through professional care.
Can yellow teeth turn white again with teeth whitening?
Yes, yellowed teeth respond well to whitening and can be brightened in 30 minutes with a visit at Aspen Dental.³ Severe cases may require multiple treatments or other solutions, like veneers. To learn which may be right for you, explore our blog article, Teeth Whitening vs. Veneers.
³Based on Glo Science clinical studies.
What is the fastest way to whiten teeth safely?
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.
Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
Whitening is a common treatment that is available for most patients. To see if it’s right for you, considering the following before setting up a visit with your local Aspen Dental provider.
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
How to choose the best teeth whitening service?
Professional teeth whitening is typically considered the best option for a brighter smile. At Aspen Dental, we provide our service is not only among the safest and most effective options available, but are also tailored to your unique needs and brightening goals.