What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth Whitening is actually a mild bleaching process that restores stained or discolored teeth to a healthy, natural color. Don't be misled by some unproven and ineffective over-the-counter whitening solutions. Our office uses an advanced procedure that is only available through dental offices.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Teeth become discolored for different reasons:

• Frequently drinking coffee, tea, or colas.
• Some antibiotics may darken developing teeth in children.
• Aging - The dentin underneath the enamel of a tooth gradually darkens with age.
• Use of tobacco products.
• Accidents - If a tooth has been traumatized, sometimes the nerve will gradually "die," and the tooth becomes dark.
• After Root Canal Therapy, a tooth will generally darken.

Is Whitening Safe?

Whitening is very safe. We use a product that has been proven safe when used under the direction of a dentist.

Is Whitening For Me?

Together with our dental hygienists, Dr. Dunn or Dr. Bowling will evaluate your teeth and smile to determine whether whitening is right for you. In some cases a different cosmetic procedure may better meet your expectations, but whitening is a safe, fast and easy process that is effective for almost everyone!

We Give You Choices!

You can choose in-office light-activated whitening for immediate results, or you can choose at-home whitening.

Zoom! whitening

For in-office, permanent whitening, we offer the advanced Zoom! light-activated process. Click here to learn more about

What Is The At-Home Whitening Process?

KoR Whitening (Deep Bleaching System) If you are searching for a beautiful, healthy, and natural looking white smile, KoR Whitening is the answer. This safe and comfortable process offers low to no sensitivity and the results are permanent, with easy periodic home maintenance. There is no need to give up coffee, tea, or red wine. The system is ideal no matter what your age. Kor Whitening is by far the most reliable and effective whitening system ever developed. In fact, it is so effective it is the only recognized whitening system that whitens even tetracycline-stained teeth in a short time (previously thought to be impossible). The KoR Whitening System works by restoring your teeth's ability to absorb oxygen. The oxygen from its whitening gel is absorbed deeply into the tooth, dissolving the stain molecules. Teeth are often dramatically lightened, often 16 shades or more. Molds of your teeth will be made to fabricate your own unique, ultra comfortable whitening trays. You and your dentist will select which level of whitening is the proper fit for you. You will normally wear your trays at home for two weeks while you sleep. Depending on your selection, you may also have one or two simple whitening visits in the office.

Crest White Strips Professional grade strips are stronger that those found at stores. Strips are applied directly to the teeth at home at you convenience. It is recommended that you wear the strips twice daily for 30 minutes for 21 consecutive days. This is also the least expensive option.

Day White Excel Bleaching Gel is a powerful hydrogen peroxide based teeth whitener. It is the strongest gel available for take home use. With up to 85% less wear-time - it can't be beat. First, we will make impressions of your teeth so that our lab can create custom whitening trays to fit your mouth. These trays will guide the whitening agent to the areas of your teeth that need to be whitened. We will record the current color of your teeth to help you monitor your progress.     Next, we will fit your custom trays in your mouth to ensure they feel comfortable. We will instruct you on how to apply the whitening agent to your trays and how to insert them into your mouth. You will take the custom trays and whitening agent home with you. The treatment can be applied any time of day since the clear, custom-fitted trays are barely visible and do not interfere with your ability to speak.

When Will I See Results?

It will typically take from 2 to 6 weeks to restore your teeth to a beautiful white. The time it will take depends on the original color of your teeth, how discolored they were, and how frequently the treatment is applied.

How Long Will The Results Last?

The effects typically last several years. Many patients choose to "touch-up" their teeth every few months by applying the treatment once or twice. "Touch-ups" are especially useful for patients that drink beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, and colas.

Are There Any Side-Effects?

Some patients may experience heightened tooth sensitivity to cold, or mild tooth or gum sensitivity during treatment, but these symptoms are only temporary.