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Tooth whitening is a great, non-invasive option to obtain that brilliant white smile you’ve always wanted!
According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, close to one in two people believe that a smile is the most memorable feature after first meeting someone—more than the first thing a person says That same survey also found that more than a third of respondents view people with a flawed smile to be less attractive and less confident than those with perfect teeth. Smiles make a lasting impression, and people seem to agree—nothing beats a beautiful smile!
With professional teeth whitening from Schultz Family Dental, you can achieve a brighter, whiter smile that boosts your confidence and leaves a memorable impression. Our teeth whitening treatments use proven whitening systems to deliver safe, dramatic results—whether you choose in-office treatment or custom at-home whitening.
What Causes Teeth to Become Discolored?
Understanding why teeth become stained is the first step toward choosing the right whitening teeth solution.
There are many factors that can cause tooth enamel to become stained. These include:
- Medications (taken while the teeth were forming)
- Tobacco use
- Darkly colored beverages—such as red wine, soda, tea, and coffee
- Aging (enamel naturally thins over time, revealing yellower dentin beneath)
- Injury to teeth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Excessive fluoride exposure during childhood
These stains can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the microcracks in your enamel and deep within your dentin (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel). While whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some superficial extrinsic stains on your teeth, only professional teeth whitening agents can effectively remove stubborn extrinsic stains and the deeper intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discolored. Professional teeth whitening can lighten your teeth by 3-8 shades or more, depending on the treatment chosen and how your teeth respond to whitening products.
Am I a Good Candidate for Tooth Whitening?
Although teeth whitening can be a great choice for some, not all patients are good candidates. If you have receding gums (where gums have pulled away from the teeth), professional teeth whitening may irritate these areas by causing additional sensitivity. Patients with tooth decay and/or gum disease must be treated before whitening can take place. Also, patients with fillings, veneers, crowns, or bridges on the front teeth must understand that the color of these restorations cannot be changed by tooth teeth whitening.
You may be an ideal candidate for professional teeth whitening if you:
- Have generally healthy teeth and gums
- Are looking to remove yellowing or staining from aging, food, or beverages
- Have realistic expectations about whitening results
- Don’t have significant tooth sensitivity
- Are not allergic to peroxide-based whitening agents
Note: Teeth with yellow discoloration typically respond best to standard professional whitening teeth treatments, while gray or brown discoloration is more resistant and may require a product specifically designed to lift more severe stains. Dr. Schultz will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.
The Teeth Whitening Procedure
At Schultz Family Dental, we offer two professional teeth whitening options to fit your lifestyle and goals:
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening (GLO Science Professional Whitening)
In-office teeth whitening is a relatively easy and non-invasive process, lasting around one hour to complete. At Schultz Family Dental, we believe teeth whitening should be effective, comfortable, and safe – never harsh or painful. That’s why we proudly offer GLO Science Professional Whitening, a cutting-edge system designed to deliver dramatic results with minimal sensitivity. It’s ideal for patients who want instant whitening gratification, or for those who have that special event coming up that requires a bright, beautiful smile!
GLO (which stands for Guided Light Optics) combines a powerful hydrogen peroxide whitening gel with patented warming LED light technology. This unique approach accelerates the whitening process while keeping teeth hydrated, significantly reducing the sensitivity often associated with traditional whitening treatments.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want a brighter, more confident smile, GLO Science whitening offers a refined, science-backed solution that aligns with our commitment to whole-health dentistry and patient comfort.
How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works:
Step 1: Shade Assessment Dr. Schultz first uses a shade guide to determine the current color of your teeth prior to your whitening treatment. She also takes photos of your teeth, so that we can compare the color before and after the professional teeth whitening procedure.
Step 2: Protection & Application Your teeth will be polished to remove any bacteria, and your gums and soft tissues will be carefully covered with a protective gel to prevent sensitivity. The teeth whitening gel is then applied to your teeth in a strategic sequence until your teeth reach the desired shade.
Step 3: The Whitening Science GLO Whitening contains an active whitening ingredient that penetrates your enamel to get to discolored molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discolored molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile!
Step 4: Results Most patients achieve 4-8 shades of whitening in just one hour, with results visible immediately. We will complete a new shade assessment and take photos of your teeth for comparison. We will also apply a fluoride varnish to your teeth to protect your enamel and prevent sensitivity.
Step 5: Maintenance A maintenance schedule will be reviewed, as well as habits that will preserve your results.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products
Many patients wonder whether professional teeth whitening is worth the investment, compared to drugstore whitening strips and kits. Here’s how they compare:
| Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Office or Custom Trays): | Over-the-Counter Whitening Products: |
| Peroxide concentration: 15-35% for faster, more dramatic results Custom-fitted trays prevent uneven whitening and gum irritation Expert supervision ensures safety and optimal outcomes Enamel-strengthening and sensitivity-preventing fluoride application is included Results: 4-8 shades whiter (or more) Timeline: One 1.5-hour appointment or 2-3 weeks of at-home use | Peroxide concentration: 3-20% (less effective) One-size-fits-all strips or trays may not fit properly No professional guidance on proper use May cause sensitivity without protective ingredients Results: 1-3 shades whiter (gradual, inconsistent) Timeline: 2-4 weeks or longer |
While OTC products may provide minor surface whitening, professional teeth whitening delivers superior, longer-lasting results with professional safety and customization.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
The longevity of your professional teeth whitening results depends on several factors:
With proper care, in-office teeth whitening results typically last 1-3 years. At-home professional teeth whitening maintenance can extend these results indefinitely.
To maximize the lifespan of your whitening teeth treatment:
- Avoid or limit staining foods and beverages (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, tomato sauce)
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
- Practice excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- Schedule regular dental cleanings every 6 months
- Use whitening toothpaste to remove surface stains
- Consider periodic touch-ups with at-home whitening trays or GLO Science gel (every 6-12 months)
Dr. Schultz will provide personalized aftercare instructions to help you maintain your bright, beautiful smile for years to come.
Meet Your Dentist
Dr. Schultz is passionate about helping patients achieve confident, radiant smiles through safe and effective professional teeth whitening. With extensive training in cosmetic dentistry and a commitment to using only the highest-quality whitening systems, she provides personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. Learn more about Dr. Schultz and her approach to cosmetic dentistry.
What Patients Are Saying
“Absolutely by far the best care I have ever received. Such in depth scans, X-rays, and exam. I got a detailed plan in place and very much looking forward to my next appt. I’ve never had such an upscale quality of care. So thrilled to be a new patient!”
– Jacqueline Kernechel
FAQs
Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed or supervised by a dentist. Dr. Schultz evaluates your oral health before treatment to ensure teeth whitening is appropriate for you.
No, professional teeth whitening does not damage tooth enamel. The whitening process works by breaking down stain molecules, not by removing or damaging your enamel.
Most patients achieve 4-8 shades of whitening with in-office treatment, with some achieving even more dramatic results. The final shade depends on your starting color, the type of staining, and whether you combine in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments. Yellow-toned teeth typically respond best to standard whitening treatments, while darker stains typically respond best to a multi-step whitening process.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during professional teeth whitening. Some may experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment, which typically resolves within 24-48 hours. Dr. Schultz can adjust the concentration or recommend desensitizing products if needed.
In-office professional teeth whitening takes approximately 1.5 hours from start to finish. For at-home professional teeth whitening with custom trays, you’ll wear the trays anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight (depending on the concentration) over the course of 2-3 weeks.
Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure —it cannot change the color of veneers, crowns, fillings, or bridges. If you have restorations on visible teeth, Dr. Schultz will discuss your options, which may include replacing the restorations after whitening teeth to match your new brighter shade.
In-office professional teeth whitening provides immediate, dramatic results, while at-home professional teeth whitening offers gradual results over 2-3 weeks with more flexibility. Many patients choose in-office treatment for fast results, then maintain their smile with periodic at-home touch-ups.
Teeth whitening is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance. However, Schultz Family Dental offers affordable professional teeth whitening options to fit various budgets. Contact our office for current pricing and payment options.
Get Your Brightest Smile with Professional Teeth Whitening
If you are interested in obtaining a brighter smile with our professional teeth whitening treatment, contact us to schedule a consultation! Whether you choose our fast in-office teeth whitening or convenient at-home whitening system, Schultz Family Dental will help you achieve the radiant, confident smile you deserve.See our teeth whitening smile gallery to view stunning before-and-after transformations from real patients.
