Teeth Whitening in Aventura, Pembroke Pines, and Fort Lauderdale, FL
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments Near You
There are many products and techniques available for patients who want to achieve a brighter smile, and with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the method that is right for you. The best way to begin any teeth-whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk to your doctor about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening.Contact our Aventura office at (305) 935-2797, our Pembroke Pines office at (954) 430-2300, or our Fort Lauderdale office at (954) 963-3706. Our dentists near youare always excited to welcome new patients at all three locations.
The Professional and Caring Team That Sets Us Apart
Our dedicated staff receives consistent praise for their professionalism, kindness, and genuine concern for patients’ well-being. As one happy patient noted, “The staff here are not wonderful. They are brilliant. I love them. Bright healthy teeth leads to a bright smile.”Reviewers frequently use terms such as “professional care,” “caring team,” and “kind staff” to describe their experiences, emphasizing how our hygienists and doctors go above and beyond.
From thorough consultations to attentive follow-ups, our team’s approach fosters trust and loyalty, making The Dental Care Group a top choice for those seeking compassionate dental care in Fort Lauderdale, Aventura, and Pembroke Pines.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whiteningis a cosmetic dental procedurethat uses peroxide-based bleaching agents to remove deep stains and lighten the natural color of tooth enamel. Professional whitening treatments penetrate beyond surface stains to break down discolored molecules within the tooth structure.
Unlike over-the-counter products, professional-grade whitening delivers more dramatic, consistent results under the supervision of a dental professional. The procedure can lighten teeth by several shades, addressing discoloration from aging, food, beverages, tobacco use, and certain medications.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatment Options
Professional whitening comes in several forms, each offering distinct advantages depending on your schedule, type of tooth stain, and preferences.
- In-Office Professional Whitening
This fast-acting treatment is performed entirely in our dental office during a single 90-minute appointment. A concentrated whitening gel is carefully applied to your teeth, often activated with a special light. You’ll see dramatic results immediately, making this ideal for special occasions or those who want instant gratification.
- Custom Tray Whitening
This take-home system uses custom-fitted trays created from impressions of your teeth and professional-strength whitening gel. You wear the trays for a specified time each day, typically 30 minutes to two hours. Most patients notice visible results within three to five days, with complete treatment taking 10 to 14 days.
- Teeth-Whitening Strips
Flexible plastic strips coated with hydrogen peroxide conform to your teeth and are worn for 30 minutes twice daily. The duration of treatment varies by product. Strips can be effective for mild staining but may not reach all tooth surfaces evenly, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
- Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
These products use mild abrasives to remove surface stains but don’t change the underlying tooth color. They’re best used as maintenance tools after professional whitening rather than primary treatment options. Results are subtle and develop gradually over several weeks.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening offers advantagesthat extend far beyond aesthetics. Here’s what you can expect:
- Enhanced Self-Confidence:A brighter smile can significantly boost your self-esteem in social situations, job interviews, and daily interactions. Many patients report feeling more comfortable smiling and speaking after whitening treatment.
- Youthful Appearance:As we age, teeth naturally darken and yellow. Whitening can take years off your appearance by restoring the brighter shade associated with younger smiles, complementing other anti-aging efforts.
- Fast, Noticeable Results:Unlike many cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening delivers visible improvements quickly. In-office treatments work in just one appointment, while at-home systems show results within days.
- Safe and Controlled Process:Professional whitening under dental supervision protects your oral health. We monitor sensitivity, ensure proper application, and use products that won’t damage enamel when used correctly.
- Customizable Treatment:We tailor your whitening plan to achieve your ideal shade without overdoing it. Whether you want a subtle improvement or a dramatic transformation, we control the intensity and duration of treatment.
- Motivation for Better Oral Hygiene:Patients who invest in whitening often become more motivated to maintain their results through better brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
- Cost-Effective Enhancement:Compared to veneers or other cosmetic procedures, professional whitening provides significant aesthetic improvement at a fraction of the cost.
- Versatile Application:Whitening works well as a standalone treatment or as part of a comprehensive smile makeover combined with other cosmetic procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Most adults with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from professional whitening, but certain factors affect teeth whitening candidacy.
- Adults with yellow or brown tooth discoloration from aging, food, beverages, or tobacco
- Patients with good overall oral health and no untreated cavities or gum disease
- Individuals with realistic expectations about achievable results based on their starting shade
- People without extensive dental restorations on visible front teeth, such as tooth fillingsand dental crowns, don’t whiten
- Those not pregnant or nursing, as safety data for bleaching agents during pregnancy is limited
- Patients willing to avoid staining foods and beverages during and after treatment
- Individuals without severe tooth sensitivity or exposed tooth roots that could cause discomfort
The Teeth Whitening Process at Dental Care Group
Want to know what to expect from your teeth whitening process?
Initial Consultation and Shade Assessment
Your dentist examines your teeth, discusses your whitening goals, and determines which treatment method best suits your needs. We take shade measurements using a standardized guide to track your progress and document your starting point.
Preparation and Protection
For in-office whitening, we thoroughly clean your teeth and apply a protective barrier to your gums and soft tissues. This prevents the whitening gel from causing irritation. For take-home trays, we create precise impressions of your teeth to fabricate custom-fitted trays.
Application of Whitening Gel
During in-office treatment, a concentrated peroxide gel is carefully applied to each tooth’s surface. The gel remains on your teeth for 15 to 20 minutes before being removed and reapplied for additional cycles. With at-home trays, you fill them with the provided gel and wear them for the prescribed duration each day.
Activation and Monitoring
Some in-office systems use LED lights or lasers to activate the whitening gel and accelerate the process. Throughout the appointment, your dentist monitors your comfort level and makes adjustments as needed to minimize sensitivity.
Post-Treatment Assessment
After your final whitening session, we evaluate your results and compare them to your pre-treatment shade. You’ll receive personalized instructions for maintaining your new smile and managing any temporary sensitivity.
Follow-Up and Maintenance
We schedule a follow-up visit to ensure you’re satisfied with your results and address any concerns. Many patients return for periodic touch-up treatments to maintain their desired shade as part of their ongoing dental care.
Caring for Your Whitened Smile
Teeth whitening aftercarerequires some simple lifestyle adjustments and consistent oral hygiene practices.
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive whitening toothpaste
- Rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming staining beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine
- Use a straw when drinking dark-colored or acidic beverages to minimize contact with tooth surfaces
- Avoid or limit tobacco products, which cause rapid and severe staining
- Schedule professional cleanings every six months to remove surface stains before they set in
- Consider periodic touch-up treatments every 12 to 24 months to maintain your desired shade
- Address tooth sensitivity promptly by using desensitizing toothpaste or reducing treatment frequency
Cost & Financing for Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening represents an investment in your appearance and confidence. Costs vary based on the method you choose and the extent of discoloration being treated. In-office whitening typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 per session, while custom tray systems cost between $300 and $600. Over-the-counter products are less expensive but also less effective, ranging from $20 to $100.
- Treatment type significantly impacts pricing, with in-office procedures costing more than take-home systems
- The number of sessions needed to achieve your desired shade affects the total investment
- Geographic location and practice overhead influence procedure costs
- Most dental insurance plans consider whitening cosmetic and don’t provide coverage
- We offer flexible financing options and payment plans to make professional whitening accessible to more patients
Important Considerations & Teeth Whitening Alternatives
Professional whitening is highly effective, but it’s not right for everyone. Certain types of discoloration respond better than others to bleaching agents. Gray or brown stains caused by medications like tetracycline are more resistant to whitening than yellow stains from aging or lifestyle. Additionally, whitening only affects natural tooth structure—existing crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding won’t change color and may need replacement after whitening to match your new shade.
Pregnant or nursing women should postpone whitening until after childbirth and breastfeeding. While no evidence suggests harm, insufficient safety data exist to recommend treatment during these periods.
Common Alternatives
- Porcelain Veneers:Thin ceramic shells bonded to front teeth can cover severe discoloration, chips, and gaps. Veneers provide dramatic, permanent color changes but require removing some tooth structure and cost significantly more than whitening.
- Dental Bonding:Tooth-colored resin can be applied to cover stains on individual teeth. This option works well for isolated discoloration but isn’t as stain-resistant as veneers and may require replacement every five to seven years.
- Crowns:Full-coverage restorations can address both structural damage and severe discoloration simultaneously. Crowns are more invasive and expensive than whitening, but offer comprehensive solutions for compromised teeth.
Possible Side Effects
- Tooth Sensitivity:Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods is the most common side effect. This typically resolves within a few days after treatment ends. Using desensitizing toothpaste before and after whitening can minimize discomfort.
- Gum Irritation:Improper tray fit or gel application can cause soft tissue irritation. Professional supervision and custom-fitted trays reduce this risk significantly compared to over-the-counter products.
- Uneven Results:Inconsistent application or naturally varied tooth porosity can create uneven whitening. Professional treatment with custom trays ensures more uniform coverage and predictable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results typically last one to three years, depending on your lifestyle habits and oral hygiene. Patients who avoid staining foods and tobacco while maintaining excellent dental care enjoy longer-lasting results. Periodic touch-up treatments every 12 to 24 months help maintain your desired brightness.
Will teeth whitening damage my enamel?
When performed correctly under professional supervision, teeth whitening does not damage enamel. Professional-grade products are formulated to safely penetrate tooth structure without weakening it. Over-the-counter products used excessively or improperly may cause harm.
Why are my teeth sensitive after whitening?
Peroxide-based whitening agents temporarily open pores in tooth enamel, allowing the whitening process to work but also exposing nerve endings. This sensitivity is normal and usually subsides within 24 to 72 hours. Using fluoride treatments and desensitizing products helps manage discomfort.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have dental crowns or veneers?
You can undergo whitening treatment, but existing restorations won’t change color. If you have visible crowns or veneers on front teeth, they may appear darker than your newly whitened natural teeth. You may need to replace these restorations after whitening to achieve a uniform appearance.
Is professional whitening better than drugstore products?
Professional treatments use higher concentrations of active ingredients and custom application methods that deliver more dramatic, consistent results in less time. Over-the-counter products are less expensive but require longer treatment periods and produce more modest improvements.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation in South Florida Today
Don’t let tooth discoloration hold you back from smiling with confidence. Our experienced team at Dental Care Group is ready to help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you’ve always wanted at any of our three convenient South Florida locations. We’ll work with you to select the whitening method that fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals, ensuring comfortable treatment and stunning results.
Call our Aventura dental officeat (305) 935-2797, our Pembroke Pines dental officeat (954) 430-2300, or our Fort Lauderdale dental officeat (954) 963-3706to book your personalized consultation. We welcome patients from surrounding communities throughout South Florida to let us help you discover just how bright your smile can be!
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The cost of your treatment will vary depending on your individual needs and treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and each of your available payment options before you begin, so that you can make the best choice for you.
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