(626) 577-2017
A great smile is one of the first things people notice about you. But coffee, tea, wine, and simply getting older can all leave their mark on your teeth over time. Berries, chocolate, and smoking contribute to staining as well. If the color of your teeth has been bothering you, professional teeth whitening in Pasadena at Prestige Dental is one of the fastest and most effective ways to bring your smile back.
Why Professional Whitening Works Better
Not all whitening is created equal. Over-the-counter strips, gels, and whitening toothpaste can make a modest difference, but they are limited by the concentration of whitening agent they are allowed to use and how much contact they can maintain with the tooth surface. Professional teeth whitening by our dentist in Pasadena uses stronger formulations applied by trained staff, which is why the results are so much more effective and dramatic.
Here is how the options compare in terms of both time and results:
| Treatment | Time | Average Result |
|---|---|---|
| In-office professional whitening | One hour, one visit | Up to 8 shades whiter |
| Professional take-home trays | 7 to 14 days | Up to 6 shades whiter |
| Over-the-counter strips or gel | 7 to 30 days | 3 to 4 shades whiter |
| Whitening toothpaste | 30 days or more | 1 to 2 shades whiter |
A shade is the color matching system dentists use to measure how white teeth are. Achieving a six to eight shade shift with our professional techniques is an excellent result that patients consistently notice in the mirror and hear about from the people around them.
In-Office Power Bleaching in Pasadena
In-office power bleaching is the fastest, most effective way to achieve a noticeably whiter smile. The entire procedure takes less than two hours at our Pasadena dental office. We start with a cleaning, then apply the professional whitening agent while you relax in the dental chair. When the process is complete, we do a final cleaning and you leave with a smile up to eight shades brighter than when you came in. For people with sensitive teeth or receding gums, in-office whitening is often the preferred method, since we can mask and effectively cover the sensitive areas prior to whitening for a safer and more comfortable whitening process.
Take-Home Whitening Trays
If you prefer to whiten on your own schedule, our take-home whitening trays are custom made from impressions of your smile, so they fit precisely, comfortably and keep the whitening gel in full contact with your teeth throughout each session. You use the trays with a professional-strength gel for a set period each day, gradually brightening your smile over one to two weeks.
Many patients choose to use both options, starting with in-office bleaching for an immediate boost and maintaining results with take-home trays over time. Dr. Bouzoghlanian at Prestige Dental in Pasadena will help you determine which approach or combination works best for your situation.
Am I a Candidate for Teeth Whitening in Pasadena?
Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are excellent candidates for professional teeth whitening in Pasadena. Before recommending treatment, our dentist in Pasadena Dr. Bouzoghlanian at Prestige Dental will make sure your teeth are free of untreated decay or gum concerns that should be addressed first.
One thing to know before tooth whitening in Pasadena: existing dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, fillings, and implants will not change color the way natural tooth enamel does. The porcelain and composite materials used in restorations are not porous in the same way, so they stay the shade they were made to match. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, Dr. B will discuss your options with you. Many patients choose to whiten their natural teeth first and then update any front-tooth restorations to match the new shade.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Teeth whitening is proven safe and effective. Occasionally, patients notice mild sensitivity in their teeth or gums while using whitening trays or after the in-office professional whitening. This is temporary and typically goes away within a few days of pausing the whitening treatment. If you have a history of sensitivity, let Dr. Bouzoghlanian know during your tooth whitening visit to our Pasadena dental office and we will tailor the approach accordingly.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Pasadena?
Pricing for teeth whitening at Prestige Dental in Pasadena depends on whether you choose in-office bleaching, take-home trays, or both. We provide clear pricing before any treatment begins so there are no surprises. Call (626) 577-2017 or come in for a consultation and we will walk you through the right option for your goals and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening in Pasadena
In-office power bleaching can lighten teeth up to eight shades in a single visit. Professional take-home trays typically achieve about six shades over seven to fourteen days. Your specific results will depend on several factors including the starting shade of your teeth, the porosity of your enamel, and the cause of the discoloration.