A Brighter Smile, Backed by Professional Care
Coffee, tea, wine, age, and everyday wear all leave their mark on your smile — and store-shelf whitening kits can only do so much before results plateau. At Westlake Dental Associates, professional teeth whitening delivers real, visible results safely, comfortably, and under the care of a dentist who knows your oral health.
Whether you want a dramatic brightening before a special event or a steady shade change over a few weeks, we'll match you with the whitening option that fits your smile, your timeline, and your goals.
Real results from professional whitening — visible, safe, and tailored to each patient.
Your in-office whitening visit, step by step
A professional whitening appointment is faster and more comfortable than most patients expect. Here's how it works.
- Consultation and shade assessment We check your oral health, identify what's causing the discoloration, and map out the shade improvement that's realistic for your smile.
- Quick cleaning and preparation A light cleaning removes surface buildup so the whitening agent can reach the enamel evenly. We protect your gums and lips before we begin.
- Professional whitening treatment Professional-strength whitening gel is applied in short, controlled cycles. You'll relax in the chair while we handle the rest.
- Final shade and aftercare plan We compare your new shade to the starting point and walk you through how to protect your results with simple daily habits.
Who benefits most from professional whitening?
Professional whitening works beautifully for most adults — but the right answer depends on what's causing the staining and the health of your teeth and gums. You're likely a strong candidate if:
- Your teeth are stained from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, or age
- You have healthy teeth and gums (no untreated decay or active gum disease)
- You want results that are more dramatic than store-bought kits deliver
- You're preparing for a wedding, photo shoot, or special event
- You've tried whitening products before without the results you wanted
- You want to make sure whitening is done safely, under a dentist's care
Whitening doesn't change the color of existing crowns, veneers, or fillings. If those restorations are in visible areas, we'll talk through your options together — sometimes pairing whitening with updated restorations gives the most balanced result.
How to keep your new smile bright
The lifespan of your whitening depends a lot on daily habits. A few simple practices will keep your results looking fresh for months.
Avoid the first 48 hours
Skip coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces for the first two days while enamel is most absorbent.
Rinse after staining foods
A quick water rinse after drinks or meals cuts down on pigments settling onto enamel over time.
Keep up daily care
Brush twice a day, floss, and use a whitening-friendly toothpaste to extend your results naturally.
Schedule touch-ups
A quick professional touch-up once or twice a year keeps results looking as fresh as day one.
Making Whitening Affordable
Most insurance plans don't cover cosmetic whitening — but we work with you to make it accessible. We accept all major payment methods and offer outside financing through CareCredit and Citi Health Card for patients who'd prefer a payment plan.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Results typically last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your diet, habits, and oral care routine. Patients who avoid heavy staining foods and keep up with regular cleanings often enjoy their results for longer. Occasional touch-up treatments can keep your smile looking as bright as day one.
Yes. When performed under the care of a dentist, professional whitening is a safe, well-studied treatment. We evaluate your oral health before treatment, use appropriate concentrations of whitening agents, and monitor you throughout the process — all of which is difficult or impossible with store-bought kits.
Some patients experience mild, temporary sensitivity during or right after treatment — this usually fades within 24–48 hours. If you have sensitive teeth to begin with, we may recommend a desensitizing toothpaste before treatment or suggest take-home whitening with a gentler concentration.
Professional whitening uses stronger, more effective whitening agents under dental supervision, delivers faster and more dramatic results, and is customized to your teeth. Store-bought kits use lower concentrations, are one-size-fits-all, and can sometimes cause uneven results or gum irritation without supervision.
No — whitening agents only affect natural tooth enamel, not restorative materials. If you have crowns, veneers, or visible fillings, we'll plan around them. In some cases we'll recommend whitening first, then matching any replacement restorations to your new shade.
Most dental insurance plans consider whitening a cosmetic procedure and don't cover it. However, we offer multiple ways to make whitening more accessible — including financing through CareCredit and Citi Health Card. Check our financial options page for full details.
We generally recommend waiting until after pregnancy and nursing to undergo elective cosmetic treatments like whitening. Talk with your dentist about timing — in the meantime, we can help you maintain a healthy, clean smile with regular hygiene visits.
Ready to brighten your smile?
Book a whitening consultation with Westlake Dental Associates and find out which treatment is right for you.
Comprehensive Family Care
The tradition of family is central to every visit at Westlake Dental. Our goal is to treat patients with the same care and compassion we would our own families. As general dentists who do not believe in one-size-fits-all care, Drs. Constantinou, Reichard, and McClendon consult with each patient, from children through adults, to provide comprehensive treatment solutions unique to each person.
3-D Guided Implants
When it comes to dental implants, accuracy is everything. With the latest 3-D imaging, implants at Westlake Dental are taken to a new level of precision. Dr. Constantinou has traveled the country to study at some of the foremost implant facilities in the world in order to understand the wave of innovation and advancement in the field. Drs. Reichard and McClendon are also trained in the latest technology and methods..
Same-Day Crowns
With Westlake Dental Associates’ state-of-the-art CEREC machine, patients can receive beautiful crowns, often during just one appointment, instead of waiting weeks to get their crowns back from the lab. Teeth are quickly restored without any messy impressions, which means a lower cost and better results than with traditional treatment.
