Teeth Whitening in Santa Cruz

Teeth whitening is one of the easiest, quickest, and most affordable ways to improve your smile. A professional teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile and remove years of stains in just one visit.

Whitening at Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

We offer two options for teeth whitening: At-home teeth whitening kits or in-office teeth whitening. Each offers advantages:

• Teeth whitening at the dentist takes about an hour for same-day results.
• Take-home teeth bleaching kits take up to two weeks to whiten.
• In-office whitening can be done during your lunch hour or after work.
• A take-home teeth whitening kit requires 3-4 hours daily for optimal results.
• Teeth bleaching at the dentist can whiten up to eight shades.
• Take-home kits whiten teeth up to six shades.
• Take-home kits are less expensive than in-office whitening.

Drs. Gomez and Smith offer Zoom!® Teeth Whitening and LaserSmile® in the office and take-home teeth bleaching kits. For at-home teeth whitening, we use dental impressions to create custom bleach splints. We also provide you with a special bleaching agent that bubbles away stains in only a few hours of wear per day.

Tips on Whitening at Home & What to Avoid

• Follow the instructions provided with your take-home kit for the best results.
• Avoid drugstore or online kits, as the trays or strips will not fit snugly and may give uneven results.
• Drugstore and online kits may damage delicate gum tissue.
• Do not over-bleach your teeth, as it can lead to tooth sensitivity and softening of the enamel.
• After teeth whitening, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and highly staining foods.
• Give up smoking, which is notorious for staining teeth.
• Use an ADA-approved whitening toothpaste to maintain your newly whitened smile.
• Do not try home whitening treatments found on TikTok. Some are useless, others are harmful.

How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening is a nearly permanent solution for stained or discolored teeth. With proper care and occasional touch-ups, your teeth can remain whiter and brighter from 6 months to 2 years with one treatment. 

Avoid coffee and other food and drinks prone to staining teeth and maintain proper oral hygiene habits to maximize your teeth whitening procedure. 

Cost of Teeth Whitening

Our in-office, professional teeth whitening treatments cost more than take-home whitening treatments but give immediate, more intense results. Prices start at $300. Our take-home kits, including the custom-designed trays and teeth bleaching gels, start at $100.

To discuss your teeth whitening options, call Dr. Denisse Gomez, DMD Phone Number (831) 462-5600 to schedule an appointment at our Santa Cruz office today. You’ll love the dazzling results!