Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening services offered in Seattle, WA

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening makes it easy to remove stains and discoloration caused by coffee consumption, tobacco use, and aging. At Smile By the Station Dentistry in Seattle, Washington, cosmetic and family dentist Ok Kyu Lee, DDS, and the team offer several types of teeth whitening, including in-office chairside teeth whitening and take-home teeth whitening kits. Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule teeth whitening treatment, or book your appointment online. 

Teeth Whitening Q&A

Are there different types of teeth whitening?

The Smile By the Station Dentistry team offers several types of teeth whitening treatment, including:

In-office chairside teeth whitening

In-office chairside teeth whitening makes your smile up to eight shades lighter* in under 60 minutes. This type of whitening treatment uses hydrogen peroxide gel to oxidize the discolored molecules inside your tooth enamel. It’s quick, convenient, and provides stunning results. 

Take-home teeth whitening kits

Take-home teeth whitening kits let you brighten your smile at your own pace. 

Each kit contains two plastic mouthpieces and a bottle of whitening gel. During treatment, you line the mouthpieces with the gel and wear them for three to four hours daily, whenever it’s most convenient. 

Take-home teeth whitening kits take longer than in-office whitening, but they provide similar results. 

Why do teeth need whitening?

All teeth change color due to the aging process. Over the years, activities like biting and chewing cause your tooth enamel to wear away, revealing more of the yellow dentin underneath.

Other factors can also change the color of your teeth, including:

  • Drinking coffee, black tea, cola, and red wine
  • Using tobacco
  • Taking certain medications, like those that contain tetracycline
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Eating foods like tomato-based sauces and curries

You can’t prevent tooth discoloration altogether, but you can reduce your risk by brushing and flossing daily and visiting Smile By the Station Dentistry every six months for dental cleanings and oral exams.

Do the results of teeth whitening last for more than a few months?

The results of teeth whitening treatment last three to four months on average*, but it’s possible to extend them. To keep your teeth white and bright, Smile By Station Dentistry recommends brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing regularly, and avoiding bad habits like tobacco use. 

Use a straw to drink coffee, black tea, or other dark beverages. This prevents the tannins –– dark compounds inside the drink –– from making direct contact with your tooth enamel. 

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is safe and typically well-tolerated. After treatment, it’s normal to experience increased tooth sensitivity. These symptoms usually improve within a day or two, but if they continue or worsen, contact the Smile By the Station Dentistry team.

Call Smile By the Station Dentistry today to schedule a teeth whitening appointment, or book your visit online.

*Results may vary.