Professional Teeth Whitening in Durham, NC

While over-the-counter whitening products may offer minimal results, professional teeth whitening provides:

• Faster, more noticeable results – Achieve a brighter smile in just one visit.
• Safer treatment – Reduced risk of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
• Even whitening – Avoid the patchy results that can occur with store-bought kits.
• Customized care – Treatment tailored to your teeth and desired shade.

We offer both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits, giving you flexibility based on your schedule and whitening goals.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Our in-office whitening treatment delivers dramatic results in a single visit. The process involves:

1. Initial Consultation – Dr. Erfan Imeni will assess your teeth and determine the best whitening approach for you.
2. Preparation – A protective barrier is applied to your gums to prevent irritation.
3. Whitening Gel Application – A high-concentration whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated with a specialized light.
4. Final Results – After about an hour, your teeth will be noticeably whiter.

This option is ideal for patients who want immediate results before a big event or those with deep stains that require professional-strength whitening.

Take-Home Whitening Kits

For those who prefer gradual whitening in the comfort of their home, we offer professional take-home kits. These include:

• Custom whitening trays designed to fit your teeth perfectly.
• Professional-grade whitening gel for safe and effective results.
• Step-by-step instructions to ensure optimal whitening.

Most patients see significant improvements within one to two weeks of consistent use.

Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. To maintain your bright smile:

• Brush and floss daily to prevent new stains.
• Limit stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
• Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove surface stains and plaque buildup.
• Use touch-up whitening treatments as recommended by your dentist.

Teeth whitening is a great option for most people, but it may not be suitable for:

• Patients with severe tooth sensitivity.
• Those with intrinsic stains (e.g., stains from medication or fluorosis).
• Individuals with crowns, veneers, or fillings on visible teeth (whitening does not change their color).

If whitening isn’t the best option for you, we may recommend dental veneers or dental bonding for a brighter smile.

How do I choose a teeth whitening dentist in Durham, NC?

Look for a Durham teeth whitening dentist who examines your teeth and gums before whitening rather than handing over a shade guide, tells you which stains will and will not respond, protects your gums during in-office treatment, and quotes each option up front. Dr. Erfan Imeni assesses your teeth first and will say plainly when whitening is not the right answer for the result you want.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Durham, NC?

Professional in-office whitening typically costs about $300 to $800 per session nationally, and custom take-home tray kits typically run $150 to $600. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so dental insurance rarely covers it. You will get an exact price for your chosen option at your consultation — call (919) 220-5505 for the current price of each option.

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?

Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect of whitening, and it usually fades within a day or two of finishing treatment. It happens because the whitening gel passes through the enamel to reach the stains underneath, which can briefly irritate the nerve inside the tooth. Sensitivity is easier to control under dental supervision: we can lower the gel concentration, shorten each wear time, or provide a desensitizing product to use alongside your trays. Tell us if your teeth are already sensitive before we start — it changes which option we recommend, not whether you can whiten at all.

What causes teeth to stain?

Stains fall into two groups, and they respond to whitening very differently. Extrinsic stains sit on the outside of the enamel and come from coffee, tea, red wine, cola, tobacco and deeply pigmented foods — these are what professional whitening lifts most effectively. Intrinsic stains sit inside the tooth and come from causes such as certain antibiotics taken in childhood, dental trauma, fluorosis, or the natural darkening of the dentine underneath as you age. Intrinsic discoloration responds far less predictably to bleaching, which is why we examine your teeth before recommending a whitening plan rather than after.

How white will my teeth actually get?

That depends on the shade you start from and the type of staining you have — not on how long the gel stays on. We record your starting shade against a shade guide at your consultation and tell you what result is realistic for your teeth before you commit to treatment. Whitening lightens natural tooth structure only. It cannot brighten teeth past the natural color of your enamel, and it will not change the color of existing crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings.

Teeth whitening or veneers — which should I choose?

Whitening is the simpler and less expensive option, and it is the right answer when your teeth are sound and evenly shaped but discolored. Dental veneers are the better choice when you also want to change the shape, width or alignment of a tooth, or when the discoloration is intrinsic and will not bleach. Dental bonding sits between the two for smaller corrections. If you are weighing several changes at once, a smile makeover consultation is the place to compare them side by side.

Is professional teeth whitening safe?

Whitening supervised by a dentist is well established and safe for most healthy adults. The safeguards are what make the difference: we check first that the discoloration is not being caused by decay, a failing restoration or gum disease; we isolate and protect your gums before applying in-office gel; and take-home trays are custom-made so the gel stays on the teeth instead of leaking onto soft tissue. Over-the-counter strips and one-size trays skip every one of those steps, which is where most whitening irritation comes from.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment in Durham, NC

Get the dazzling, white smile you’ve always wanted with professional teeth whitening at Smile Design Modern Dentistry. Whether you choose in-office treatment or a custom take-home kit, we can help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.

Call (919) 220-5505 or schedule an appointment online today.