Teeth whitening

Coffee, tea, red wine and time all leave their mark. Professional whitening lifts years of stains safely, with results store-bought strips rarely match.

We start by making sure your teeth and gums are healthy, then recommend the whitening option that fits your smile and your schedule.

Done under a dentist's care, whitening is gentle on your enamel, and we'll keep you comfortable from start to finish.

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How professional whitening works

Whitening uses a peroxide gel to break down stains inside the enamel. Here's what to expect:

  • A quick check first: We make sure there are no cavities or gum problems, since whitening a tooth with decay can cause sensitivity.
  • Shade check: We record your starting shade so you can see exactly how far your smile has come.
  • Gum protection: Your gums are covered before any gel goes on, so only your teeth are treated.
  • Professional-strength gel: Stronger than store-bought kits, and applied and timed by our team.
  • Custom trays, if recommended: Trays shaped to your teeth hold the gel evenly, and you can use them for touch-ups at home.
  • Aftercare plan: We'll tell you what to avoid for the first couple of days and how to keep your results bright.

Most people see a noticeably brighter smile, often two shades or more. Results vary with the type of stain and how your teeth respond.

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Is whitening right for you?

Whitening works best on yellow or brown stains from coffee, tea, wine and tobacco. Gray stains from medication or injury respond less, and we'll tell you honestly what to expect.

A few things to know before you start:

  • Crowns and fillings don't whiten: Only natural enamel lightens, so we'll plan around any dental work that shows when you smile.
  • Sensitivity is usually temporary: Some people feel mild sensitivity for a day or two. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth helps.
  • Pregnancy and nursing: Most dentists recommend waiting until after pregnancy and breastfeeding to whiten.
  • Healthy teeth first: Cavities or gum disease should be treated before whitening.

Not sure if your stains will respond? We'll take a look and give you a straight answer.

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Safe for your enamel

Whitening under a dentist's care protects your teeth and gums.

Results you can see

We record your starting shade so you can track how much brighter you get.

Brighter than strips

Professional-strength gel reaches stains that store-bought kits miss.

And nothing that isn’t in your best interests

We’ll never, ever recommend care that you don’t need or want.

How to keep your smile bright

Whitening can last a long time with good habits, though everyday foods and drinks slowly stain teeth again.

To make your results last:

  • Brush twice a day and floss daily
  • Rinse with water after coffee, tea, or red wine
  • Use a straw for dark drinks when you can
  • Avoid tobacco, which stains teeth quickly
  • Keep up with cleanings every six months
  • Ask us about touch-ups if your shade starts to fade

Regular cleanings remove surface stains too, so staying on schedule helps your whitening last.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does teeth whitening last?

Results often last from several months to a few years, depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, wine and tobacco shorten it, and touch-ups help keep it going.

Does whitening hurt?

Most people feel little or nothing. Some have mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward, which usually fades on its own.

Will whitening damage my enamel?

Not when it's done under a dentist's care. Professional whitening is considered safe for enamel, and we check your teeth before we start.

Is professional whitening better than store-bought kits?

Professional gel is stronger and goes on with your gums protected, so results are usually faster, more even and more comfortable.

Can I whiten crowns, veneers, or fillings?

No. Whitening only lightens natural enamel. If you have dental work that shows when you smile, we'll help you plan so everything matches.

Does insurance cover teeth whitening?

Usually not, since whitening is cosmetic. Ask us about payment options and we'll go over the cost before you start.

Who shouldn't whiten their teeth?

Most dentists recommend waiting if you're pregnant or nursing, and whitening isn't advised for young children. Teeth with cavities or gum problems should be treated first.

Check Your Insurance

Whitening is usually cosmetic, but your plan may cover the checkup and cleaning that come first. We can tell you in just a few seconds.

Unfortunately, there are some dental insurance plans we don’t accept, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Healthplex, HMOs, DMOs, and others. Don't see your insurance? Give our office a call and we'll find out in just a few minutes.

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Good news! We're in network with your insurance provider.

We’re in-network with most plans offered by your insurer, but don’t accept HMO, DMO, or Medicare plans. If we don’t accept your plan, we have options available for every budget.

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Sorry, we do not accept your insurance.

The good news: you can still be treated at Mountain View Dental! We offer both in-house insurance and payment plans for every budget. Here are estimated costs for our most common services.

Service

Estimated Cost

First Dental Exam

$375

Filling

$113-$400

Non-surgical periodontal treatment

$175-$298

Emergency Exam

$215

*Treatment costs range because your final cost can vary based on the materials you select and the complexity of the treatment.

Visiting your dentist  
isn't just painless,
it's a pleasure.

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