Teeth whitening is a safe, conservative cosmetic treatment that can brighten your smile by reducing stains and discoloration. Over time, coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain medications, aging, and other factors can cause teeth to lose their natural brightness.

Professional teeth whitening uses prescription-strength whitening gels under the supervision of your dentist to safely achieve results that are typically more noticeable and longer lasting than over-the-counter products.

During your consultation, Dr. Jaclyn Martinez will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend the whitening approach that is best suited for your smile. In some cases, alternatives such as bonding, veneers, or crowns may be recommended when whitening alone cannot achieve the desired result.

Tooth discoloration can result from a variety of internal and external factors.

Common causes include:

• Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods

• Tobacco use

• Natural aging and enamel wear

• Certain medications, including tetracycline antibiotics

• Previous dental trauma

• Genetics

Some stains respond very well to whitening, while others require different cosmetic treatments. During your examination, Dr. Martinez can help determine the cause of your discoloration and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

Opalescence is an excellent option for many patients who prefer the convenience of whitening at home using custom-made trays.

Custom whitening trays are fabricated specifically for your teeth to provide a comfortable fit and even application of the whitening gel. Depending on the product selected, treatment may be performed during the day or overnight as directed by Dr. Martinez.

Many patients notice visible improvement within the first week, with continued whitening over the course of treatment. After achieving your desired shade, occasional touch-up treatments can help maintain your brighter smile.

For patients with more challenging discoloration or those seeking maximum whitening results, Dr. Martinez may recommend the KoR Whitening System.

KoR combines professionally supervised in-office whitening with a customized at-home maintenance program. Its whitening trays are specifically designed to improve the seal around the teeth, allowing the whitening gel to remain effective throughout treatment.

KoR has earned a strong reputation for treating difficult cases, including certain deep intrinsic stains that may respond less predictably to conventional whitening systems. During your consultation, Dr. Martinez can determine whether KoR is the most appropriate option for your specific situation.