Why Teeth Lose Their Brightness
Tooth enamel is porous. Over time, pigmented molecules from food, drinks, and other sources work their way into the surface and accumulate. Brushing removes surface debris but does not reach the staining inside the enamel itself. Professional whitening uses clinically proven bleaching agents at concentrations that actually penetrate the enamel and break down those stains at the source.
At Greenwood Springs Family Dental Care, we use Opalescence, a professional-grade whitening system available as an in-office treatment or a custom take-home kit.
Real Results, Not Subtle Ones
Over-the-counter strips and toothpastes work on surface staining at best. Professional whitening reaches the staining inside the enamel where it actually lives. Most patients see several shades of improvement after a single treatment.
Custom-Fitted for Even Results
Take-home whitening trays from a pharmacy are one-size-fits-all, which means uneven contact, gel that migrates onto your gums, and inconsistent results. Our take-home option uses custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your actual teeth. The gel stays exactly where it needs to be.
Treatment That Fits Your Schedule
Choose in-office whitening for results in a single appointment, or take-home trays for a more gradual process on your own time. Both options use the same professional-strength Opalescence system.
No Insurance? No Problem.
We offer an exclusive, in-house Dental Savers Plan for our Greenwood Springs patients. Unlike traditional insurance, our Dental Savers Plan has no yearly maximums, preexisting condition limitations, waiting periods, or deductibles. You get all of the cost-savings without the hassles! Benefits begin immediately and last for the entire year!
$289/Year Includes:
- 2 standard cleanings and exams
- 2 fluoride treatments
- All necessary X-rays during exams
- Free whitening
- 20% off all dental procedures*
Excludes Invisalign. Restrictions apply.
Understanding Teeth Stains
Not all staining responds to whitening the same way. Results depend on the type and cause of your discoloration:
- Coffee, tea, and red wine are among the most common causes of surface and enamel staining and respond well to professional whitening
- Tobacco use causes deep, stubborn staining that takes longer to lift but still responds to professional treatment
- Age-related darkening occurs as enamel thins over time and the darker dentin beneath it shows through, professional whitening can improve this significantly
- Tetracycline and certain medications cause intrinsic staining that lives inside the tooth and does not respond to bleaching, veneers are a better option for this type
- Fluorosis causes white spots or streaking from excess fluoride during tooth development and responds variably to whitening depending on severity
If you are unsure what is causing your discoloration, we will assess it at your appointment and tell you what to expect before treatment begins.
Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Options
The difference comes down to concentration, fit, and consistency:
- Professional whitening uses bleaching agents at concentrations not available over the counter, which is why results are faster and more dramatic
- Custom trays ensure full, even contact between the gel and every tooth surface, store-bought trays cannot replicate this
- Over-the-counter strips cover only the front six teeth and frequently miss the edges and corners
- Whitening toothpastes work by abrasion, removing surface debris but not affecting staining inside the enamel
- Professional treatment is supervised, so sensitivity is monitored and managed before it becomes a problem
Personal Care Led by Dr. Wargel & Dr. Hani
What to Expect During Your Smile Whitening Treatment
Assessment
Before whitening, we examine your teeth and gums to confirm you are a good candidate. We identify the type of staining you have, discuss realistic expectations for your result, and recommend the option that fits your timeline and goals.
Choosing Your Treatment
We walk you through the in-office and take-home options and help you decide based on how quickly you want results and how you prefer to manage the process.
Treatment
For in-office whitening, we apply the Opalescence gel directly to your teeth in our office. For take-home whitening, we take impressions of your teeth, fabricate your custom trays, and send you home with your kit and clear instructions for use.
Your Result
In-office patients see their results before they leave. Take-home patients typically reach their desired shade within one to two weeks of consistent use. We schedule a follow-up to check your results and answer any questions.
You Deserve to Actually Like Going to the Dentist
No Judgment, Ever
In-Network with Almost Every Plan
Care for the Whole Family
You'll Always Know What's Going On
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
Most patients with healthy teeth and gums are good candidates. Active decay, gum disease, or certain types of intrinsic staining may affect your candidacy or your results. We evaluate your oral health before treatment and give you a straight answer about what whitening can and cannot do for your smile.
Is teeth whitening covered by insurance?
Whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by dental insurance. We go over costs at your appointment and can discuss financing options if needed.
How do I maintain my results?
Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Rinse with water after consuming staining foods or drinks. Brush twice daily and keep up with your regular cleanings. We can provide touch-up trays to freshen your results as needed.
Can whitening fix all types of staining?
No. Professional whitening works well on extrinsic and enamel staining from food, drinks, tobacco, and aging. Intrinsic staining from tetracycline or fluorosis does not respond to bleaching. If whitening is not the right solution for your staining, we will tell you and discuss alternatives like veneers.
Which option is better, in-office or take-home?
Both use professional-strength Opalescence. In-office whitening delivers faster, more dramatic results in a single appointment. Take-home whitening gives you more control over the pace and is a good fit for patients with sensitivity or a flexible timeline. We help you choose based on your goals.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
Whitening agents do not affect crowns, veneers, or composite restorations. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, whitening your natural teeth may create a mismatch in shade. We assess this before treatment and discuss your options.
How long do whitening results last?
Most patients maintain their results for one to three years depending on diet and habits. Avoiding heavy staining foods and drinks and using a whitening toothpaste between visits helps extend your results. Touch-up treatments are straightforward when needed.
Does whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. It typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know before treatment begins and we will adjust accordingly.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Yes. Opalescence is a clinically tested system used by dental professionals. We assess your teeth and gums before treatment to make sure you are a good candidate and to minimize the risk of sensitivity.
How many shades whiter will my teeth get?
Results vary depending on the type and severity of your staining and the option you choose. Most patients see several shades of improvement. We give you a realistic expectation at your assessment based on your starting point.
Located Right Here in Greenwood, IN
Visit us at 1273 N. Emerson Ave., Ste. A in Greenwood. Our team makes it easy to plan your visit with convenient scheduling and care that respects your time.
Office Hours