A brighter smile can make a remarkable difference in your confidence, but whitening is not one-size-fits-all.
At Woodruff Dental, we take a personalized approach to whitening because every smile is unique. The type of staining you have, your natural tooth color, dietary habits, sensitivity level, and treatment goals all influence which whitening option will work best for you.
Our team will help you choose the safest and most effective solution for your smile while minimizing sensitivity and maximizing results.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional whitening uses peroxide-based whitening agents that penetrate the enamel and break apart stain molecules within the tooth. This process lifts years of discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, aging, and many other common sources of staining.
Unlike many over-the-counter products, professional whitening systems are stronger, more predictable, and customized to your individual needs.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
When performed as directed and under professional supervision, teeth whitening is considered safe for teeth and gums. Professional whitening products are specifically designed to brighten teeth while minimizing sensitivity and protecting oral tissues. Many professional whitening systems also contain ingredients that help reduce discomfort during treatment.
Before recommending whitening, we evaluate your oral health to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment.
What Results Can I Expect?
Results vary from person to person.
Some patients see dramatic improvement in just a few days, while others require a longer treatment period to reach their desired shade. Factors that affect whitening results include:
- Natural tooth color
- Age of stains
- Coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco use
- Previous dental work
- Enamel characteristics
- Consistency of treatment
It's also important to know that crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding materials do not whiten the same way natural teeth do.
Sensitivity and Comfort
Some patients experience little to no sensitivity during whitening, while others may notice temporary sensitivity to cold temperatures.
If you have sensitive teeth, don't worry—we can often modify your treatment plan by adjusting the whitening strength, wear time, frequency, or product selection to improve comfort while still achieving excellent results.
Our goal is to help you whiten comfortably, not just quickly.
Whitening Options at Woodruff Dental
Opalescence Go® Disposable Whitening Trays (15%)
Perfect for patients who want a simple, convenient whitening option.
These prefilled trays are ready to use right out of the package and require no impressions or custom molds. The flexible tray adapts comfortably to your teeth and is typically worn for approximately 15–20 minutes per day. Many patients notice visible improvement within days.
This option is ideal for:
- First-time whitening patients
- Busy schedules
- Travel
- Touch-up whitening
Custom Whitening Trays with Opalescence® Gel
For patients seeking a more customized approach, we can create whitening trays specifically designed for your teeth.
Custom trays provide a precise fit, allowing the whitening gel to stay where it belongs and reducing excess exposure to the gums. We offer multiple whitening strengths based on your goals and sensitivity level.
Opalescence 22% Whitening Gel
A great balance between effectiveness and comfort for many patients. This concentration provides stronger whitening while still allowing a comfortable at-home experience.
Opalescence 35% Whitening Gel
Designed for patients seeking faster whitening results and shorter wear times. This higher concentration is often recommended for patients with minimal sensitivity who want more rapid improvement. Professional-strength 35% carbamide peroxide whitening is typically worn for only 30–60 minutes per session.
Whitening Gel Refill Kits
Already have custom trays? Refill syringes make it easy to maintain your results and perform occasional touch-ups as needed.
Many patients find that periodic maintenance whitening helps keep their smile bright despite daily exposure to staining foods and beverages.
KöR Whitening System
For patients seeking the most comprehensive whitening treatment available, we offer KöR Whitening.
KöR is an advanced whitening system designed to address difficult stains and achieve dramatic whitening results while minimizing sensitivity. Treatment options may include:
- KöR Day Whitening
- KöR Night Whitening
- KöR Max In-Office Whitening
- KöR-Seal Trays
- KöR Tetracycline Stain Whitening Protocols
- Customized maintenance programs
During your consultation, we'll determine whether a KöR system is appropriate for your specific goals.
Which Whitening Option Is Right for Me?
The best whitening system depends on your smile, your sensitivity level, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Whether you're looking for a quick touch-up, gradual whitening, or a complete smile transformation, we'll help you choose the option that provides the best combination of comfort, safety, and results.
Schedule a consultation with our team to learn which whitening solution is right for you.