Thinking About Whitening? How to Choose the Best Option for You
If you’ve ever stood in front of a mirror and wanted your smile looked just a little brighter, you’re not alone. Teeth whitening continues to be one of the most requested cosmetic dental treatments we offer at The Ivory Dental in Winter Park. With so many whitening options available (over-the-counter products, take-home kits, in-office treatments, and even specialized internal whitening), it can be difficult to know where to begin.
Let’s explore what options are available, which ones are right for you, and what to expect from the process.
Start with a Dental Checkup
Before beginning any whitening treatment, we always recommend a routine dental exam and cleaning. This step ensures that your teeth and gums are healthy and ready for whitening.
A cleaning removes plaque and surface stains that can prevent whitening gel from working effectively. It also allows your dentist to check for conditions that could make whitening uncomfortable, such as gum recession, cavities, or exposed roots.
At The Ivory Dental, many patients notice that even a simple cleaning and polishing leaves their teeth looking brighter before whitening even begins.
Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products
Whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels you find in stores can be a good starting point, but they often contain lower-strength whitening agents for safety. This means results are milder and take longer to achieve.
Professional whitening performed by your Winter Park dentist offers access to stronger, prescription-grade formulas that deliver faster, more predictable results, often 3–8 times stronger than what’s available over the counter.
In-office treatments are also safer because your dentist protects the gums and sensitive tissues during the procedure, ensuring a comfortable experience and even whitening across all visible teeth.
Our Whitening Options at The Ivory Dental
We offer three different types of whitening services, each designed to match your goals, timeline, and sensitivity level:
1. Express Whitening Kit
Perfect for patients who want a quick, easy option to brighten their smile at home:
Pre-made trays, “one size fits all”
Pre-filled with 15% professional-strength whitening gel
Typically includes four sessions
Available immediately following a standard cleaning or exam
This kit offers convenient, no-mold trays and is a great starting point for mild touch-ups or quick brightening before a special occasion.
2. Custom Whitening Kit
Ideal for patients who experience sensitivity or want to whiten more gradually and precisely:
Custom-fit trays are digitally designed and 3D printed for accuracy and comfort
Multiple gel strengths available: 10%, 15%, 20%, or 35%
Typically includes four to six at-home sessions
Includes a consultation with Dr. Lina Yu to help tailor the plan for comfort and results
Custom trays provide a more even application of gel and reduce the chance of gum irritation. They are reusable for future touch-ups and allow for more controlled whitening progress.
3. In-Office Whitening Service
Best for patients who want immediate, dramatic results in a single visit:
Performed by Dr. Yu and our clinical team
Uses our fastest-acting 40% professional whitening gel
Two to three sessions during one appointment (about two hours total)
Optional sensitivity-reduction treatment available
In just one appointment, patients often leave the office with noticeably brighter teeth, perfect for special events or anyone wanting an instant transformation.
Unlike some whitening services elsewhere, our professional in-office treatment does not rely on lights or lasers. The results come from the chemistry of high-grade whitening gels alone, which minimizes risk and maximizes comfort.
When One Tooth Stands Out: Internal Whitening
Sometimes, whitening isn’t about all of your teeth, it’s about just one. If you have a single darkened tooth that doesn’t respond to external whitening, you may be a candidate for internal tooth whitening (also known as internal bleaching).
This situation often happens when a tooth has undergone root canal treatment or has experienced trauma, leading to internal discoloration. Traditional whitening products can’t reach inside the tooth to lighten these deep stains.
Internal whitening works from the inside out, gently brightening the tooth’s internal chamber. The process involves:
Evaluating the tooth to ensure it’s a good candidate
Placing a special whitening gel inside the tooth through a small opening (often the same one used for a root canal)
Sealing the tooth temporarily for several days while the gel works
Reassessing the color and repeating if needed
Finally sealing the tooth permanently with a tooth-colored filling
This conservative treatment often restores a single dark tooth to match the rest of your smile, without the need for crowns or veneers. And because the tooth no longer contains a nerve, the process is typically painless.
Is Whitening Safe?
When supervised by a dental professional, whitening is safe and effective. Every whitening consultation at The Ivory Dental includes a brief evaluation to check:
For any untreated cavities or gum concerns
Whether whitening will match existing restorations (fillings, crowns, veneers)
Which gel strength will best balance brightness and sensitivity
Whether the discoloration requires internal rather than external whitening
All whitening products we use are gluten-free, vegan, and kosher-certified, and are approved for use only under professional supervision.
Managing Sensitivity
It’s normal to experience mild, temporary sensitivity during whitening. We often recommend using a sensitivity toothpaste before and after treatment, and for patients with a history of sensitivity, we can adjust the gel strength or add a protective desensitizing treatment.
Remember, sensitivity doesn’t mean damage, it’s a short-term response of the tooth’s enamel pores opening slightly during whitening.
Timing Your Whitening with Other Treatments
If you’re planning additional dental work such as fillings, veneers, or crowns, whitening should always come first. Dental materials do not change color, so whitening afterward could make existing restorations appear darker.
We often recommend this sequence:
Internal whitening (if applicable)
External whitening of all teeth
Final restorations or cosmetic work to match the new shade
Following this order ensures the most natural and consistent result.
A Brighter Smile, Customized for You
Every smile is different, so is every whitening plan. Whether you prefer to whiten gradually at home or want instant results in-office, The Ivory Dental in Winter Park can help you achieve a radiant smile safely and comfortably.
If you’ve been thinking about whitening, now’s the perfect time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lina Yu and our team. We’ll evaluate your current shade, discuss your goals, and design a whitening plan that fits you perfectly, from gentle take-home options to advanced internal whitening for single-tooth discoloration.
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