Brighten Your Smile and Feel More Confident
Stained or discolored teeth can make you hesitant to smile, even when your teeth are healthy. Professional teeth whitening offers a convenient way to brighten your natural teeth and refresh your appearance without extensive dental treatment.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, Dr. Benjamin Sharfae, DDS, and Dr. Maggie Sharfae, DDS, provide professional in-office teeth whitening in Austin, TX. Our team uses professional-strength whitening treatment to help reduce discoloration caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco and everyday aging.
Both dentists have decades of cosmetic dentistry experience and take a personalized approach to helping patients achieve natural-looking improvements.
Ready for a brighter smile? Call 512-301-9002 today to schedule your professional teeth whitening consultation in Austin, Texas.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses peroxide-based whitening agents to lighten the color of natural tooth enamel and dentin.
Unlike whitening toothpaste, which primarily removes surface stains, professional whitening agents penetrate the tooth structure to help break down certain discoloration-causing compounds.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, we offer in-office whitening treatment supervised by our dental team.
Professional whitening can produce noticeable improvements in tooth shade, although results depend on the type and severity of discoloration.
Before recommending treatment, our dentists evaluate your oral health and discuss whether whitening is likely to achieve your desired results.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment because it can improve smile appearance without changing the shape or structure of your teeth.
Potential benefits include:
- Noticeably brighter teeth: Professional whitening can lighten many common types of tooth discoloration.
- Convenient treatment: In-office whitening can often be completed during a single appointment.
- Professional supervision: Our team evaluates your teeth and gums before treatment and monitors the whitening process.
- Personalized recommendations: Whitening suitability and expected results are discussed based on your dental condition.
- Noninvasive cosmetic improvement: Whitening does not require removing enamel or reshaping teeth.
- Improved smile confidence: A brighter smile may help you feel more comfortable in photos, social situations and everyday interactions.
Professional whitening is not appropriate for every type of discoloration. Our dentists will explain the limitations of treatment before you begin.
What Causes Teeth to Become Stained or Discolored?
Tooth discoloration can develop gradually or result from specific dental conditions.
Common causes include:
- Coffee and tea: Dark pigments can contribute to surface staining over time.
- Red wine: Pigments and acidity may contribute to discoloration.
- Tobacco use: Smoking and other tobacco products can cause persistent yellow or brown stains.
- Natural aging: Changes in enamel and underlying dentin can make teeth appear darker with age.
- Certain medications: Some medications can affect tooth color, particularly when exposure occurs during tooth development.
- Dental trauma: An injured tooth may darken because of changes inside the tooth.
- Inadequate oral hygiene: Plaque and surface deposits can contribute to staining.
Some stains respond well to whitening, while others require different cosmetic or restorative treatment.
For example, a single tooth that has darkened following trauma may need additional evaluation before whitening is considered.
How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works
Professional teeth whitening is designed to lighten natural tooth color using controlled application of whitening materials.
1. Whitening Consultation
Our dentists examine your teeth and gums, review your dental history and discuss your desired tooth shade.
We also check for conditions such as untreated cavities, gum inflammation or exposed root surfaces that may affect whitening suitability.
Existing crowns, veneers and fillings are evaluated because these restorations do not whiten like natural teeth.
2. Preparing Your Teeth and Gums
Before treatment, our team prepares the area and uses appropriate protective measures to limit contact between whitening materials and sensitive oral tissues.
The specific preparation depends on the whitening system used.
3. Applying the Whitening Treatment
A professional-strength whitening gel is applied to the teeth according to the manufacturer’s treatment protocol.
Our in-office whitening process may incorporate a specialized light as part of the system used. The whitening agent itself is responsible for the chemical process that lightens tooth discoloration.
Treatment duration and the number of applications depend on the whitening system and your individual needs.
4. Reviewing Your Results
After treatment, our team evaluates your tooth shade and discusses what to expect as your teeth settle into their final appearance.
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after whitening. These effects generally improve, but you should contact our office if discomfort is severe or persistent.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products
Store-bought whitening strips, gels and toothpaste can improve certain stains, but they differ from professionally supervised whitening.
Professional In-Office Whitening
- Uses professional whitening materials and protocols
- Includes a dental evaluation before treatment
- Provides professional supervision and gum protection
- May produce noticeable results during a single appointment
- Allows your dentist to discuss sensitivity and restoration concerns
Over-the-Counter Whitening
- Generally uses lower-concentration whitening agents
- Often requires repeated applications over days or weeks
- May be less effective for certain types of discoloration
- Does not include an individualized dental examination
- Can still cause sensitivity or gum irritation if used incorrectly
Both approaches may be effective for suitable candidates. Professional whitening offers the advantage of individualized evaluation and supervised treatment.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Many adults with healthy teeth and gums are candidates for professional whitening.
Whitening may be appropriate if you:
- Want to brighten yellowed or stained natural teeth
- Have discoloration from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco
- Want a cosmetic improvement without altering tooth shape
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- Understand that results vary and may require future touch-ups
Whitening may not be recommended until cavities, gum disease or other dental problems have been addressed.
It is also important to understand that crowns, veneers and fillings do not change color with whitening treatment.
If you have visible restorations, our dentists can discuss how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
Professional whitening results are not permanent. The duration depends on your oral hygiene, diet, tobacco use and natural tooth characteristics.
Some patients maintain noticeable improvements for a year or longer, while others experience staining sooner.
To help maintain your results:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly and maintain professional dental cleanings.
- Limit frequent exposure to strongly staining beverages when practical.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming coffee, tea or other staining drinks.
- Avoid tobacco products.
- Follow your dentist’s recommendations regarding whitening touch-ups.
Regular preventive dental care also helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost in Austin, TX?
The cost of professional teeth whitening depends on the treatment system used and your individual needs.
During your consultation, our team can explain the recommended whitening process and associated costs.
Because whitening is generally considered an elective cosmetic procedure, dental insurance typically does not cover treatment.
We encourage patients to discuss their goals and expectations before beginning whitening so they understand the anticipated results and investment.
When Whitening Alone Is Not Enough
Some types of discoloration do not respond predictably to whitening treatment.
Teeth affected by certain medications, developmental conditions, trauma or existing restorations may require another cosmetic approach.
Depending on your needs, our dentists may discuss:
- Dental Veneers to improve certain persistent discoloration and tooth shape concerns
- Cosmetic Dentistry for comprehensive smile improvement planning
- Invisalign Clear Aligners when tooth alignment is also a concern
Our goal is to recommend treatment that addresses your specific concerns while preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Experienced Cosmetic Dentists in Austin, TX
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, professional teeth whitening is part of our personalized approach to cosmetic dental care.
Dr. Maggie Sharfae, DDS, graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School in 1999 and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis from 1999 to 2000.
She has practiced cosmetic and restorative dentistry since 1999.
Dr. Benjamin Sharfae, DDS, graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2001 and has provided cosmetic and restorative treatment since beginning his dental career.
Both dentists have taught at Indiana University School of Dentistry and are members of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Society.
Our privately owned practice emphasizes personalized treatment recommendations, clear communication and natural-looking cosmetic improvements.
Teeth Whitening in Oak Hill and Southwest Austin
Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill provides professional teeth whitening for patients in Austin, Oak Hill, Southwest Austin and surrounding communities.
Whether you want to refresh your smile before a special occasion or address discoloration that has developed over time, our team can help you determine whether whitening is appropriate.
We focus on helping patients achieve brighter smiles while maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
How much does professional teeth whitening cost in Austin, TX?
The cost depends on the whitening system used and your treatment needs. Because whitening is usually cosmetic, dental insurance generally does not cover it. Our team can discuss the recommended treatment and associated costs during your consultation.
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
In-office whitening is often completed during a single appointment, although the exact duration depends on the treatment system and your individual needs. Our team will explain the expected appointment length before treatment.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional whitening is generally safe for appropriately selected patients when used according to established protocols. Temporary sensitivity and gum irritation can occur. Our dentists evaluate your oral health before recommending treatment.
How many shades whiter will my teeth become?
Results vary based on your natural tooth color, type of staining and response to whitening. Some patients experience substantial improvement, while others achieve more modest changes. Your dentist can discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some patients experience temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. This usually improves after treatment. Our team can discuss sensitivity concerns and determine whether whitening is appropriate for your teeth.
How long do professional whitening results last?
Results may last several months to a year or longer, depending on oral hygiene, diet and lifestyle habits. Coffee, tea, tobacco and other staining substances can affect longevity. Touch-up treatments may help maintain your preferred shade.
Can professional whitening change the color of crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening agents do not lighten crowns, veneers or composite fillings the same way they affect natural teeth. If you have visible restorations, your dentist can discuss how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile.
Where can I get professional teeth whitening in Oak Hill, Austin?
Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill provides professional in-office teeth whitening for patients in Oak Hill, Southwest Austin and surrounding communities. Call our office to schedule a consultation and discuss your whitening goals.
Schedule Your Professional Teeth Whitening Appointment
A brighter smile can help you feel more confident without extensive cosmetic treatment. Professional whitening may improve common tooth stains while preserving your natural tooth structure.
At Modern Family Dentistry of Oak Hill, our experienced dentists provide personalized cosmetic care for patients in Austin, Oak Hill and Southwest Austin.
Ready to brighten your smile? Call 512-301-9002 today to schedule your professional teeth whitening consultation in Austin, Texas.