South Austin Teeth Whitening

A bright, white smile can transform your appearance and boost your confidence in both personal and professional settings. While store-bought whitening products promise results, professional teeth whitening delivers dramatically whiter teeth in less time, with longer-lasting results and better protection for your dental health.

At Grand Oaks Dentistry, Dr. Sharma and our team have been providing exceptional teeth whitening services to South Austin residents since 2014. We offer customized solutions that balance your whitening goals with the health and sensitivity of your teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options

When considering teeth whitening, understanding the difference between professional treatments and store-bought options helps you make an informed decision:

Professional Advantages

Professional whitening at our South Austin office provides several key benefits:

Stronger, dentist-approved whitening agents for more dramatic results
Customized treatment based on your specific tooth discoloration
Professional monitoring to minimize sensitivity and gum irritation
Custom-fitted trays for at-home treatments that ensure even coverage
Comprehensive exam before whitening to identify any underlying issues
Results that typically last 1-3 years with proper maintenance

Store-bought products use weaker whitening agents and one-size-fits-all applicators that often lead to uneven results, increased sensitivity, and short-lived whitening. Additionally, without professional supervision, these products may not address underlying issues causing discoloration.

Our Teeth Whitening Options

At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we provide multiple whitening solutions to accommodate different preferences, timelines, and budgets:

In-Office Whitening

Our in-office whitening procedure delivers the fastest, most dramatic results—often brightening teeth by up to eight shades in just one hour. This option is ideal for patients who want immediate results for an upcoming event or simply prefer the convenience of a single visit.

The procedure involves:

Protecting your gums and soft tissues with a special barrier
Applying professional-strength whitening gel to your teeth
Activating the gel with a specialized light to enhance results
Multiple applications within a single appointment
Post-treatment instructions to maximize longevity

Custom Take-Home Whitening Kits

For patients who prefer gradual whitening or want to maintain results after an in-office treatment, we offer custom take-home whitening kits. These professional-grade systems provide significant advantages over store-bought options:

Custom-fitted trays created from impressions of your teeth
Professional-strength whitening gel unavailable over the counter
Personalized instructions for optimal results
Typically worn for 30-60 minutes daily for 1-2 weeks
Results that approach in-office treatments with consistent use

Take-home kits allow you to whiten at your convenience and provide greater control over sensitivity by adjusting treatment frequency and duration.

Candidates for Professional Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening is safe for most patients, it’s not universally recommended. Ideal candidates typically:

Have healthy teeth and gums without untreated decay or disease
Are not pregnant or nursing
Have discoloration caused by age, foods, beverages, or tobacco
Have realistic expectations about results

During your consultation at our South Austin office, Dr. Sharma will evaluate whether whitening is appropriate for your specific situation. Some types of discoloration—such as those caused by medication, trauma, or certain dental materials—may respond better to alternative cosmetic treatments like bonding or veneers.

Managing Sensitivity During Whitening

Temporary sensitivity is common during and after teeth whitening. At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we take several measures to minimize discomfort:

Conducting a thorough exam to identify potential sensitivity risks
Recommending desensitizing toothpaste before treatment
Adjusting treatment concentration and duration based on your needs
Providing clear instructions for post-treatment care
Offering fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce sensitivity

Our personalized approach ensures you achieve the whitest smile possible while maintaining comfort throughout the process.

Maintaining Your Whiter Smile

Professional teeth whitening provides long-lasting results, but certain habits can affect how long your brighter smile lasts. To extend the benefits of your whitening treatment:

Brush twice daily and floss once daily
Rinse with water after consuming staining foods or beverages
Use a straw when drinking coffee, tea, or red wine
Attend regular dental cleanings every six months
Consider touch-up treatments every 1-2 years
Avoid or limit tobacco products

We also provide personalized maintenance recommendations based on your specific lifestyle and habits.

Cost of Professional Teeth Whitening

At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves a confident smile. Our teeth whitening options are designed to fit various budgets:

In-office whitening treatments typically range from $350-$500
Custom take-home whitening kits generally cost between $200-$350
Combination packages offering both in-office and take-home options provide the best value

While most dental insurance plans consider teeth whitening cosmetic and don’t provide coverage, we offer financing options through Care Credit and Cherry that can make treatment more accessible. With these options, whitening treatments can be as affordable as $100 per month.

Experience the Grand Oaks Dentistry Difference

At Grand Oaks Dentistry, we believe professional teeth whitening should deliver not only exceptional results but also a comfortable, personalized experience. Dr. Sharma and our team have been serving South Austin from the same location since 2014, providing consistent, high-quality care you can trust.

Our approach focuses on understanding your aesthetic goals, addressing any concerns about sensitivity, and creating a whitening plan that fits your lifestyle and budget. Whether you need rapid results for an upcoming event or prefer gradual whitening at home, we provide options tailored to your needs.

Ready to transform your smile with professional teeth whitening? Contact Grand Oaks Dentistry today at (512) 291-1666 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation.