Overview
Why professional whitening works better than the drugstore
Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and simple aging all leave stains in the outer layers of your teeth. Over-the-counter strips can lighten surface stains a little, but they use weaker gel, and one-size-fits-all trays let it leak onto gums or miss parts of your teeth.
Professional whitening uses a stronger, carefully controlled gel. We start with an exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough to whiten, because whitening over a cavity or receding gums can cause real sensitivity. Then we choose the method that fits your goals, timeline and sensitivity level.
One important note: whitening works on natural enamel only. Crowns, veneers and fillings will not change color, so if you have restorations on your front teeth we will plan around them — or whiten first and match new work to your brighter shade.
At a glance
- Dentist-supervised, safe for healthy enamel
- In-office whitening for fast results
- Custom take-home trays for gradual whitening
- Exam first to rule out cavities and gum issues
- Sensitivity managed before, during and after
- Touch-up options to keep results bright
Treatment by Dr. Shanna Bernkrant, DMD at our West Dixie Highway office.
Your options
Choose your whitening method
In-office whitening
A professional-strength gel is applied while your gums are protected. Ideal before a wedding, interview or special event when you want results fast.
Take-home custom trays
Trays molded to your teeth hold the gel evenly. Wear them for a set time each day over a couple of weeks for gradual, comfortable results.
Combination
Start in the office for an immediate lift, then use custom trays at home to deepen and maintain the shade.
Aftercare
Keeping your new shade
First 48 hours
Teeth are most stain-prone right after whitening. Skip coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces and tobacco for a couple of days.
Rinse and sip smart
Rinse with water after dark drinks and use a straw for iced coffee and soda.
Regular cleanings
Professional cleanings every six months remove new surface stain before it sets in.
Touch-ups
Keep your custom trays. A short touch-up session every few months keeps results looking fresh.
Cost & coverage
Paying for teeth whitening in North Miami
We accept any PPO dental plan and any Medicare dental plan, and we file the claim for you. Coverage for teeth whitening depends on your plan, so we verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment starts — no surprise bills.
No insurance? Your consultation is free, and our in-office savings plan and payment options spread the cost into manageable pieces. We do not publish fixed prices online because the right treatment — and the cost — depends on what we find at your exam.
Whitening is cosmetic, so dental insurance generally does not cover it. We will give you a clear price for each option at your visit and can combine whitening with your next cleaning.
FAQ
Teeth Whitening questions, answered
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when it is supervised by a dentist. We check for cavities, cracks and gum recession first and adjust the gel strength and wear time to protect your enamel.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some people notice temporary sensitivity. Using a desensitizing toothpaste for a week or two beforehand, and shorter sessions, usually keeps it mild.
How long do results last?
Results often last a year or more, depending on diet and habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking shorten it; touch-ups extend it.
Can whitening fix every kind of stain?
Yellow and brown surface stains respond best. Gray stains from medications or a dark tooth after an injury may need bonding, a veneer or a crown instead.
Will my crowns and fillings whiten too?
No. Restorations keep their original color. We can whiten first and then replace visible fillings or crowns to match your new shade.
Thinking about a brighter smile? Start with a quick exam.
We will check your teeth, talk shade goals and recommend the whitening option that fits your schedule.
Keep exploring
Related care at our North Miami office
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Straighten crowded or gapped teeth with removable, nearly invisible aligners.
Crowns & Bridges
Rebuild cracked or worn teeth and close gaps with tooth-colored restorations.
General & Family Dentistry
Exams, cleanings, X-rays and tooth-colored fillings for kids, parents and grandparents.
Emergency Dentist
Toothache, broken tooth or swelling? Call — we make room for same-day visits.