Treatments

Professional Teeth Whitening in Burien, WA

A bright, white smile can transform your confidence and make a lasting impression. At Burien Signature Dentistry, we understand how important a beautiful smile is to your personal and professional life. Professional teeth whitening offers a safe and effective way to brighten your teeth several shades in just one visit, giving you the radiant smile you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Andy Kim and our experienced team provide personalized cosmetic dentistry treatments using the latest whitening technology. Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to refresh your appearance, our professional whitening services deliver dramatic results that over-the-counter products simply cannot match.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Understanding why teeth become discolored helps you make informed decisions about whitening treatments. Teeth naturally darken over time, but several factors accelerate this process and create stubborn stains that require professional intervention.

Surface Stains vs. Deep Stains

Surface stains develop on the outer layer of your teeth from daily exposure to staining substances. These extrinsic stains typically respond well to professional whitening treatments and can often be prevented with proper oral hygiene.

Deep stains, also called intrinsic stains, form within the tooth structure itself. These may result from certain medications taken during tooth development, excessive fluoride exposure, or trauma to the teeth. While more challenging to treat, professional whitening can still significantly improve the appearance of intrinsic stains.

Common Staining Culprits

Daily habits and lifestyle choices play a major role in tooth discoloration. Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas contain compounds that attach to tooth enamel and create persistent stains over time. Tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing, causes some of the most stubborn yellowing and brown discoloration.

Certain foods also contribute to staining, including berries, tomato sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Even healthy choices like blueberries and pomegranates can leave their mark on your teeth with regular consumption.

Professional Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Options

Many patients wonder whether professional whitening is worth the investment compared to drugstore alternatives. The difference lies in the strength of whitening agents, customization of treatment, and safety protocols that only dental professionals can provide.

Why Professional Whitening Works Better

Professional whitening systems use higher concentrations of active ingredients than over-the-counter products. This means faster, more dramatic results in fewer treatments. According to the American Dental Association, professional treatments can lighten teeth by three to eight shades in a single session.

Our in-office treatments also include protective measures for your gums and soft tissues. Dr. Andy Kim ensures your comfort throughout the process while maximizing whitening results safely and effectively.

Store-bought whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes contain much lower concentrations of active ingredients. While they may provide subtle improvements over weeks or months of use, they rarely achieve the dramatic transformation that professional treatment delivers in just one appointment.

Customized Treatment Plans

Every patient’s needs are different, and professional whitening allows for complete customization. Dr. Andy Kim evaluates your current shade, identifies the type of staining you have, and creates a treatment plan designed specifically for your goals.

Some patients benefit from a single in-office session, while others may need multiple treatments or a combination of in-office and take-home whitening. This personalized approach ensures optimal results while protecting your oral health.

The Professional Whitening Process

Understanding what happens during your whitening appointment helps you feel confident and prepared for your treatment. Our streamlined process is designed for your comfort while delivering exceptional results.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your whitening journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and gums. Dr. Andy Kim examines your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate for whitening and discusses your goals and expectations.

We also take photos and determine your current shade using a professional color guide. This baseline documentation allows us to track your progress and show you the dramatic difference whitening makes.

During this consultation, we’ll discuss any sensitivity concerns you may have and explain how we can minimize discomfort during and after treatment.

Treatment Day Procedure

On the day of your whitening treatment, we begin by protecting your gums and soft tissues with a special barrier gel or protective covering. This crucial step prevents irritation while allowing the whitening agent to work effectively on your teeth.

The professional-strength whitening gel is applied evenly to your teeth and may be activated with a special light to accelerate the process. Most treatments take between 60 to 90 minutes, during which you can relax comfortably in our modern treatment room.

Some patients experience mild sensitivity during treatment, which is completely normal. Our team monitors your comfort level throughout the process and can adjust the treatment as needed.

Maintaining Your Whitening Results

Professional whitening delivers beautiful results, but maintaining your bright smile requires ongoing care and attention to your daily habits. With proper maintenance, your whitening results can last for years.

Post-Treatment Care Guidelines

The first 48 hours after whitening are critical for protecting your investment. During this period, your teeth are more porous and susceptible to staining. We recommend avoiding coffee, tea, red wine, dark sodas, and tobacco products during this time.

Regular dental cleanings help remove surface stains before they become embedded in your enamel. Our dental hygienists can also provide professional polishing that enhances your whitening results.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home prevents new stains from developing and keeps your smile looking its best. Brush twice daily with whitening toothpaste, floss regularly, and rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash.

Touch-Up Treatments

Most patients benefit from periodic touch-up treatments to maintain their desired shade. Depending on your lifestyle and staining habits, you may need touch-ups every six months to two years.

We offer convenient take-home whitening kits with custom-fitted trays for easy maintenance. These professional-grade products provide gradual whitening that you can control from the comfort of your home.

Combining Whitening with Other Cosmetic Treatments

Teeth whitening often serves as the foundation for a complete smile transformation. Many patients combine whitening with other cosmetic procedures to achieve their ideal smile.

Comprehensive Smile Makeovers

If you’re considering multiple cosmetic improvements, whitening should typically be completed first. This allows Dr. Andy Kim to match any porcelain veneers or tooth-colored fillings to your newly brightened shade.

For patients with both staining and alignment issues, combining whitening with clear aligner treatment can create dramatic improvements in both the color and position of your teeth.

Cosmetic bonding can address chips, gaps, or shape irregularities after whitening to create a perfectly uniform appearance.

Contact Burien Signature Dentistry

Transform your smile with professional teeth whitening at Burien Signature Dentistry. Dr. Andy Kim combines advanced whitening technology with personalized care to deliver the bright, confident smile you deserve. Our modern facility and experienced team ensure your comfort throughout the entire process, from consultation to final results.

Don’t let stained or yellowed teeth hold you back from sharing your smile with the world. Professional whitening offers safe, effective results that can take years off your appearance and boost your confidence in every social and professional interaction. Call (206) 246-3222 or contact us today to schedule your whitening consultation and discover how beautiful your smile can be.