Who whitening works for, and who it doesn’t

Whitening works on natural enamel that has yellowed from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and age. It works well for most adults and teenagers with healthy teeth and gums.

It won’t change the color of crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings. If you’re planning both, whiten first and do the dental work after. Whitening is less effective on grayish stains from certain antibiotics taken in childhood, and on a single dark tooth, which usually needs a different treatment. We also don’t whiten teeth with untreated cavities or gum disease, because the gel gets through the decay into the sensitive inner tooth. So every whitening starts with an exam, and if you need a filling first, we’ll tell you.

Sensitivity and side effects

The main side effect is temporary sensitivity to cold during and a day or two after treatment. It’s common and it goes away. To keep it down, we can shorten sessions, use a lower-strength gel for take-home trays, and recommend a sensitivity toothpaste for the week before. Gum irritation happens when gel contacts the gums, which custom trays largely prevent. Overused whitening can make teeth look chalky or translucent, so follow the schedule we give you rather than doubling up.

How long results last

One to three years is typical, depending on what you drink and whether you smoke. Drinking coffee and red wine through a straw sounds silly, but it works. Rinsing with water after dark drinks helps. A touch-up with your take-home trays every six months or so keeps the shade where you want it.

Teeth whitening cost

Whitening is cosmetic, so insurance plans, MassHealth and HUSKY don’t cover it. The fee depends on which option you choose, and you’ll get the price at your exam before anything starts. If you haven’t been in before, start with the $57 new patient cleaning on our specials page. A cleaning right before whitening removes surface stain and tartar, so the gel reaches the enamel evenly. For larger cosmetic treatment, there are payment plans to spread out the cost.

Mall kiosks and salon whitening

Malls, salons and spas offer whitening done by people without dental training. The products are often weak (so they do little) or applied without checking for cavities, cracks or gum problems (so they can hurt). A dentist examines your teeth first, uses a stronger gel safely, and can deal with sensitivity if it comes up. If something goes wrong at a kiosk, you’ll end up at a dentist anyway.

Common questions about teeth whitening

How much whiter will my teeth get?

Most patients see a change of several shades. The result depends on your starting color and the cause of the stain. Yellow stains respond best and gray stains least.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

Some people feel brief zings of cold sensitivity during and after treatment. It fades within a day or two, and we can adjust the gel strength and timing if you’re prone to it.

Is whitening safe for enamel?

Yes, when done as directed with a dental exam first. Whitening gel doesn’t remove enamel. It breaks down the stain inside it.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or fillings?

You can, but the crowns and fillings won’t change color. If they’re on front teeth, we’ll talk about whether whitening will leave them looking darker than the rest, and whether to replace them afterward to match.

Does insurance cover teeth whitening?

No. Whitening is cosmetic and isn’t covered by dental insurance, MassHealth or HUSKY.

How old do you have to be to get your teeth whitened?

We generally recommend waiting until the adult teeth are fully in, usually mid-teens. Ask at your checkup.

If you’re whitening for an event, mention the date when you call your local office or request an appointment online. This page is also available en español.