How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
Our in-office whitening uses Opalescence®, a professional-grade system with a proven track record of safe, effective results. Here's what to expect at our Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia office:
Step 1 — Dental ExamBefore whitening, we perform a dental exam to confirm your teeth and gums are healthy and ready for treatment. Any untreated decay or active gum issues are addressed first — whitening over tooth decay can cause sensitivity and uneven results.
Step 2 — Gum ProtectionA protective barrier is applied to your gums and soft tissue before treatment, keeping the whitening agent focused on your enamel only.
Step 3 — Whitening ApplicationThe professional whitening gel is applied to your teeth. The active ingredient — hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide — penetrates the enamel and targets the molecules responsible for staining, breaking them apart to reveal whiter tooth structure beneath.
Step 4 — ResultsIn approximately one hour, you'll leave our Philadelphia office with teeth that are dramatically brighter — often 3 to 8 shades lighter than when you arrived.
Curious how white your teeth can realistically get? Our blog breaks down exactly what to expect from whitening results →
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Professional whitening works on natural tooth enamel only — it does not change the color of dental crowns, fillings, veneers, or bonding. If you have visible restorations in your smile zone, we'll discuss how to achieve a consistent result across all your teeth.
Whitening is ideal for patients with:
- Yellow or brown surface staining from food, drink, or tobacco
- Age-related enamel darkening
- Generally healthy teeth and gums
For deep intrinsic staining that doesn't respond to whitening, porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding may be a better long-term solution. Many of our Philadelphia patients also combine whitening with Invisalign — using the clear trays as whitening trays after treatment to maximize their smile transformation.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Professional whitening results typically last 1 to 3 years, depending on your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors. To protect your results:
- Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-staining foods — or rinse with water immediately after consuming them
- Brush twice daily and maintain regular dental cleanings at our Philadelphia office
- Avoid tobacco — one of the fastest ways to restain teeth after whitening
- Ask about touch-up trays you can use at home between in-office visits
Whitening is not permanent — but with smart maintenance habits, you can extend your results significantly.
Serving Whitening Patients Throughout Philadelphia, PA
Center City Dental is located at 1601 Walnut Street, Suite 720, Philadelphia, PA 19102 in Rittenhouse Square — easily accessible from Center City, Old City, Society Hill, Northern Liberties, Fishtown, and throughout Philadelphia.
.svg)
