Teeth Whitening
At Wenatchee Dental Arts, we offer professional whitening options tailored to your goals and your smile. Dr. John Divis, DDS, and his team have been serving patients in the Wenatchee Valley since 1993. As part of our broader cosmetic dentistry services, whitening is one of the most requested procedures we offer because the results speak for themselves.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration
Tooth staining generally falls into two categories: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains develop on the surface of the enamel and are typically caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco. Coffee, red wine, tea, and dark-colored sauces are among the most common culprits. These stains respond well to professional whitening treatments.
Intrinsic stains form within the tooth itself, often due to aging, certain medications taken during tooth development, or fluorosis. According to the American Dental Association, the bleaching process works by releasing reactive oxygen molecules that interact with organic compounds within the enamel and dentin, effectively lightening the tooth’s overall color. Professional-grade treatments use higher concentrations of these agents than anything available over the counter, which is why the results are more noticeable and longer-lasting.
Our Two Whitening Options
We offer two professional whitening systems so you can choose the approach that fits your schedule, your lifestyle, and your goals. Both are dentist-supervised and deliver results that over-the-counter products simply cannot match.
Both options are available as part of a personalized treatment plan. We will evaluate your current shade, discuss what results are realistic for your particular type of staining, and recommend the option that makes the most sense for you.
Are You a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Professional whitening works best on healthy teeth with no untreated decay or active gum disease. Before recommending a whitening treatment, Dr. Divis will review your oral health to confirm it is the right next step. Most patients are good candidates, but a few specific situations are worth knowing about in advance.
What to Expect From Professional Whitening
Before any whitening begins, Dr. Divis will perform a brief exam and note your baseline shade. This gives you a concrete reference point so you can see exactly how much change the treatment delivers.
Results and Realistic Expectations
Professional whitening can brighten teeth by multiple shades, but the degree of change depends on the type and depth of staining. Surface stains from food and beverages typically respond most dramatically. Deeper, intrinsic stains may require more treatment sessions or, in some cases, may be better addressed through other cosmetic options such as porcelain crowns or bonding.
It is also worth noting that whitening only affects natural tooth structure. Crowns, veneers, bonding, and other restorations will not respond to bleaching agents, so those areas will retain their original shade.
Sensitivity and Aftercare
Some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening treatment. This is a common and typically short-lived side effect. We can discuss sensitivity management options with you before treatment begins, especially if you have a history of sensitive teeth.
To maintain your results, we recommend limiting highly pigmented foods and beverages in the days following treatment and keeping up with your regular dental exams and cleanings. Touch-up treatments can extend your results over time.
Schedule Your Whitening Consultation at Wenatchee Dental Arts
Wenatchee Dental Arts offers comprehensive dental care for patients who want to be treated as a person, not a number. Dr. John Divis, DDS, has built his practice on over 30 years of relationship-focused dentistry in the Wenatchee Valley. He holds a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and provides both Ultradent and Boost whitening alongside a full range of cosmetic, restorative, and preventive services. If dental anxiety has been a barrier in the past, our sedation dentistry options can help you feel comfortable throughout your visit. You can also browse real patient results in our smile gallery to see what is possible.
We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for patients who need flexible payment options. To learn more or get started, reach out to our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
How long do professional whitening results last?
Most patients enjoy results for one to three years, depending on diet and habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are the biggest factors in how quickly staining returns. Touch-up treatments using your Ultradent trays and a gel refill from our office are an easy way to extend and maintain your results between cleanings.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when performed under dentist supervision. We review your oral health before recommending any whitening treatment to ensure there is no active decay or gum disease that needs to be addressed first. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity, which is normal and typically resolves within a day or two.
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
No. Whitening agents only affect natural tooth structure. Existing restorations will retain their original shade. If you have visible crowns or veneers in your smile zone, we will discuss how to achieve an even result — which may involve replacing those restorations to match your newly whitened teeth.
Which option is better — take-home or in-office?
Both deliver excellent professional results. In-office Boost whitening is ideal if you want immediate results or have an upcoming event. Ultradent take-home trays are better if you prefer to whiten on your own schedule over one to two weeks. Dr. Divis will help you decide based on your stain type, timeline, and budget.
What should I avoid after whitening?
For the first 48 hours, avoid highly pigmented foods and drinks — coffee, red wine, berries, tomato sauce, and dark sodas. Your enamel is temporarily more porous right after whitening, making it easier for stains to set in. After that window, normal habits can resume. We recommend rinsing with water after staining foods to slow resoiling over time.
Contact Us
We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.