Stained or yellowed teeth can make some people cover their mouth when they smile or avoid photos altogether, even when the rest of their smile is healthy. Over-the-counter whitening strips and toothpastes can help a little, but they often take weeks to show any real change and rarely reach the shade patients are hoping for.
At Smiles of Fort Myers, Dr. Claudia Orta and Dr. Victor Galvan offer professional teeth whitening as part of our full range of dental services. Dr. Orta earned her dental degree from Universidad Iberoamericana and completed a postdoctoral residency at NYU Langone, and Dr. Galvan brings over a decade of healthcare experience, including ten years as a registered nurse, into his approach to patient comfort and care.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
Professional whitening uses a hydrogen or carbamide peroxide gel that reaches below the enamel surface to break apart the compounds that cause staining, which is why it can lighten teeth several shades in a single visit rather than the several weeks often needed for over-the-counter products. The American Dental Association notes that professional whitening supervised by a dentist can be a safe way to brighten a smile, though some patients may notice temporary tooth sensitivity that fades within a day or two.
Types of Teeth Whitening We Offer
Because every smile and every schedule is different, we offer more than one path to a brighter smile.
- In-office Zoom whitening, which is dentist supervised and can lighten teeth several shades in about an hour.
- Take-home whitening trays with professional strength gel you use on your own schedule.
- For stains that will not respond to whitening, such as those on existing dental work, porcelain veneers or new crowns may be a better fit for your goals.
We can help you decide which option, or combination of options, fits your smile and your budget.
How Our Fort Myers Team Approaches Your Whitening Treatment
Before any whitening treatment, Dr. Orta or Dr. Galvan will check for cavities or gum disease, since whitening should generally wait until any underlying issues are treated first. We also ask about your shade goals and any past experience with tooth sensitivity, so the strength and length of your treatment can be adjusted to fit you specifically.
Patients who feel anxious about dental visits can ask about our anxiety-free amenities, including warm blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and TVs in the treatment rooms, so the appointment feels more like a spa visit than a dental procedure.
What to Do if You Are Considering Teeth Whitening
The most direct first step is a consultation, where we can confirm you are a good candidate and walk you through which whitening option fits your goals and budget. Whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment, so it is not typically covered by dental insurance, but we offer 0% financing and a membership savings plan for patients paying out of pocket. You can review current offers on our special offers page or ask about financing on our financial information page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Zoom teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that removes surface stains and brightens the natural color of your teeth. If your smile has become duller or more yellow over time and over-the-counter products have not given you the results you want, a consultation with our team can help you find out if you are a good candidate.
What should I expect during my Zoom teeth whitening treatment?
After a cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, your dentist places protective coverings over your lips and gums, then applies the Zoom whitening gel in cycles under a specialized light. This typically takes about an hour and may lighten your teeth by several shades the same day.
What is the difference between in-office and take-home whitening?
In-office Zoom whitening delivers faster results in a single visit, while take-home trays let you whiten gradually over one to two weeks on your own schedule. Both use professional-strength gel that is stronger than what is available over the counter.
Will I need to follow any at-home care instructions after treatment?
Yes. To help your results last, avoid highly pigmented beverages like red wine and coffee for a few days, and consider switching to a whitening toothpaste. If you receive an at-home touch-up kit, use it according to your dentist’s instructions.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Professional whitening performed under a dentist’s supervision is considered a safe way to brighten a smile for most patients, though some may experience temporary sensitivity. Our team screens for cavities and gum disease before any whitening treatment.
Ready for a Brighter Smile
Dr. Orta and Dr. Galvan bring more than a decade of combined dental and healthcare experience to every patient at Smiles of Fort Myers, along with advanced training in implant dentistry, sedation, and a hands-on approach to patient comfort.
If you are ready to talk about brightening your smile, schedule an appointment online, or reach our team through our contact page with any questions before your visit.
