Generations of Smiles,
One Trusted Practice
shared about their experience with us.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Professional whitening uses a high-concentration peroxide gel that penetrates the enamel and breaks down the compounds causing discoloration deep within the tooth structure. This is what separates it from whitening toothpastes and strips, which only address surface staining and don't contain enough peroxide to reach the deeper layers where most significant discoloration originates. We offer both in-office whitening and custom take-home trays. In-office treatment produces results in a single appointment. Take-home trays use a lower-concentration gel worn over a series of nights, producing comparable results over two to three weeks. Your doctor will recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your teeth and your schedule.
Results That Go Deeper Than the Surface
Over-the-counter products work on the outer layer of the tooth only. Professional whitening reaches the inner layers where most significant discoloration lives, which is why the difference in results is so noticeable.
Trays Made for Your Teeth
Take-home whitening at Sunrise Dental uses trays made from a precise digital scan of your teeth. A well-fitted tray holds the gel evenly against every surface and keeps it there throughout treatment. Generic trays shift, which leads to uneven results and a higher chance of gum irritation.
An Honest Assessment Before You Start
Not all discoloration responds to whitening the same way. Before recommending treatment, your doctor assesses the nature of your staining, your current tooth shade, and whether any existing restorations need to be factored in. You'll know what whitening can realistically achieve for your teeth before you commit to anything.
Insurance & Medicare Accepted
What We Accept
- All PPO dental insurance plans
- Medicare dental supplemental plans
- Cash & credit card payments
- Flexible payment options available
- Free insurance verification before your visit
Understanding Teeth Stains
Extrinsic staining sits on the outer surface of the tooth and comes from food, drinks, and tobacco; this type responds well to professional whitening
Intrinsic staining originates within the tooth structure itself, caused by factors like certain antibiotics, fluorosis, aging, or past dental trauma; whitening can improve it but may not eliminate it entirely
Age-related discoloration is a combination of both: enamel thins over time, making the yellower dentin beneath more visible, while years of dietary staining accumulate on the surface
Tetracycline staining is one of the most resistant types; whitening can produce some improvement, but veneers are often the more effective long-term solution
Restorations don't whiten; crowns, veneers, and composite fillings will not change color with whitening treatment, which is worth knowing if you have any in visible areas
In-Office Whitening vs. Store-Bought Options
Professional whitening gels contain significantly higher peroxide concentrations than anything available without a prescription, reaching discoloration that store-bought products can't touch
In-office treatment is supervised; your gums and soft tissues are protected before the gel goes on, which reduces sensitivity and prevents irritation
Custom-fitted trays ensure even coverage across every tooth surface; generic trays and strips cover inconsistently and often miss the edges
Store-bought products can help maintain professional results between treatments but aren't a substitute for the initial whitening that professional-strength gel provides
Professional results typically last one to three years with reasonable dietary habits; over-the-counter results fade faster and require more frequent reapplication
What to Expect During Your Whitening Treatment
Consultation and shade assessment
Your doctor examines your teeth and gums, assesses the nature of your staining, and determines whether whitening is the right approach. If you have visible restorations, decay, or gum disease, those are factored into the recommendation. You'll get a realistic picture of the outcome before committing to treatment.
Preparation
For in-office treatment, your gums and lips are protected with a barrier before the whitening gel is applied. This is what allows professional-strength gel to be used safely without causing tissue irritation, a step that simply isn't possible with store-bought products.
Whitening
The gel is applied to the tooth surfaces and left in place for a set period. Depending on the system used, this may be repeated in cycles within the same appointment. In-office treatment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. For take-home whitening, your trays are made from a digital scan of your teeth. You'll receive detailed instructions on how much gel to use, how long to wear the trays each session, and what to avoid during treatment.
Results and maintenance
Results are compared to your starting shade at the end of treatment. Your doctor will advise on how to maintain them, including dietary habits and how to use take-home trays for periodic touch-ups going forward.
What Sets Us Apart
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Find Us in Richardson, TX
Free parking on site, walk-ins welcome, and conveniently located on S. Central Expressway. Getting great dental care has never been this easy.
Every other Friday 8:00am-2:00pmWalk-ins welcome.